Yes. Dolly Parton (and I adore her) is very short, likely 5 feet tall max. I think you'll do well to bring in some 'wish pics' for your surgeon so that you feel like you're on the same page but in general if you want to be full-breasted and are 5'8, you can handle this implant size.

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 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. Often, 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 you avoid the dreaded "fake" look.

With regards to your specific question, "too big" is a relative question. The best advice is to respect your BWD. >600 cc is large on any frame. While this may not necessarily be "too big," it is by no means small. This does not mean it cannot be proportional, and this is why the BWD is so important.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You need a consult with a plastic/cosmetic surgeon and get measured.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Is the implant hi profile? 600cc is large and represents a 3-cup jump. If you want to be a DD, I recommend 420 hi pro filled to 500cc.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is best to show your doctor the photograph of what you expect to look like, as you may be able to accommodate the 600cc implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

600cc is big and will likely make you a DD as your doctor says. You could still be in the D/DD range by choosing 475 - 550cc implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. The increase in cup size from a C to a DD, in your situation, depends on your breast and chest wall anatomy. Specific questions that need to be addressed are: the profile of the implant being used (high vs moderate plus) and implant placement (subpectoral vs submammary). Your frame my be broad enough for an implant that size, but there is an increased chance of tissue- related implant complications with implants greater than 500 cc volume. You should consult with your plastic surgeon again to discuss implant size and desired aesthetic outcome.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you have a wide frame, you can likely handle 600cc and you will likely be a DD. Today I happen to put a 500cc implant in a patient who is 4'11 but with a wide frame and the breasts looked good. They did not look exceedingly large. Breasts on patients with wide frames look significantly smaller than someone who is narrow chested if they were to have the same implant. Best of luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You can handle it.....if you are OK with a DD.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I appreciate your question. The size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements. Once we determine that, we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.
If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.

During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. Without a physical examination, it is hard to say what kind of cosmetic result a 600cc implant would afford you. I find that oftentimes patients are thrown off by this idea of implant volume, since most patients before a consultation believe that implant fill or cc corresponds to a particular cup size which is NOT the case. Implant volume, profile type, implant material either saline or silicone gel, and patient's anatomical proportions must all be taken into consideration before an implant volume or size is decided upon. I offer my patients two sizing options at the time of their pre-operative appointment in order for patients to get a better idea of what certain implant sizes and profiles can offer them aesthetically. The first option is physical sizing where silicone gel implant sizers are inserted into a sports bra that the patient puts on. This allows patients to see how they would look in their own clothing after their breast augmentation procedure. The second option for sizing is using our 3D Vectra Imaging System. This allows my team to take a photograph of the patient and digitally enhance the patient's bust line by choosing different implants. My recommendation would be to follow up with your operating surgeon prior to surgery to discuss your concerns. If offered by or available from your surgeon, I would strongly recommend taking advantage of any sizing options offered to help put you at ease and decide what you like and do not like. I hope this helps!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I don't think anyone, regardless of their body habitus, should get 600 cc implants for one simple reason: they are so heavy that tissue will compress, skin will stretch, and the breast will drop.

But if you are willing to prioritize volume over these long term sorts of problems then it is possible.

And finally, the issue in deciding implant size is not your height, weight, or dress size. Not at all, and to do so is a classic error many surgeons make. This surgery is an operation on your breasts and not your waist nor your shoulders nor your height. As such it is a matter of measuring your breasts and determining what volume ideally fills your breasts. There are 160 pound women with very small and tight breasts who should get a smaller implant than a 130 pound woman with loose and empty breasts.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is difficult to answer that question without all your breast measurements. However having said that if you have wide shoulders six hundred cc implant can certainly fit your frame and give you a nice result. If you are unsure you should seek other opinions from other plastic surgeons until you are comfortable with your decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Implant size has to be individualized. 600cc does sound like a large implant for first time breast augmentation in most people. Several considerations have to be taken into account besides just your desired future size. How tall you are as well as quality of skin, volume of breast tissue your are starting with are important. If your surgeon uses breast sizers, I have found these to be another useful tool in deciding implant size. Don't get hung up on cup size, but rather what "look" you want. 600 cc in someone who is already a C-cup may end up being a DDD or larger depending on your back size. Also look at before and after photos of women with a similar build to yours and see what size implant they had placed. Remember, you will have to live with whatever size you decide on for a long time perhaps and the larger the implant, the more gravity will try to pull it down.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Breast implant size is a matter of your preference. In my practice, I see patients that want to be small, "natural" and some want the opposite,XL breast implants which is one of my specialties! I sit down with my patients in consultation, or Facetime/Skype if out of my area, and listen to what they want and then have them show me photos and then decide what implant to use. Just as a guide, about 120-150cc will increase the cup size by one.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for sharing. Breast implant sizing is something that needs to be someone person. There are too many variables that cannot be adequate expressed in either words or even pictures. The breast envelope often needs a physical exam to assess this accurately and give an appropriate opinion. Have a second visit or second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Great question. The best way to determine this for yourself would be to try on sizers in your doctors office. This will give you a basic idea of the overall chest size and projection and will allow you to determine if the volume seems to match your goals or if it seems excessive. I suspect 600cc will likely put you in a cup size larger than DD but it will depend in part on your body as well as on the type of implant selected (i.e. HP, EHP, etc).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The 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 manufacturers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time BUT gives more exact results. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Good morning!

That question is really one that your PS should guide you through- by taking measurements of your chest, reviewing photos with you, and having you try on implant sizers in the office. Also if you can provide your PS with goal or inspiration photos that always helps!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

How were you sized? Did they use implants in a bra? Vectra? Cristalix? 600 cc in a normal frame with already a c breast does sound like a lot. If you have concerns, return and discuss it with your surgeon - or seek a second opinion. Easier to change size before surgery than after.

Published on Jul 11, 2012