5'8 130lbs having trouble picking implant size, would love some advice? (Photos)

Thank you very much for your question. Based on your information, your upcoming breast augmentation should help to achieve your desired results. My recommendation is that you work with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon. He/she will be able to guide you through the process of picking the right size and shape implant for your body type and lifestyle. Bring these pictures of your ‘dream boobs’ with you to the appointment. During the consultation, you should have the opportunity to try on a variety of breast implant sizers. To get a realistic idea of how each implant volume will look on you, try these sizers on under a non-padded bra and sheer t-shirt.

I appreciate your question.



The size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision.  

Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness).



Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.



Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.



These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.



During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers.





The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.



Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.





Best of luck!





Dr. Schwartz



Board Certified Plastic Surgeon



#RealSelf100Surgeon



#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Thank you for your question. Based on your photos, you appear to have a nice starting place and should have a nice result with breast augmentation surgery. The most important factor when sizing implants, is working closely with your surgeon in person to find the implant size that gives you the look that you desire. Careful measurements of your breast and chest wall will help determine which size implants will fit within your natural breast footprint. Taking into account your desired look, and your measurements, an implant is chosen that specifically fits your body.

Unfortunately, online recommendations are not that helpful. Make sure that you have a good relationship with your plastic surgeon, so that you two can work together to find the right size.

In my office, patients try on implants in a bra and clothing. There able to see how they look in the mirror, and in photographs. Women are also encouraged to bring in wish pictures, so that I can get a sense of the look that they would like to achieve.

Good luck with the process!

Hello and thank-you for your photos and question!

Selecting the correct implant size is among the most important decisions in a successful breast augmentation procedure. Placement of the identical implant will not produce the same results in all patients due to differences in:

1.Dimentions of the breast2.Diameter of the chest3.Volume of breast tissue4. Height and weight5. Breast shape, including breast ptosis and asymmetry

I rely on 3 methods to advise my patients:

1. Dimensional planning2. Gel implant sizing3. 3-Dimensional Vectra imageing system.

At the time of consultation, measurements are taken allowing for dimensional planning to select the implant which best fits the base diameter of the breast. Gel implant sizing is performed to allow you to visualize augmentation the with the various sized implants. Vectra 3-D imaging has been a very important method in my practice in selecting the correct implant size and shape as it allows you to see what you will look like following augmentation with any of the available implants. I would recommend and in person consultation with a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Best of Luck,

Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Thank you for your question.  Choosing the best implant size cannot be done by any of us on realself. Your physical exam to determine the width and other breast dimensions as well as the quality of the skin is extremely important.  You need to discuss your desired outcome with your surgeon and using the previously discussed information, you and your surgeon will pick a great implant.  These dimensions will determine if you need a high profile implant or a different projection. I really like vectra 3d imaging and use it for all of my augmentation patients. It gives a realistic idea of the outcome with different sizes of implants. Additionally it can show you how small the difference in 50cc really is when speak out around an implant.  Those implants are so similar in size, you will be happy with either. Now the number one complaint is "I wish I went bigger", so when a patient is having a hard time choosing between 50cc, my advice is use the larger implant. Good luck to you.

Your breast width of 12.3 on a 5'8" frame seems quite narrow. If that is the measurement,  I would lean towards the smaller of the two sizes you mentioned. Even on a tall frame you should aim to keep the width of the implant at or narrower than your breast width. 

Hi and thank you for the question. The 325-375 range should work well for you. Those are conservative size implants that should allow you to get a nice, natural result. One thing to consider is to go for a consult with a plastic surgeon who uses the Vectra 3d imaging system. We use this to show patients what they would look like with any size or style implant. Good luck to you. 

Dr West

Thank you for the question and pictures. Despite your good description of goals, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.***Given that your surgery is coming up soon (and your ongoing concerns), I would suggest that you schedule additional time to spend with your plastic surgeon communicating your goals, preferably prior to the date of surgery.







Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:







1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.







2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 



In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, 



I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "full C cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.



Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.







3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.







I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes. 

Thank you for the question and photos and your desired result is very realizable.  So go on some complimentary consultations, put implants in a bra till you see the volume on your chest that you like and then after measurements have your surgeon pick the best shaped implant for you at that volumeDr Corbin

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry.
You may be an excellent candidate for breast augmentation surgery. Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.
It is important to have an in-person assessment regarding your concerns as it is difficult to determine virtually.
There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.
During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.
I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.
We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.
During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.
We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind