Current Trend in Breast Implant Size

The trend in cosmetic surgery nowadays is the natural look.  This is particularly true in breast augmentation that most patients are choosing implants which come in “conservative sizes.”

Anecdotal evidence shows that a significant number of patients choose breast implant sizes (described in cubic centimeter) between 350cc and 500cc.  They can provide enough volume especially in the upper poles without leading to inappropriately large, grapefruit-shaped breasts.

Women should remember that cc alone does not determine the final size, although in many cases a 150-200cc can increase the breast to one cup. 

(Important note:  Implants with a size of 250-350cc may transform a petite lady’s AA cup to D cup, while the same size may only increase the bust size of a larger and/or taller lady by a cup or two.)

Large breast implants usually start at 600cc, and women with a large body frame more often than not have no problem using them.  This is particularly true if they have sufficient amounts of breast tissue and fat, reducing the risk of visible and palpable wrinkling.

By contrast, large implants can be very problematic for thin and petite women not only because they often lead to a “heavy top look,” but they also result to higher risk of wrinkling and rippling.

Also, when large implants are used on thin women or patients with very little tissue, more often than not their breasts appear unusually round—the most common telltale sign of plastic surgery.

Meanwhile, there are two kinds of breast implants used in the US:  the saline implant which is filled with a sterile mixture of salt and water, and the silicone implant which contains a cohesive gel.

Currently, breast manufacturers in the US do not produce silicone implants larger than 850cc, even if there is no law prohibiting them to do so.  This is because common sense tells that excessively large sizes can lead to chronic back pain, longer recovery, stretch marks, and bottoming out which will eventually force a patient to downsize her implants.

But some saline implants, which are filled once inside the breast pocket, are larger than 850cc.  However, they are rarely used as [ethical] plastic surgeons will not push the body’s limit for the sake of aesthetic goals.  

Contrary to popular belief, patients can achieve a prominent cleavage without having to choose larger implants.  In fact, some smaller implants can provide this sexy feature by offering more projection.