It's a 60+% increase in volume (215 cc) or about a 1-2 cup size increase so it's all up to you and if your tissues will accommodate the increased size. Not unusual at all to consider upsizing with implant exchange.

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

You are going up about a cup size or so, which is common and should do well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

That is a big jump in breast implant volume. In secondary breast augmentation, going up about 50 to 100 cc would be a natural change, but it all depends on the goal of the revision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your questions, but we would need more information as to your height, weight, stature, etc. An in-office consultation would be best where we can take measurements of your chest and from different angles. Approximately 200 cc's equal one cup size. Also, it would matter if you are going with low, moderate, high or extra high profile implants.

Best of Luck!
Shumway Cosmetic Surgery
Scripps Memorial Hospital Campus, La Jolla, Ca.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This question cannot be answered unless you have an examination. If you are 5' 8" it may look great, but if you are 5'1" it will be very large. Too big is in the eye of the beholder. As an implant gets bigger it gets heavier and can cause the breast to sag. Good luck

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. The size of the implant that is appropriate for your body is dependent on your individual breast and chest wall.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

To answer your question, I would need to know your height and body shape. The ideal breast should have a nice slope from the clavicle to the nipple. It should have a nice outward arc from the nipple to the inframammary crease. It should gently kiss the silhouette of the body so that it matches the hips. The breast should seem to project as much in the front as the buttocks do in the back. The nipples should slightly point upward and outward.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for the question.

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're 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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” or "too big" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, best not to discuss your goals and/or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving a specific cup size.

The use of computer imaging technology may also be very helpful during this communication process.

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. I generally select appropriate breast implant size/profile after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers and viewing the patient's chest in the upright and supine positions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Size is a personal matter. Every 120-150cc will increase your cup size by about one, so you can judge for yourself how big you want to be!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Be certain that you communicate your expectations to your doctor. Use a photograph to be clear of what outcome you expect. It all depends on your wants, your body, and you and your doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Judgement call. Depends on your breast size, frame size, and what size would compliment your figure and not make you look obvious. Make sure you get a prescription for Accolate 20 mg twice daily for 3 mos. post-op, or be assured you will develop capsular contracture.

Published on Jul 11, 2012