800cc Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a popular procedure, but many women are still unaware of what it entails.

Breast reconstruction is the process of restoring breast volume lost due to cancer surgery or injury. It involves using alloplastic materials, such as silicone gel and saline, to recreate the shape and feel of natural breasts. The materials can be implanted either in one or both breasts. In this guide, we review the aspects of 800cc breast reconstruction, Can I get 800cc implants, and What is the max CC for breast implants?

To get started with breast reconstruction, you will need to undergo a consultation with your plastic surgeon. They will help you determine if breast reconstruction is right for you and give you an estimate on pricing. You may also want to consult with a psychiatrist or psychologist before undergoing this procedure because it can be emotionally taxing.

Breast reconstruction usually takes place in two stages: immediate and delayed. Immediate breast reconstruction involves implanting an implant at the same time that cancerous tissue is removed from the breast during surgery. Delayed breast reconstruction involves placing an implant after surgery has been completed, allowing for more time for healing before implant placement occurs.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

Breast reconstruction. The goal is to restore one or both breasts to near normal shape, appearance, symmetry and size following mastectomy, lumpectomy, or for congenital deformities. Breast reconstruction usually involves multiple procedures performed in stages. There are 2 broad categories of reconstruction options, implants or flap reconstruction (using your own body tissue). While these seem like 2 separate categories, they can be combined in many cases to help patients achieve their reconstructive goals.

Breast Reconstruction

Delayed bilateral breast reconstruction. Bilateral breast cancer. No radiation. Skin sparing (not nipple sparing). 800cc High Profile Mentor Silicone implants placed under the pectoralis muscle. 3 months after exchange of tissue expanders for implants. Before mastectomies: bra size 36B-. After: 36C.

Breast Reconstruction

Delayed bilateral breast reconstruction. Bilateral breast cancer. No radiation. Skin sparing (not nipple sparing). 800cc High Profile Mentor Silicone implants placed under the pectoralis muscle. 3 months after the exchange of tissue expanders for implants. Before mastectomies: bra size 36B-. After: 36C.

How Long Do Breast Reconstruction Implants Last

Will your breast implants last a lifetime?

Deciding to have breast implants is a major decision. It is an investment designed to help you achieve the feminine curves you desire, often helping to boost your self-image. That said, you should not plan to have your breast implants for an entire lifetime.

Breast implants do not last forever, and there are many reasons why women will choose to have their implants removed, usually anywhere from 10 to 20 years after their initial surgery. Before making the decision to have implants, your plastic surgeon will go over how to care for your implants and the necessary checkups you should attend to help your implants last longer.

The Average Lifespan of Breast Implants

Breast augmentation is an effective way to enhance the appearance of your breasts. While generally safe and designed to be long-lasting, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that implants are not considered to be “lifetime devices.”

On average, today’s implants are designed to last more than a decade, with the chance of rupture increasing by one percent each year. So, the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications.

In many cases, breast implants can remain in good shape for 20 years or more. Every patient is different, and the life of your implants will depend on your body and how you take care of them.

Reasons for Breast Implant Removal or Replacement

There are several different complications that can affect how long breast implants last and when you need to replace your implants. These can include:

Breast Hardening or Capsular Contracture: This occurs when scar tissue hardens around one or both implants. This scar tissue can cause tightness in the breasts, pain, tenderness, and changes in breast size and shape.
Saline Implant Rupture: When a saline implant ruptures, it will deflate quickly, like a balloon. Saline will leak out of the implant due to a hole or tear and harmlessly absorb into the surrounding tissue. As the saline leaks, the breast will lose size and shape, eventually looking dramatically different than the other breast. The risk of a saline leak is rare in the first few years, but the risk increases by one percent every year.
Silicone Rupture: Often referred to as a “silent rupture,” a silicone breast implant rupture is quite different. Silicone implants have a thick silicone gel inside that often stays within the implant or surrounding tissue in the event of an implant rupture. Because of this, it is often difficult to tell when a silicone implant ruptures. You may notice reduced breast size, uneven appearance, or changes in breast sensation, such as tingling, swelling, burning or numbness.
Rippling: In some cases, implants can develop wrinkles or ripples. You may be able to feel these ripples and, in extreme cases, the ripples may be noticeable through the skin.
Changes in Position: While breast implants can change your appearance, they cannot stop the aging process. As you age, gravity will still take its toll and you may develop breast sagging. Extreme changes in weight can also contribute to position changes. When this occurs, you may consider a breast lift or implant replacement in order to return your breasts to their desired appearance.
Personal Choice: Some women want to change up the appearance of their breasts sometime after their initial surgery. This may mean a revision surgery with larger or smaller implants, or even the removal of the implants entirely.

Replacing or Removing Your Breast Implants

You have a few options for breast implant removal. You and your plastic surgeon can decide on simply removing the implants, removing the implants while also performing a breast lift, removing the implants and hardened scar tissue that has formed or an implant replacement with or without a breast lift.

Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options based on your goals, anatomy, and existing breast implants in order to help you choose what will work best for your desired results.

Proper Care of Implants Helps Prolong the Lifespan

Proper care for your breast implants can help to improve their longevity, and this care begins during your breast augmentation recovery. For example, your plastic surgeon will advise you to wear a support garment or surgical bra during recovery. If you do not follow these guidelines, the lack of support can lead to increased sagging over time.

You should always follow your plastic surgeon’s guidelines for annual checkups, as well as performing regular self-checks. If you have silicone implants, the FDA recommends getting an MRI three years after the initial surgery and then every two years after that. Taking proper care of your implants can help you extend the life of your new look and give you more time before you are likely to require breast implant replacement.

Can I get 800cc implants

Answer: If your body dimensions and soft tissue (existing breast tissue) are adequate, you should be able to get 800 cc implants. Understand some surgeons out there will refuse to accommodate such requests due to their own beliefs or biases and you can easily find someone else down the street that will.

What is the max CC for breast implants

Breast augmentation is the perfect way to regain confidence after pregnancy or weight loss by enhancing the size of the breasts. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe helps patients create a pleasing contour for a natural-looking and proportional appearance. Once you’ve decided to undergo this procedure, the next step is to decide how many ccs are best for breast augmentation.

But what does cc mean, and how do you decide which breast implant size is best for you? At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery in Dallas, TX, we provide helpful information and resources so you can make these important decisions with confidence. Learn more about saline versus silicone breast implants and breast cup sizes by reaching out for a private consultation.

What does cc mean?

So, what does cc mean? This acronym stands for cubic centimeters, which is the standard measurement used to determine the size of breast implants. The higher the ccs, the larger the implants. Implant manufacturers usually begin sizing at around 100ccs and increase all the way up to 800ccs or more. Since most patients measure cup sizes in letters, they may not understand how ccs translate to breast size.

When you arrive for your appointment at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, we can show you before and after photos and give you examples of implants at each sizing option. Looking at photos of other patients who have a similar build can provide some useful insight for women considering breast implants. We can also teach you about the benefits of saline versus silicone breast implants based on your needs.

How Many CCs Are Best for Breast Augmentation?

Selecting a new breast implant size may be difficult for some patients. This is because the size you choose will determine your appearance and silhouette for years to come. During a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe, we will perform an evaluation and make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. We then measure how much natural breast tissue exists and determine how many ccs are required to achieve your perfect size.

One breast cup size is about 175cc, but the results may vary based on the implant chosen. For example, a 200cc implant may not look the same on two different women. It is important to keep an open mind when Dr. Dauwe suggests certain sizes. When patients decide to go too big, for example, this could lead to potential issues, such as neck and back pain. At our facility, we try to help you avoid these problems as much as possible.

Find Your Ideal Breast Implant Size

Patients need to find their ideal breast implant size based on their unique needs. For example, women who exercise frequently may want to choose smaller implants since they fit into their active lifestyle. Sometimes, more dramatic improvements are desired so patients can fit into their favorite swimsuits or outfits. Others may have lost volume due to breastfeeding and simply want to return to their pre-baby bodies. Some considerations for breast size include:

Your overall body frame: This includes the shoulders, waist, and hips. The chosen breast implants will need to fit your personal features so they don’t negatively impact your body or health. As we’ve mentioned, implants that are too large can lead to problems down the road.
How much natural breast tissue do you have: Women with a small amount of tissue may not be able to support overly large implants. Otherwise, the skin and underlying structures will stretch out and cause the implants to fall out of place.
Your plans for future pregnancy: If you want to have more children in the future, this may affect the outcome of your breast augmentation. Patients may need to return for a secondary or revision surgery.
Your current breast symmetry: Some patients require different sizes in each breast to create a more balanced appearance after surgery.