Undergoing a breast augmentation procedure is a process which requires a number of decisions to be made. Modern breast implants have a confusing selection of implant choices such as shape (round or teardrop), size or CC’s as well as profile (projection/shape) to consider. So many options can leave many patients confused with choosing the best size of breast implants for their breast enlargement procedure.
We know that a woman’s new breast size will have impacts on her relationships, social interactions as well as her physical wellbeing. This is why it’s so important that women are armed with the information needed to choose the right breast implant size. This blog provides resources, information and guidance to help you become confident when choosing the best breast implant size for you.
If you’ve been considering breast enhancement surgery, you may have heard the term CCs. This is the standardised medical measurement of breast implant sizes and differs from the notion of a cup size. The breast implant CC size (volume measured in cubic centimetres) provides a measurement of the total volume of the breast implant. So as you might have guessed, a higher CC equates to a bigger breast implant.
Breast implant CCs typically range from 200CC to 600CC but there is no standard recommendation for patients. As a rule of thumb, 200-300CC breast implants would be best used in a mini breast augmentation procedure, 300-400CC constitute a standard breast augmentation, and 400-500CC would be considered a very large breast augmentation. The most commonly implanted breast implant size at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery is 350CCs. Larger sizes are used in some cases but Dr Doyle typically does not exceed 550CC in his boob job (breast augmentation) patients.
Bra cups are sized A, B, C and up. As a guide, for approximately every 150-200 ccs, you can expect the breast cup size to increase around one to one and a half cup sizes. This is not a precise form of measurement as bra cup sizes vary significantly between different brands and manufacturers.
The breast implant CC size and profile (the projection or ‘height’) are the key breast augmentation decisions for an outcome that looks well proportioned. Getting this balance right is a daunting task, but it’s not one you’ll be making alone.
Dr Mark Doyle is a highly skilled Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He is an expert at helping patients, like you, decide what breast implant size will look great. And while he’s happy to advise you on what would work best, the decision is ultimately yours.
The way breast implants will look depends largely on your frame and overall body proportions. The following factors need to be considered for you to choose the right size implant for you:
Dr Mark considers implants of 400CC or more to be large. However, implants above 270CC can be considered very large for some patients, and 200CC may even be considered large for a petite woman.
If you choose breast implants that are too small for your frame you may feel tempted to replace them with larger implants. This decision is typically made 6-12 months following your surgery once the tissue swelling subsides.
If you opt to undergo a second surgery to correct the initial size of your prosthetics, your scars may become more pronounced and you may experience delicate tissue damage from multiple surgeries. Multiple augmentation surgeries are best avoided if possible.
Bigger is not always better when it comes to breast implants. Large breast implants can look unnatural on patients with smaller body proportions. They’re also likely to require revision surgery later on due to complications such as your breast implant ‘bottoming out’ (always follow post-surgery instructions to minimise your risks).
Breast implants not only add shape and dimensions to your breast, but they add weight to your body. This can place stress on the breast skin required to hold them in place and result in your breasts sagging. It may also lead to undesirable back, neck and shoulder pain and impact your daily activities.
“For those patients considering having larger breast implants, I would advise them that having larger implants will increase the risk of the implants drooping due to gravity. Larger heavier implants are much more likely to give rise to complications and the need for further surgery,” says Dr Mark.
Furthermore, when it comes time to remove or replace your impacts, the breast skin may require a lift due to the skin stretching to accommodate the large breast implants. This is not just true for large implants, as all size implants will stretch the skin to some degree.
Dr Mark uses computerised 3D imaging technology, Crisalix to help you visualise how breast implants might look with your physique.
This state-of-the-art technology provides you and your surgeon the opportunity to virtually see your breast augmentation results in an instant. While this technology is very helpful for decision making, the actual outcome of your surgery may differ. Crisalix provides a guide only and does not guarantee the results of your surgery.
“I use 3D planning tools on all breast patients to accurately assess breast volume and asymmetry prior to surgery and to allow the patients to have more input into the results they wish to achieve with their surgery. 3D simulation of results using different size implants can be invaluable in making an informed decision regarding breast size,” says Dr Mark.
When undergoing breast enhancement surgery, you don’t just want your breasts to look bigger, you’ll also want them to look perkier, rounder, and fuller. There are many models and shapes of breasts implants, and they can generally be classified into two main shapes, round and anatomical:
Round breast implants have the advantage of providing more fullness, especially in the upper poles of your breasts. This makes them ideal for women who want round perky breasts with prominent cleavage. This implant shape is more popular among our patients.
Anatomical (teardrop) breast implants are implants that are shaped to look like natural breasts. They are usually teardrop-shaped; wide at the bottom poles, and slightly narrower at the upper poles. These implants are great for women who want a more natural look, however, they provide less fullness in the upper poles of your breasts.
“My surgical technique and implant choice both in terms of projection, size and round vs teardrop shapes, will change depending on whether patients desire a natural or fake look. The positioning of breast implants above or below the pectoral muscles will also affect the final result,” says Dr Mark.
It all comes down to what you hope to achieve by undergoing breast augmentation surgery, and only you can decide which breast implant size and shape will look best on you.
Dr Mark will help you make your decision using a variety of methods to help you visualise and experience what each implant CC will end up looking like on your overall physique. He will always advise on balance and proportion, two of the key defining factors for successful breast implant surgery.
Various factors such as the position of the nipples, the distance between the nipples plus the location of the centre of the breast mound all impact what your implants will look like once in your body. The following physical characteristics will impact the best breast implant size for you:
These considerations will be discussed in detail in your initial consultation with Dr Mark.
It’s a difficult decision yet, it’s an important one that you’ll want to get right. To know you’ve chosen the right breast implant size consider the following:
Will you want to return to the surgical table in a year’s time? Going too small initially may make you consider a second surgery. Instead, consider a slightly larger breast implant to increase cleavage, upper breast fullness and ensure you’re happy with the enlargement.
Do you want your breast implants to look great for the next 20 years? Motiva brand implants last 20-25 years on average. If you decide on an implant that’s too large, you may need to remove or replace your implants before this recommended 20 year period. This is due to complications – sagging or ‘bottoming out’ – that can arise due to the sheer weight of your implants.
Do you want to feel comfortable when performing daily activities? Implants which are too large for your physique may impact the way you exercise by making it difficult to reach forward. This is why it’s important that your implants fit within your frame and are not too large for your body proportions.
Do you want obvious or subtle breast implants? Implants placed over the muscle tend to appear more rigid on the body, causing them to appear ‘cartoon-like.’ Under muscle placement of breast implants leads to a more natural and subtle appearance which is preferred for those who don’t wish everyone to know they’ve gone under the knife.
Due to large variations between bra brands and manufacturers, bra cup sizes provide an inconsistent form of measurement. It’s best to be open to trialling various CC sizes to determine the right size, projection and shape for your physique. Everyone is different so what a certain sized implant will do to your physique will vary, based on numerous factors.
Dr Mark recommends Motiva breast implants. You can read more about this in our blog, Motiva Breast Implants and Why Dr Doyle Thinks They Are Best.
“Motiva nanotextured 6th generation breast implants I believe are the best available implants. I was one of the first plastic surgeons in Australia to use these implants and have a lot of experience with their use,” says Dr Mark.
Always make sure you check that your surgeon is an accredited Specialist Plastic Surgeon as opposed to a cosmetic surgeon. Your surgeon should have extensive surgical experience with breast augmentation for all ages and body types.
A specialist surgeon will always discuss the risks of surgery in detail with you so you’re informed before committing to surgery. They will also provide you with copious resources and information regarding breast augmentation and be able to perform the surgery to a high standard.
When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, the best decision making is based on a collaborative effort. Both you and your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will make an informed surgical decision together, in terms of implant CC size and how it will look on your overall physique. But ultimately, a good Plastic Surgeon will have technologies to help you decide; and offer recommendations based on their experience.
There are many characteristics and aspects of your body proportions that need to be factored into your breast implant size choice. By considering these in detail, alongside your specialist surgeon, you’ll be able to make a decision that will keep you happy for years to come.
To learn more, or to book a consultation, get in touch with Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
Dr Mark Doyle is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over thirty years of experience performing Breast, Body, Face and Nose surgery. Dr Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with 30+ years of experience. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are absolutely NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons in our clinic.
As a highly esteemed plastic surgeon, Dr Mark is committed to achieving the best possible results for all his breast, body, face and nose patients, both men and women.