Breast Augmentation – I Wish I Went Bigger

“I wish I had gone bigger.” It may sound cliché, but the reality is that many people who undergo breast implant surgery have a repeat breast augmentation surgery to go larger and reach their ideal breast size. One of the biggest issues with breast implant sizing is not having a clear vision of what you will look like after surgery. While 3D imaging technology is now available and assists in demonstrating what a patient might look like after surgery, not all plastic surgeons have this technology, and for those that do, it’s still not exact.

Many plastic surgeons use the standard technique of having a patient try on breast implant sizers or have them place different implant sizes/shapes/types into a bra that has no padding or wires. While this provides somewhat of a visual, it’s far from how your natural breast tissue will respond to the implants.

When you place an implant on top of your own breast, you aren’t truly getting a real picture of what you will look like. When an implant is placed under the muscle of the breast, some significant volume is lost from what you would see when placing an implant inside a bra, for example.

Good plastic surgeons do everything possible to help guide their patients to the best size or range of breast implant sizes based on their chest wall measurements, current bra size, body shape and size, 3D imaging (if available), and a patient’s desired goals. Pictures of other patients with similar body types before and after their procedures can be helpful in visually communicating the look they want. But, again, no two patients are alike, and what is seen on one person doesn’t mean it is achievable for you.

The patients who are usually the most wary of getting the “right” breast implant are in the middle demographic of patients considering breast augmentation. There are the ultra-conservative patients who want to be very small and then there are the women who want that “wow” factor; the bigger the better. Right now, when it comes to breast implant volume, the trend is in this middle area where people feel like they want to be bigger, but not too big, but not too small.

Real Stories From Patients Who Chose A Second Breast Augmentation Surgery

Regretting an initial decision for smaller breast implants is not uncommon. Just read some of the responses found on Real Self. There are over 300 comments on just one post from a breast augmentation patient who started a thread for women who wish they had gone bigger with their initial size breast implants.

“Yes, I want to go bigger. I am only 440cc and I want to go at least 600-700cc. I don’t think I understood how much this would give me confidence! I love them. I wish I did it earlier.”

“Coming up on 1-year post op and sometimes wish I went bigger. Got 325 silicone under muscle. Was deciding between 325 & 350 and def should have gone with the 350’s even though everything I’ve read says that little bit would never make a noticeable difference but at least I wouldn’t be regretting that decision. In some clothes they’re totally big enough but others I wish I had a little more. No one has even noticed that I got a boob job and I am happy about that but I never wanted to wear a padded bra again and I just bought a bra with a little padding just to push them up and give me some kind of cleavage. My boobs are naturally wide apart so I guess unless I went super huge I’d never have cleavage without a little help. In the end I do love my new boobs and would not go through surgery again plus the $$$ just for a few more cc’s but my advice to anyone choosing between two sizes, definitely go with the next size up!”

“I am almost 1-year post op and I wish I would of went bigger….at least 700cc’s. I currently have 560 on the left and 485 on the right. I’m saving up for revision. Going no less than 700cc’s next time around!”

“I’m 5’4″ 125 lbs and went with 320cc HP saline overfilled to 350. Pre-op I was 32A now I’m 32DD. I have a small BWD (11cm I believe) but I have broad shoulders, therefore I feel as though a larger size would look much better on me. I originally wanted 450 but my PS would only go as big as he did because I was starting out with NOTHING. My next BA is scheduled for Dec 5, and so far my PS is suggesting 455cc silicone UHP…I’m REALLY interested in 535cc silicone UHP.”

Choosing the Right Implant Size for You

If you are considering breast augmentation and are struggling with what size to choose, just remember you may just want to go with one that is a little larger than what you think you’re going to love. The information below may help put the sizing into perspective.

Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs). 1 tablespoon = 14.8 cubic centimeters. Let’s say you’re deciding between a 400cc implant and a 450cc implant: the difference would equate to approximately 4 1/2 tablespoons. When you understand it in these terms, it really doesn’t seem like that much, does it? Another way to look at sizing is that implants increase the size of a woman’s breasts “roughly” one cup size for every 175 to 200 ccs. That means that, for example, if you are already at a B cup, a 400 cc implant would increase your cup size to about a D.

The implant size you choose will also depend on the size of your breasts before the surgery. Remember that the implant is adding to your existing tissue, so a 560 cc implant, for example, can lead to multiple cup size increases depending on the patient. Reaching a DD bra size could be accomplished through 350 cc implants or 800 cc implants; variables including height and weight, existing tissue, and skin elasticity all factor into the final size of the breast after an augmentation.

Breast Implant Size Consultation

Many plastic surgeons will advise that bigger is not always better, because there are complications such as back pain and interference with an active lifestyle associated with excessively large breasts. However, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise can help advise on an implant size that will help you reach your goal size and appearance while still avoiding these complications. Whether this is your first breast augmentation procedure or you’re seeking a second breast augmentation to go bigger, Dr. Cruise will help you select an implant size that’s best suited to you.

To get started with choosing the right breast implant sizes, review the before-and-after pictures in Dr. Cruise’s gallery. These photos list the height, weight, and size of the implants used in each scenario. To get an idea of what your breasts may look like, you can review these photos and find a “before” that most closely matches you.

Of course, the best way to choose is by scheduling a consultation, so Dr. Cruise can help guide your decision. Get started with a consultation by calling our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic or contacting us online today.