375cc and 400cc felt very different with sizers. But you all say it makes no real difference?

Think about it this way.  You already are starting out with a certain amount of breast tissue.  Let's say, as a guess, that you have 400 cc of natural breast tissue.  You are now adding 400 implant.  That's a total of 800 cc.  When dealing with 800 cc, a difference of 25 cc accounts for only 3%.  These numbers are guesses, but you can see, the 25 cc, most likely, represents only a few percent.  This is why it's hard to tell the difference.  During the operation, when injecting into a temporary sizer, even while watching it happen, the increased from 375-400 is quite minimal.  Generally, is better to err on the side going too large, as this is the most common regret, that a patient wishes they went bigger.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

     25 cc is a very small amount to be sure.  You are also correct that there is a blunting of implant height by placing the implant within the body.   So you may want to go with the larger implant due to this.

Your plastic surgeon should be making the decisions on size and type of implant based on your goals and desires, body size/shape and amount of breast tissue you have already.  The surgeon has the expertise and experience to make these decisions. It should not be left up to the patient. That being said, 25 cc makes a very small difference. It is less than a tablespoon.  Best of luck.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.   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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Dear RealSelfun,

   Selecting the the correct implants size depends on breasts cup size desire and the chest and breasts circumference measurements in inches. If you are 32 small A cup size, 25 cc can make a noticeable difference of about quarter size. If you are 36 small A , it will not make a noticeable difference.

    You have to realize that not all results are the same, because experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome. So, do your due diligence carefully and choose your surgeon wisely.

   Always, consult  with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.

               Best of luck,

                                    Dr Widder

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 the question.  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.

It will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.







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 know words such as “natural” or "full C, small D 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 for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

A 25 cc difference in implants is not much. If you want 400 then I'm sure it is ok to have this done. Check with your surgeon.

There are 4 decisions that need to be made when considering breast implant surgery:Type of implantIncision locationImplant locationSize of implantThe most difficult decision is always the size selection.  It appears you have narrowed it down to 2 sizes that are basically the same dimension wise.  Either one will give you a nice result, pick the size that will allow you to sleep best at night!Good Luck!

The differences are millimeters in dimensions and a "shot glass" of volume difference. If they both "seem" acceptable, go with the 400.

Personally, I use photos to communicate with patients about their goals. That reduces communication errors, allows me to select the necessary implant for that result and, of course, ultimately the patient will be judging the final result by looking in a mirror, not reading labels.