Breast Size Implants

New York City, Manhattan, Long Island, and Westchester, New York

Breast implants are manufactured in a large range of sizes from 120cc to 800cc. As the breast implant sizes get larger, the interval from one size to the next is greater. In the lower range of sizes, the interval from one implant size to the next is only 25 to 30cc. As implant sizes increase, this interval changes to 50 to 75cc.

The reason for this is that, for small implants, 25cc is needed to see even a slight change in breast size from one implant to the next. To keep this in perspective, 25cc is less than two tablespoons. In Dr. Newman’s experience, depending on the patient and their height, weight and natural breast characteristics, a 25cc change in implant size may not even result in a visible change.

Saline Breast Implants vs. Silicone Breast Implants

Saline-filled breast implants are received from the manufacturer empty and the surgeon fills them during your surgery. Silicone-filled breast implants are received from the manufacturer already filled. The plastic surgeon has the ability to adjust the amount of saline used to fill an implant, which is something he cannot do with silicone-filled implants. It is typical for surgeons to slightly over-fill a saline implant. In fact, there is a recommended “range” of fill amounts for saline implants, and it is common to over-fill saline implants by as much as 15%.

Obviously, the more a saline implant is “over-filled” the larger it gets. As breast implants are overfilled, they also change slightly in shape and firmness. A 300cc saline implant filled to 400cc does not have the same shape or feel as a 400cc implant filled to 400cc. Even though they’re both filled to 400cc, the smaller implant will be rounder and harder because it is significantly overfilled. This is an important factor in your final choice of implant and it can be confusing. If you’re considering a saline-filled implant for your surgery, Dr. Newman will explain this concept and show you examples during your consultation.

Since saline implants are empty when they are received they are typically filled only partially before they’re inserted. They are therefore typically inserted through a smaller incision than what is used for silicone-filled implants. Saline implants have a valve through which the implant is filled. This valve is typically located at the front of the implant in a location that is typically directly behind your nipple. In thin patients and patients who have very small natural breasts, it is sometimes possible to feel this valve beneath the nipple. This is typically not a problem, but something you should always be aware of if you choose saline implants for your breast augmentation.

Dr. Newman's Opinion

“In my practice I see many patients with uneven (asymmetric) breasts. One option in part of the management of these patients is to use two different sized implants. Saline implants are somewhat 'adjustable' in their final volume, but I do not feel that significantly overfilling a saline implant is a better choice than using a larger implant. Implants are manufactured in a vast selection of sizes and, I believe, that proper size selection usually yields a more normal looking result than significantly overfilling an implant.”

If you would like to learn more about breast implant sizes or breast augmentation in Manhattan or Long Island, New York, please contact experienced breast augmentation plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Newman at the Advanced Plastic Surgery Center.