I’m getting a second breast augmentation. My first augmentation brought me up from no breast tissue to 225 cc's. When considering how big I should go this time, does having breast implants now make a difference? Now that I already have a B cup, will that effect my cc's for the next surgery?
Hi, thank you for your question! I would recommend having a cosmetic consultation from a board-certified plastic surgeon. With that being said, if you choose to go larger, your current implants will not affect the size of your next breast augmentation, they will simply be exchanged.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Since the cavity is now larger, it will be easier to go to your goal size and should be less painful for you!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Having had previous breast augmentation with very little breast tissue of your own, your current implants would have helped to expand your breast and chest muscles so that you would be able to accept larger implants and still achieve a natural look and feel. In my practice, I ask the patients to bring photos of what they would like to look like after the surgery. During the surgery, we try many different sizes and shapes of temporary implants called "sizers". During the insertion of the sizers, the anesthesiologist sits the patient up so we can have an accurate assessment. Once we find the sizer that best matches the agreed upon photos, we then know not only how many cc's the implant should have, but also what would be the ideal shape or contour.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. As many women can attest, their cup size in an industry leader such as Victoria Secret is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point that is often under-appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume that is already present; the implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients. In fact, oftentimes it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual. You have to remember your breasts are "sisters" not "twins".
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential, representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals that do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools, including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them, the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your breast width diameter (BWD). This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look.
With regards to your specific question, upsizing is best accomplished either by expanders (in which the volume can be progressively increased to accommodate a larger final implant) or by increasing the profile (which will afford greater volume for a given breast width).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Published on Jul 11, 2012