Vectra 3D vs DIY rice bags? Decided on 405 or 445 moderate profile gummy bear under the muscle.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants, and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for your question.
When it comes to breast augmentation, oftentimes your surgeon will allow you to "try on" different implant sizes prior to your procedure. They will have you place the implant within a bra, and then try on a tight fitting shirt to mimic the appearance of your breasts post-operatively. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and for evaluation.

Hello, thank you for your question. Implant size determination is one of the more difficult part of the process. After doing this for awhile it is safe to say that when there is a 50 cc difference or less of the implant size then it really wont make a huge difference in appearance or at least one that is noticeable to the regular eye. If you rather bigger than go for the bigger size range, if you are worried that it maybe too large then go for the smaller size. Most patients wish they go bigger after surgery.

At size 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. 400 cc implants would take you to a size F, which would be inappropriate. You would be better off with smaller implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Well, it’s kind of funny that you have posted this issue. Both simulation software and sizing rise to the top as the best ways to select a breast implant for a potential patient. They were validated as excellent in an article that was published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. However, having used both myself, I feel that simulation software does not give a patient a sense of perspective or proportion. It’s certainly fun to do, but missing that crucial those elements can lead to wrong size surgery. I much prefer using purpose built sizers that the patient tries on in the office. This can be substituted using homemade rice sizes at home, however. So, I would trust your DIY resizing over the Vectra. I have not had a wrong size surgery in over a decade.

I don’t use either of those gimmicks. I ask the patient about their goals and show them photos of other patients. Easier way to decide the size without those other tricks.

Dear CraftyICUMom,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

If you are very active, especially with running, go with something smaller, between 300 to 350 cc's. The rice bag trick is probably better since you can see on you and feel the weight. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and ask to try on sizers to be certain.

Hi and welcome to our forum!From your photos, I note that your breasts are relatively symmetric, petite and without sag.Imaging is more accurate (but still somewhat inaccurate) than rice bags as the bags do not conform proportionately to breast shape.The most important measurement to consider is the base width diameter of your desired implant. It is the "footprint" of the implant on your chest. The diameter of the implant should be approximately the width of your breast....too narrow, wide spaced breasts without cleavage...too wide, exaggerated cleavage and "lateral boob". Once that's determined, one can look at a range of implant sizes. The difference between 405 and 445 cc is only 40 cc, a shotglass full! Either size will most likely put you in a C+ or D size (although bra size may be an inaccurate measurement of breast size (as there is no standardization in the manufacturing industry and many individuals wear an incorrect bra size)!Best wishes...