What Is The Best Way To Choose The Size of My Breast Implants?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am getting breast implants in the near future. I am currently a 32A and am looking at 400cc silicone breast implants. (high profile) My hope is that they will make a full C or a small D cup. I am 24 years old and am 5’ 3” and 115 lbs. I tried the 400cc sizers in the office and they looked a little big to me. But I was told that they may look a little smaller since they are going under the muscle and that it was always a good idea to go a little bigger than you think anyway. I’m not sure if I should go with 400 cc or go smaller to be safe. On the one hand I don’t want to be too big but I’d hate to wish I would’ve gone bigger afterwards.

A: There is no question that the biggest issue in getting breast implants, for the patient, is what size in volume to get. The reality is that there is no magical and assured method that can guarantee any patient that they will get end up with the exact breast size that they want. No matter how it is done there is some ‘guessing’ involved and there is always the unknown variable of how any patient interprets what a C or D cup looks like in their mind. With that being said, there are certain presurgical measurements that can be done to help hedge the bet so to speak.

The Volume Sizing System is very good at providing a good estimate of the final size and this should be a good guide. If you think it is just a little big then drop down 25cc to 50cc. From this volume, the patient’s breast base width can help guide the projection that the implant should have, keeping it within the dimensions of one’s natural breast base width. High projection silicone implants should only be used if one wants a very round or full look, If not then consider either a lower projection or even a shaped (teardrop) implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana