I Am Wanting 550 or 600cc Breast Implants, is That Too Big for my Frame?

Question

Re-post with photos: I am 33 years old, 5'6", 155lbs, small 36C....had 1 child, breast feed and lost volume. I had a consult and decided to do silicone implants subfascial. I told the Dr. I wanted to end up being a D to DD range....told me to do the rice test and start at 475cc and try a few up from there and bring in some photos of my end result. After doing the rice test and wearing around, I liked the look the 550cc gave me, help?

James E. Chappell, MD · Answer

That range of implants added to you existing breast size, based on your stated height, weight and your photos, would likely give you DD-E breasts. Most people I see in that range want a reduction. Think long and hard before you do this.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for the follow-up and photographs.
	The photos show that your starting off with a good amount of natural breast tissue, the nipples are above the fold. While there is some minor asymmetry overall you look like you are a good candidate for breast enhancement surgery.
	Based on my experience, at your height, with your starting situation, a 600 CC implant would be quite large, but  there's no way I can size you accurately over the Internet.
	In my own practice I keep sizers that patients can try on and look at on their figure's.  I find this, combined with photographs of your goals to be the most helpful approach.  It's also helpful to bring a few different shirts  with you as you look.  Even more helpful sometimes is to bring a friend to act as a second opinion.
	As you seek out consultation with the board certified plastic surgeon try to find out if he or she could allow you to look at and try on sizers. While this is not a perfect teaching tool, to me it has been the best approach.  Water bags and bags of rice don't have specific dimensions, but the implants do.  Looking at the exact implants on your frame makes the most sense to me.
	Good luck exploring your options.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	Thank you for your repost with included photographs.  It appears that your breast mound shape and nipple position is favorable, and a breast lift appears not as necessary as I had thought from your discription!

	I will again caution you regarding subfascial placement of implants.  A few doctors representing a very small minority of surgeons perform this surgery.  Their claims that it is 'as good' as a partial retropectoral placement (under the muscle) have not been substantiated by any clinical study.  Intuitively, this fascia that they place the implant under is translucent and flimsy, and should not be able to offer the protection that the large pectoralis muscle can.  Claims that it is less painful have not been proven either.  If you are going to have your implants placed in this manner, you should assume that it will be identical in outcome and potential risks as a standard subglandular placement.  Risks to subglandular placement of implants that are greater than when placed under the muscle include capsular contracture, implant visibility, and visible rippling around the entire implant.

	No surgeon can guarantee a bra cup size.  Bra sizing is not a standardized industry, and variabity is significant.  Techniques used by surgeons to size a patient for her aesthetic goal include photographs of models/celebrities, the rice test, or in office sizing with specialized bra and sizer imlants. You and your doctor will have to decide, not us. However, I do need to caution you  about implants in the range you are thinking about.  Results are less predictable, and complications are more frequent, especially when placed over the muscle.  As for your aesthetic goal, you are the master of your vision, but these large implants will make you look heavier, and I am certain that would be an unwanted outcome for you.

	Best of luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Choosing the right implants requires an exam and a discussion about your goals. Not knowing your measurements, skin elasticity ,etc. makes it difficult to advise you. It is best to discuss this with your surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures.

	Unfortunately,  no plastic surgeon is able to accurately predict what cup size you will end up wearing after breast augmentation with a certain size implant. I would suggest that you communicate your goals with your plastic surgeon ( I prefer the use of goal pictures)  and ask him/her to do his/her best to achieve the results you're looking for.  You may want to leave it up to him/her to use a breast implant that he/she feels will do the job based on intraoperative evaluation.

	Again, the preoperative communication new goals is critical.  Once you feel comfortable that you have communicated your goals clearly ( assuming you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully),  you will likely feel comfortable allowing him/her to choose the appropriate breast implants for you.

	Best wishes.

I Am Wanting 550 or 600cc Breast Implants, is That Too Big for my Frame?

Answers (5)