My left breast is slightly bigger than the right with a greater volume.

Nurse recommended 485cc R and 520cc L with 55FF projection, gel submuscular. Is 35cc a noticable difference or will they come out looking somewhat the same? I have a narrow frame, 30 inches around. Will this size be too big? I wanted to go bigger but we never did any measurements and I want to make sure this is an appropriate size for my body. I am 5ft curvy petite built about 110lbs. Booked a second consulation to get a second opinion from the surgeon, but outside help is always appreciated.

Answers from doctors (11)


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 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 ensures 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. What may seem "too big" to one may not to another. I do recommend conservative sizing in smaller-framed individuals who are seeking a more "natural" appearance. Small girls rarely have > 500 cc breasts.

35 cc is a subtle difference (7 teaspoons, less than a standard shot glass). That being said, you should be measured and some time should be spent on discussing size (often the majority of the consult).

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

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

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 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 ensures 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. What may seem "too big" to one may not to another. I do recommend conservative sizing in smaller-framed individuals who are seeking a more "natural" appearance. Small girls rarely have > 500 cc breasts.

35 cc is a subtle difference (7 teaspoons, less than a standard shot glass). That being said, you should be measured and some time should be spent on discussing size (often the majority of the consult).

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 14, 2016

I think the nurse wants to assure you will return for a breast lift. This is ridiculously large for your small frame. Talk to your surgeon directly. If he too makes this recommendation, then I'd suggest you seek out another plastic surgeon, one who is board-certified and has years of performing breast augmentations.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

I think the nurse wants to assure you will return for a breast lift. This is ridiculously large for your small frame. Talk to your surgeon directly. If he too makes this recommendation, then I'd suggest you seek out another plastic surgeon, one who is board-certified and has years of performing breast augmentations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Apr 19, 2016

About every 120-150cc is one cup size. I would suggest our unique imaging system to get a more accurate representation of what it would look like with various shapes, sizes, and manufacturers implants.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

About every 120-150cc is one cup size. I would suggest our unique imaging system to get a more accurate representation of what it would look like with various shapes, sizes, and manufacturers implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Sep 24, 2015

To begin with, to determine the appropriate implant size your anatomy has to be considered at the initial consultation. This includes measuring the base width of the breasts, tissue stretch and thickness, and measuring the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple and nipple to inframammary fold distances. This implant size seems large for your frame, but, your individual breast measurements must be considered. Additionally, 35 cc is a minor difference but may be sufficient depending on your degree of breast asymmetry.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

To begin with, to determine the appropriate implant size your anatomy has to be considered at the initial consultation. This includes measuring the base width of the breasts, tissue stretch and thickness, and measuring the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple and nipple to inframammary fold distances. This implant size seems large for your frame, but, your individual breast measurements must be considered. Additionally, 35 cc is a minor difference but may be sufficient depending on your degree of breast asymmetry.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS

Published on Sep 23, 2015

A second & even a third consult is a good idea.

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Answered by Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS

A second & even a third consult is a good idea.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Published on Sep 22, 2015

Those are large implants for a small frame, but it depends on how much breast tissue you are starting with. 35 cc is not a noticeable volume and a minor difference likely not enough to be picked up by the eye.

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Answered by Andrew Trussler MD, FACS

Those are large implants for a small frame, but it depends on how much breast tissue you are starting with. 35 cc is not a noticeable volume and a minor difference likely not enough to be picked up by the eye.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Peter Lee, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Sep 22, 2015

When you put the two implants next to each other, there isn't too big a difference; and likely, when they are inside you, there won't be a huge difference. But with that being said, any difference in volume will help correct the asymmetry you have between your two breasts. However, I would always caution patients that perfect symmetry is not always achievable.
The implants you are planning are on the bigger side for your frame, but it depends on what kind of look you are going for. There are imaging tools like Vectra that can show you what different sized implants will look like on your frame. However, if your plastic surgeon does not have this available, I would at least have them show you those sized implants so you can get a better idea for what the size change will be for you.

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Answered by Peter Lee, M.D., F.A.C.S.

When you put the two implants next to each other, there isn't too big a difference; and likely, when they are inside you, there won't be a huge difference. But with that being said, any difference in volume will help correct the asymmetry you have between your two breasts. However, I would always caution patients that perfect symmetry is not always achievable.
The implants you are planning are on the bigger side for your frame, but it depends on what kind of look you are going for. There are imaging tools like Vectra that can show you what different sized implants will look like on your frame. However, if your plastic surgeon does not have this available, I would at least have them show you those sized implants so you can get a better idea for what the size change will be for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Those are huge implants for any woman, particularly at 5'. Your decision to get a second consultation is wise.

Answered by Steven Teitelbaum, M.D.. F.A.C.S (View Profile)

Those are huge implants for any woman, particularly at 5'. Your decision to get a second consultation is wise.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Steely Plastic Surgery

Published on Sep 22, 2015

These questions are difficult to answer without exam - but 35cc is a very small difference in implants that size - it is a small percentage of the whole. 35cc can make a big difference in smaller implants like a 250 because it is a much larger percentage of the total implant volume.
It is great that you are speaking to your surgeon again- let him/her know your concerns and be sure you are getting sized appropriately.

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Answered by Steely Plastic Surgery

These questions are difficult to answer without exam - but 35cc is a very small difference in implants that size - it is a small percentage of the whole. 35cc can make a big difference in smaller implants like a 250 because it is a much larger percentage of the total implant volume.
It is great that you are speaking to your surgeon again- let him/her know your concerns and be sure you are getting sized appropriately.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Sep 22, 2015

Difficult to know without photos or an examination.
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 manufactorers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time BUT gives more exact results.
2nd opinion may be a good idea with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Difficult to know without photos or an examination.
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 manufactorers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time BUT gives more exact results.
2nd opinion may be a good idea with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Otto Placik, MD

Published on Sep 22, 2015

I think a second opinion is always a reasonable approach. There are other alternatives including using liposuction on the larger breast to make it smaller and then use similar sized implants. Or use fat transfer on the smaller breast to make it bigger prior to placing similarly sized implants on both. To answer your question, 35 cc can be a visible difference.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6121_1500919782.jpg
Answered by Otto Placik, MD

I think a second opinion is always a reasonable approach. There are other alternatives including using liposuction on the larger breast to make it smaller and then use similar sized implants. Or use fat transfer on the smaller breast to make it bigger prior to placing similarly sized implants on both. To answer your question, 35 cc can be a visible difference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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