My doctor and I picked out 400cc silicone breast implants. After the surgery, he told me he could only fit 350cc. Thoughts?

Question

I am 5'5'' 142lbs, and physically active. I was a 34B before surgery. The implants my surgeon and I picked out were 400cc silicone, sub muscular. After the surgery, my doctor told me that he could only fit 350cc. Is that normal? Before the surgery, it was not discussed that the 400cc implants may not fit. I feel like the implants are so small and I could barely tell a difference. Many petite women have large implants, and I can't believe that 400cc implants couldn't fit me. Thoughts?

Frank Lista, MD · Answer

Your surgeon likely made this decision based on what would achieve the best result. If he discovered that what you had decided on before surgery would lead to complications, both in the cosmetic result and for your health, I would guess that he made a decision to give you as close to the amount of volume you hoped for with the lowest risk of complication. In actuality, the difference of 50cc is not very substantial and the difference you were hoping to achieve was probably not possible with a single operation. That being said, if you are still unhappy with your result you may wish speak to your surgeon about going bigger in the future - as you likely would have even if the 400cc implant had been placed.

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for asking. While this is rather uncommon, it does occasionally happen. If the PS encounters findings that make the larger implant not advisable putting a somewhat smaller implant is a good course. If too small for your taste, discuss your concerns with your PS. There are good options. Best wishes.

David Liland, MD · Answer

At  5'5 and 142lbs I would not consider you a petite woman but more the average size of one of my patients and I have fit 800cc silicon and saline implants in your size frame. Discuss your disappointment with your PS and see if there is any recourse.My average implants run over 400cc here in Dallas and I have never not been able to fit preselected implants into one of my patients and if that is a concern I would have definitely discussed this issue. I will try to discourage a petite 5'0 95lb girl from an 800cc implant....but she can definitely have a 400cc There is a certain amount of surgeons discretion into ultimate surgical decision making at the time of surgery that leaves it up to the surgeon for final end result. Best of luck!

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Your PS made a choice that was best for your outcome, the 400cc implant may have been too big and could cause your incisions to open and/or an implant exposure.  The difference in 50 cc's is less than 2 ounces, however, if you feel after several months that they are still too small, you can have an implant exchange once your breast tissue is stretched from the 350cc implants.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Sometimes an audible is called on the field so to speak.  Your surgeon was probably concerned that the larger implant was too much for your anatomy to handle. Discuss with your doctor.

My doctor and I picked out 400cc silicone breast implants. After the surgery, he told me he could only fit 350cc. Thoughts?

Answers (10)

Answer: 400 cc implants chosen, 350 cc implants used

Answer: 400 cc implants chosen, 350 cc implants used

Answer: 350 cc implants

Answer: 350 cc implants

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My doctor and I picked out 400cc silicone breast implants. After the surgery, he told me he could only fit 350cc. Thoughts?

Answers (10)

Answer: 400 cc implants chosen, 350 cc implants used

Answer: 400 cc implants chosen, 350 cc implants used

Answer: 350 cc implants

Answer: 350 cc implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.