I would always recommend going with the larger size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The 40 cc will only make a difference of 7%. You will probably increase a cup size going from 470 to 560/600.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you started with a C cup and have 470 cc implants, you are most likely quite large to begin with. Depending on your anatomy, cleavage may not be possible regardless of the size of the implant and may be more related to the shape of the implant than the volume. Having said that, in my experience at this volume anything less than a 100 cc difference is relatively insignificant. At smaller sizes a 100 cc difference may be far more noticeable than at higher volumes, like in your case. As a case in point, if someone has 250 cc implants, a 350 cc implant is a 40% increase in size. Comparing 560 cc to your existing 470 cc, this represents a 20% increase.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Most patients need to increase at least 150cc to see a difference, as well as go to a higher profile. If you have 470cc already, you need to be passed 600cc, and more like 650cc in a HP device (since the width of a moderate or moderate plus may be too wide). If you think about it in easy terms, 150cc is 1/2 a can of soda -- that is it. Use that thought when you are thinking about adding volume.

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 Victoria Secret is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

Another point that is often underappreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant is additive; it will add volume to the volume that is already present. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients. Oftentimes it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual. 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 BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look.

Regarding your specific question, a 600cc is a sizable device and represents a significant upsize from your previous volume. It is important to remember that the complication rate rises with size. Additionally, cleavage is not dependent upon volume. We cannot create it as it is a function of anatomy (some patients have more widely spaced breasts than others).

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012