I am curvy 5'5, 200 pounds. 38c cup. My doctor recommended 550ccs mod plus profile, is that the biggest I can go? (Photo)

Question

The doctor states no lift is necessary. But I am curious to know what the max size I could safely go is. Or will 550cc be adequate?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to guide you to the correct size implant for your measurements and desires.  Measurements of the chest wall and breast imprint width as well as knowledge of all breast implant sizes and profiles should make this process easy. Recommend that you try on a profile bra with various implant sizes (such as the 550cc mod plus) under a tailored blouse, tight sweater, swimsuit, workout clothes, and other garments you typically wear so that you have the best idea of whether the garments fit as desired with the implant selected. 
I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy.  Choosing an implant based on an aesthetic goal that exceeds your anatomic capacity may lead to complications and possibly revision.  
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  A large portion were practice is dedicated to revisionary breast surgery.  The opinions expressed below are politically correct, however I will tell you that by placing a larger implant in your breasts will lead you to a disaster without a lift. I would definitely see other surgeons.  I fix many these so-called "if you place a large enough implant then you will not need a lift" scenarios.  Imagine this, you are already drooping with your breasts sitting low on her chest, then you disconnect the attachments between your skin and your chest wall, and then place a heavy weight in your breasts; what you think will happen over time?  These patients come to me on a regular basis with the same story, and it's always the same. "I never wanted my breast this big and now they're heading to my knees". I have seen this so often that I wrote an editorial titled "Poor practice". You can read this on my website under publications.  On the other hand, if you have an augmentation with a lift, you should be able to have an excellent cosmetic result.  Sometimes, I will remove breast tissue on the inferior pole of the breast so I can place a larger more round-appearing breast Implant.  I term this surgery, Reductive Augmentation.  Best wishes to you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are too low on the chest wall.  Simply adding implants will make your situation worse.  You would benefit from a lift using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well;..based in your question its difficulted evaulate your case with this angle of  a picture, its recommended to get a consultation in personal with a plastic surgeon.

Roger Tsai, MD · Answer

Great question! This is difficult to answer in a forum like this without a proper examination or measurements of your breast. You want to make sure that the implants will fit the diameter of your chest without being too wide or narrow. With that said, if you wanted to go bigger with an implant you can go with high profile implants that will maintain a smaller diameter but give you a more projected look. Best of luck and hope this information helps!

- Dr. Roger Tsai @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

- Dr. Roger Tsai  @DrRogerTsai
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  One of your breasts appears to have ptosis or sagging.  Based on your photograph, the best shape and contour could be achieved with an implant and a breast lift. Your nipple sits below the inframammary fold and without a lift in addition to the implant, this will not have a natural shape.  A breast lift with an implant can result in a very nice shape if good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape of the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.  
 
 Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

I would say by definition of you are currently going with the Mod Plus, you could switch to the high profile and go bigger.  I match the with of the implant to the width of the woman, so if you can fit 550 in to mod plus, a high profile implant would accommodate more volume with the same footprint.Good Luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear elora13,
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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing additional ASPS board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations.  It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like.  Best wishes!

William Rahal, MD · Answer

To answer your question about size and how many cc’s you should get based on the size you want to achieve, first you need to take into account what's known as your base width diameter.
Imagine lying on your back and drawing a circle around your breast. If you were to draw a line across that circle, it will be a given length. Your plastic surgeon will measure this length, which is called ‘’base width diameter’’ or BWD for short. For women, the base width diameter can go from 9.5 cm to 16.5 cm, or 3.75 to 6.5 inches. As you can see, there is a very wide range. 
For example, a 550 cc implant on a woman with a BWD of 10 cm is very different than 550 cc for a woman with a BWD of 15 cm. On one it may be enough volume, and for the other it may be much less than the desired result. 
As far as the placement of the implants, placing them under your muscles - this is still the most popular technique for a variety of reasons, one of the biggest advantages is that it prevents rippling and it also hides the implant better. It is probably still recommended to replace the implants under the muscle, but a discussion of your goals during the consultation will help determine the final position.
Regarding sagging, whether you have implants or not, aging, pregnancy and breastfeeding will do things to your body. When you’re pregnant, your body releases more hormones. You’ll gain weight. Your skin will be stretched by the pregnancy weight and lose some elasticity.  And after childbirth and breastfeeding, your breast will deflate and your skin will be looser. 
I hope that answers your question on size. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients.
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

I am curvy 5'5, 200 pounds. 38c cup. My doctor recommended 550ccs mod plus profile, is that the biggest I can go? (Photo)

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