Thank you for your question. You'll need a physical exam to provide you the best advice as to which implants best suit you. It is important that patients consider their desired cosmetic result and their anatomy when selecting an implant size.

Since I can appreciate how confusing implant selection can be for patients, I also offer complementary 3D-imaging using the Vectra Imaging software to show patients what various implants would look like on them. I would encourage you to follow-up with your chosen board-certified operating surgeon to discuss your concerns and (if offered) spend some time with an imaging software so that you can get a better idea of what you could ultimately expect with a 325 cc implant. I hope that you find this helpful and I wish you all of the best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I think 325 cc will likely provide you with a nice outcome given your dimensions. At 5'10.5", you should be able to carry them well. The profile of the implant will be important to avoid the extreme upper pole fullness.

I presume you are going under-the-muscle which helps provide a more natural look. Good luck with everything and let us know how they turn out.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. The volume you have selected should provide you with an adequate enhancement of your breast size based on your height and weight. I'm not certain which profile you have selected, if it is a full profile or a higher projecting implant. Your breast width diameter is narrow. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon to ensure your have adequate soft tissue stretch of your breast to accommodate a higher profile implant. Good luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I take it you are in Europe, as Motiva implants are not used in the United States.

Did your surgeon use simulation software to help you visualize? Crisalix, Vectra or another software package is very helpful in eliminating some of this confusion. Did you try on sizers?

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question.

There are several steps taken to select a specific size/profile breast implant for a specific patient. These steps will vary from one practice to the next. I prefer to have a wide selection of implants (all profiles) available in the operating room. I use intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allows 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 for direct comparisons. I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.

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 words such as “natural” or "C cup” 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, 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..

It will definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further. As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.

I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
Tom Pousti MD
www.PoustiPlasticSurgery.com
619-466-8851

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 under appreciated 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.

With regards to your specific question, it is always best to stay within the parameters defined by your anatomy. Exceeding these measures leads to greater lateral show and the dreaded "fake look." I have found no single sizing technique to be perfect. The best decisions are made with a wealth of information and each sizing tool represents a different data point. Information gathered from measurements, sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos work in concert to guide your decision making. Ultimately, the question of "too large" can only be answered by you...the patient.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012