Try them on under clothes during your consultation. Be sure you are happy with such a large size. They might be bigger than you want.

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 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. Oftentimes, 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 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.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you want to be most natural, don't have surgery. You will never be more natural after surgery than you are before having surgery. Instead, opt for sensational, and expect them to look different (or you are wasting money). It is common to go up 2-3 bra cup sizes easily. Implant size is based on the width of the breast and the quality of the breast tissues, not on the consensus of the patients on this or any other blogs. Trust your board-certified plastic surgeon after articulating your aesthetic goals.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a 2 1/2 cup increase; I agree with your advisors. I would do 310 high profile filled to 375 cc's at most; 290 filled to 350 cc's will make you a full C and large enough for your frame. I also recommend saline under the muscle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hello and thank you for your question. I want to start off by telling you what I tell many of my patients: Do not focus on cc's or bra sizes, as many women see their friend with "x" number of cc implants and think that they have an idea of what they want. There is a lot that goes into implant selection--your breast volume, the amount of cleavage you want to achieve, your base width, your rib shape/projection, etc. Without seeing you and doing your measurements, it is difficult to assess accurately your final breast size or shape. Please also keep in mind that when it comes to bra sizes, most women are not accurately sized for their bras.

The most important thing to consider is really the size and look that is appealing to YOU with the implants you choose. Many surgeons have sizing models, whether using bras with implants or computer simulation. I encourage you to discuss with your surgeon many of these considerations when deciding which implant and size to use during your surgery. Additionally, a breast implant is a round object and has a certain diameter. Your base width on each side of your chest will determine "how big of a ball" or what diameter implant you can reliably go up to with a socially acceptable cosmetic outcome. The implant will "augment" or increase the size of your breasts to an amount acceptable to you and your surgeon.

My patients will try on a sports bra and then we pick the implants based on their measured breast base width. If your base width were to support, for example, up to a 400cc implant, I would have you try on the 400cc implants in the bra and then the 385cc or 355cc implants and afterwards select the implant that made YOU the happiest. In reality, don't stress too much as this is not a HUGE difference and should be the fun part of the process. Go with what is acceptable based on your measurements and makes you happiest and make sure to weigh the pros and cons of the options you are considering. You can also compare the high profile with moderate profile implants and see which look you like most. The profile of the implant will determine how much upper pole fullness and overall projection you portray. Placing the implants under the muscle will help to give you a more natural appearance as well as decrease your chances for long-term problems like capsular contracture, skin stretching, etc.

Make sure to seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in aesthetic breast surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I think you should show the doctor a picture of what you want. Also, clearly state your goals (e.g., natural-looking).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is no perfect size. 425cc is a pretty good sized implant, but maybe 375cc or so might fit your frame better. Remember: the bigger the breasts, the harder and more unnatural it is looks. Also, women adjust up easier than they do down.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I appreciate your question, as questions on volume are very common. In my practice, I select a range of sizes based on a combination of precise chest wall measurements and your goals for surgery. The ideal implant will fit your individual frame, while accomplishing a beautiful aesthetic breast shape. The best way to give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please make sure that you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I do not quite know what you are asking. Every 120-150 cc increase in implant size is about one cup size larger. We offer new imaging where we take a photo of you or you send one in to us and then can put the exact size and even manufacturer and even different shapes and show you very closely what it would look like. This has really been a help for our patients. There is a reasonable charge for this, which we deduct from your surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is highly improbable at your height and weight that you could get a natural-looking appearance with 425 cc implants.

To be natural, your breasts need to be filled to their "sweet spot." That is the size that will fill out your breast envelope. Any larger and they will look stuffed and round. Any smaller and they will be underfilled and empty on top.

You need to find a surgeon who is highly competent and skilled at taking these measurements and objectively telling you the size that fits.

It really has nothing to do with your broad shoulders; you are putting something in your breasts and the implant needs to fit your breasts. It is no different than buying shoes--they need to fit your feet regardless of how short or how tall you are.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for sharing your concerns. Here at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery Center, we would examine and take measurements of your breasts from all possible different angles. The width of your breasts in cm would help us determine which size implant and it's diameter in cm that would best fit your natural breast width. If 425cc implants seem to wide for you, possibly try another implant in a high profile where the diameter is narrower.

Approx 200cc equates one cup size. An implant at 425cc would be approx. two cup sizes larger than you are now, taking you to approximately a C-cup, although measurements are required to get an exact estimate since it's about proportion and balance.

Broader chest walls do generally require wider implants to fill up the chest wall space. If you have a prominent PC that could be contributing to your breasts falling out to the sides more. The implants have valves directly in the center of the implants that need to be centered directly on your nipple/areola complex. If your nipples/areolas genetically sit wider on your chest, then you could go with a narrower implant if it bothers you that your arms brush up against the implants. Although, the wider the implant the more space it will take up and the gap in the center will be less. Again, an in-office examination would be needed to access your situation. Hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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.

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 "D or DD cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on 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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012