500 cc's is a 2 1/2-cup jump and fairly large for someone 5'5', 120 lbs. Any larger, and they will look fake. This does not mean you can't go larger. The question is why? Going larger increases your risk of developing capsular contracture.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hello, and thanks for your question. We definitely hear more patients regret going "too small" rather than thinking their implants are too big. That being said, 500cc is on the larger end. If in 6 months you are still unhappy, ask your surgeon if you can do an implant exchange and go up at least 50cc to see a difference. Of course, the larger you go, the closer the breasts are to one another, and you don't want your breasts merging together and looking like one large breast, or "symmastia." Trust your surgeon and communicate with him. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

My question to you is this: Did you show him a photo of what you wanted? Did he say he could not do that? Ask yourself if you felt you had good communication, then go back to your doctor and discuss this for more clarity. I'm sure he wants you to be happy and get what you want. Try again!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Without seeing photos of you, its difficult to give you a good answer. However, its certainly possible that you can have implants larger than 500cc placed and have it still look reasonable natural. I usually spend a good deal of time reviewing sizes with my patients, looking at photos and using sizers to get an idea of what they want. Its important to communicate well with your surgeon regarding your wishes. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is always the hardest thing for patients. They always want to go bigger...and that's ok but how do you get the size you want. Well just saying cup size is not enough as different bras size people differently and perception of what is actually a C or D is very individualized. So the best way is always to try sizers on and go with the largest that you feel you can tolerate. So before you go through another surgery please play with sizers. Also you can perform the rice test which will help.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Relax. You went way larger than most surgeons would have made you, and way larger than all published guidelines on implant sizing.

Your "body type" may be able to hold a full D, but i'll bet anything that your breast skin didn't even have the capacity for 500cc.

There is no one - and i mean no one - with 500+cc implants that look good 10 years later. I've never seen it ever presented at a meeting. I've challenged surgeons who put in such big implants to produce the results, but I am yet to see them.

On the other hand I have done over a thousand revisions, and the factor that most predicts an uncorrectable problem is implant size. Be happy you didn't go larger - and i am even worried about size related complications at less than 500.

Remember, even women with D cup breasts often wear padded bras for certain occasions. So if you need to do that from time to time, then so be it.

Don't question your decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Typically a breast implant does not lift the breast and when patients are struggling with implant sizing and going up to 500 cc and above, the support of the breast likely needs to be improved with a more durable lift. Typically larger implants will cause the breast to sag more and make the volume lower on the breast. Mini lifts won't lift a breast that needs a lift and support.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Unfortunately, I can't tell you if you could have gone bigger. Only by direct exam would this be possible.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Less is more. 500cc is double what you had before. The swelling in your chest bone makes them look smaller initially as well. But carrying more weight on your chest can be uncomfortable and lead to more sagging due to gravity.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Congratulations on your recent surgery.
I would recommend that you allow things to completely heal and settle before considering more surgery.Many times, after the "drop and fluff", patients see a difference in shape and size of their breasts. In my practice, I ask patients to bring in photos of their "goals" and then by using temporary sizers, I choose the implant size that best achieves their goals. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you think you are too small at 4 weeks post op, chances are you are too small. You are still swollen and will get smaller as the swelling goes down. Revisions are performed after 6 months at a minimum.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

500 cc is a large implant. While it is possible to go larger you must consider the risks and long term consequences which include the potential for atrophy, tissue thinning, bottoming out, ptosis and more.

Published on Jul 11, 2012