No, this is a small implant for your size, but a good choice with a lift, which will decrease you by 1/4 cup.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you are 34DD, it would seem to me that you have enough volume. Perhaps you'd just need a breast lift/reduction.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, that should be fine.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Breast lift typically decreases breasts by half a cup size. By adding 275 cc, it will likely add a cup size.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In my experience, if a woman wears a size 36 A/B bra and would like to be a C-cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc.

If you are already a 34DD, this will be at least a cup larger. The size of your breasts is up to you. You can have a lift alone, or add fat grafts for upper fullness.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No, that's about a cup size. Preferred breast size is specific to each patient. Please see your board-certified plastic surgeon who will expertly match your desired outcome to the implant sizes and shapes.

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).
Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume. These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.

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. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Great question. It will be important for you to decide what you are trying to accomplish. This will help in determining what you should persue. If you would like more uplifted breasts as well as more upper pole volume, you may want to consider a breast lift and fat transfer to the upper pole. Implants can accomplish this as well but if you have plenty of volume already, fat transfer may be a good option. All the best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for sharing. An augmentation with lift situation is an important decision process. It's difficult to say without an in-person examination. Have a very candid decision with your plastic surgeon. Hope that helps

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Don't do surgery until you are not confused. Get a second opinion or consult again until there is no confusion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is hard to say without a physical examination what kind of result you can expect to see with your breast augmentation with a breast lift. It is very common for patients to elect to undergo a breast augmentation at the same time as their breast lift to achieve some upper pole firmness and potentially some additional volume at the same time. A 275cc implant will not afford two patients the exact same result as implants of the same size can look very different on each patient. I would recommend following up with your operating surgeon, who is hopefully board certified, to discuss your concerns before your procedure. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No one who is a 34DD and needing a lift should ever get an implant.

First, you have a lot of volume. A lot. With a good lift you will have a nice shape and plenty of size.

Second, would you really want to be larger than a 34DD?

Third, you need a lift now because your skin can't hold the present weight of your breasts; if you add weight, they will resag more quickly.

Finally, there are a few surgeons removing breast tissue and using implants to replace that tissue in the errant thinking that it will give more upper fullness. That may be true in the very short term, but within a year or so those patients end up with more sag. It is a step forward and at least two back.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes. You will be large, although I don't know what your goals are. In general, lifting a large breast leads to recurrent sag early, so I prefer reducing the breast volume too. In return, I typically place an implant for volume and shape.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Good morning!

These questions are really difficult to answer over the Internet without an exam, but I will say that depending upon the type of lift you are getting, something in the 275 range is pretty standard to help with upper pole fullness without going too big in regard to size.

I recommend another chat with your board-certified plastic surgeon to be sure you are on the same page in regard to sizing and projected results.

I hope this helps

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for the question.

Clear communication with your plastic surgeon in regards to your size and breast implant position goals are critical pre-operatively. If in doubt regarding one surgeon's recommendations, additional recommendations may be helpful to give you peace of mind. Make sure you are consulting with well-experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.

In regards to communication, I find the use of goal pictures to be very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C-cup” or "fake looking" or "top heavy" 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.

I use intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allow me to select the breast implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high-profile) that would most likely achieve the patient's goals. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.

I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible. 

I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

That size of the implant will increase your cup size by 2! Just a lift will not decrease your cup size for it is only skin that is usually removed!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Without the benefit of photos and specific measurements, it is hard to answer that question in this particular forum. I highly recommend that you have a very specific conversation with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you both are on the same page regarding your implant size. Good luck

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Depends on the technique used by your surgeon and if a reduction is planned with the lift.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Size is personal preference. Did you try on sizers to determine your implant size? I highly recommend that you do so. Sizers are a very good indication of what you will look like after an augmentation. Good luck with your surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Mastopexy, or a breast lift, will shape and tighten the breasts. An effective mastopexy with internal shaping techniques can help lift the breast and give it the shape without the need for breast implants. On a large breast with adequate volume, adding volume with an implant will make the breasts prone to recurrent sagging.

Published on Jul 11, 2012