This is best discussed with your surgeon. We don't have your photos, nor an in-person exam to be able to counsel you properly on implant selection. I find it helpful to use sizing kits as well as Crisalix surgical simulation software in my office to help guide planning and educate the patient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The difference between the two sizes you are considering is minimal. In my experience, the number one reason women have repeat breast augmentations is due to wishing they had gone bigger. Your plastic surgeon does have the ability to order both sizes for the purpose of trying each during surgery to determine which one ultimately looks better.

This will be his judgement call since you will obviously be under anesthesia. If your plastic surgeon recommended the 340 cc based on your chest wall measurements and your desired goals, then stick with that size. Either way, you are going to be thrilled with your new breasts!

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.

It is difficult to make any assessment of your implant selection without photos. Assuming, you have been measured and reasonably sized, I would not stress over 35 cc as this volume is less than the volume of a shot glass and will likely make a very subtle difference in your overall result. Most patients will not be able to discern the difference.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012