It all depends on your expectations, desired cup size and "look". The process of sizing involves measurements, photos and a detailed discussion with you plastic surgeon regarding your expectations ranging from the most natural to a more fake appearance. Cleavage can be challenging to achieve in women with a wider chest and wider space between their breasts but does typically require a larger and wider diameter implant to address. 355cc is a fairly average sized implant but you should have a thorough discussion with your surgeon to be sure that both the implant volume and base diameter/projection are best for you.

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. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

Another point which is often underappreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they 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 which 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 BWD.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Implant size is relative. What I mean by that is if one is starting off with a "C" cup breast and adds 355 cc, then yes, they will be large enough. However, if one starts off with an "A" cup, they might not be large enough. It also depends upon how large you want to be. Your surgeon has to measure the base diameter of your breasts and chose the appropriate sized implant to fit. In addition, implants come in high profile, which has a narrower base. So my answer is possibly yes, possibly no.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It depends how on your current cup size, how much coverage you would have over the implants, and how big you want to be. As for size, the larger you go, the "thicker" you will look.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hello, and thank you for your question. What you need to understand is that a breast implant is a ball, and a ball has a diameter. Every person has a unique base width, which is the measurement taken on each side of the chest just off of the midline and then towards the anterior axillary fold where the chest border ends. This measurement determines "the largest ball" or width of implant that your chest can hold. If you go bigger than this, your implants will look strange and either end up touching in the middle, giving you a uniboob, or taking up space in your armpit, giving you unnecessary cleavage in your axilla. There is no correlation with this and your height, weight, dress size, etc. Also, no two women are the same, so don't make up your mind as to what size would be best for you based on what you have seen other people get. In many practices, they have either implants you can try on in a bra or 3D modules that help you see what your final outcome will look like--I think this is very important so that there are no surprises. Make sure to seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast surgery.

There are many 'traditional" surgeons who don't like to go above 350cc's due to some old teaching that anything above that is considered "high volume" and therefore more risky. However, implants are so different now than what was available when these "rules" came about. We have smooth vs textured, low vs medium vs high vs ultra high profiles, round vs shaped, and so forth. If you are uncomfortable with the recommendations made by your surgeon, you should seek a second opinion. I hope that this helps!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Difficult to say. We employ a unique imaging system that shows you quite accurately how it would look.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I think you can accommodate a larger size. Have you shown your surgeon a picture of what you expect? Your board-certified surgeon should have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish, so that he or she can best advise your and meet your expectations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The breadth of your shoulder has nothing to do with your implant size; it has to do with the existing footprint of your breast. You do not want an implant wider than your breasts because the edges are visible and can lead to rippling since there is little tissue over them. I have seen with with narrow chests and wide breasts, and women with broad chests and narrow breasts.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Good morning!

It really depends. While you may have a broad chest, a properly sized AND shaped implant that fits your frame is what you need- a 355cc may fit you just fine, but it depends upon the look that you are looking for. You may want to consider a second opinion form another surgeon before making your decision to see what size they like for you.

I hope this helps

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. The breast implant size appropriate for you depends on several variables. The most important factors deal with your breast and chest wall anatomy: the base width of your breasts, the amount of breast and soft tissue present measured as a skin pinch (which determines the thickness of the those tissues) and the measurements from the nipple/areola to the inframammary fold (crease below the breast) and the sternal notch to the nipple/areola. Another consideration is the desired "look" and size of your breasts after augmentation. If you have a wide chest with a large space between your breasts you may want to use a wider base diameter implant. If your surgeon is using a high profile or Sientra moderate plus profile smooth or moderate profile textured implant then the implant may not be wide enough for the appearance you desire. Discuss the type of implant-Sientra, Allergan, or Mentor and the profile to ensure that you achieve your desired results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

That is a question no one can answer without a thorough discussion of goals, review of goal photos, pre and post op photos, in office sizing, and a physical examination. Having said that, my opinion is that 355 cc is relatively large for someone 5'4'' and your build. My concern is making you look matronly, which is what large implants will do.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Size of your breast implant is based on the dimensions of your chest, skin tone as well as desired look. A very important measurement is the base width of your breast. Discuss your specific dimensions with your surgeon and try on the implants in a bra you want to fill out after your surgery to see how it looks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question.
Best thing to do is communicate with your surgeon. I ask my patients to bring in pictures of breast sizes that they like and even dislike. I review these photos with the patient and discuss if it is reasonable with their body type, size,etc.. I take these photos to the operating room with me and when the patients is on the operating room table, I use temporary sizers to view how different cc's look on the patient. I sit the patient up on the operating room several times and compare them with the photos that they have chosen. When I see that I have achieved the patient's goals, I remove the temporary sizers and put in the implants. There is no guess work. I have all sizes from both manufactorers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time BUT gives more exact results.
Best Wishes

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Without an examination, it is impossible to say if this size would work well for you or not. You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Switching to a HP implant may be necessary to achieve more volume but maintain width.

Published on Jul 11, 2012