Small breast implants – sometimes called “mini boob jobs” – are an attractive option for patients seeking a subtle enhancement. In Istanbul, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin (a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 15 years’ experience) helps patients achieve balanced, natural-looking results.
Rather than dramatically enlarging the bust, small implants can give a gentle boost while minimizing scarring and strain. For example, doctors note that very small implants (around 100–150 cc) add roughly one cup size. These modest implants tend to produce a conservative, natural contour. They also allow smaller incisions and reduce the risk of back or shoulder discomfort from heavy implants. At Dr. Erçin’s clinic, every patient is educated about options and procedures, so you’ll feel supported choosing the best prosthesis size for your body.
Surgeons typically recommend smaller implants for petite or slender frames to keep results in harmony with the body. Dr. Erçin will carefully evaluate your proportions and preferences, emphasizing patient comfort and informed consent. This guide answers common questions: We explain the tiniest implant sizes available, how to pick the right prosthesis size, what doctors mean by the “implant pocket,” and more – all with patient-friendly, expert-backed details.
What is the smallest size in breast implants?
Breast implants come in many volumes measured in cubic centimeters (cc). The smallest commercially made implants are very modest – on the order of only 80–125 cc. For example, some manufacturers offer implants as small as 80 cc, though most surgeons see 125 cc as the practical minimum. In general, implants under 150 cc are considered “small.” (By comparison, implants around 400 cc are average for a typical augmentation) In one clinic’s FAQ, the smallest implant size noted was 145 cc (about a half-cup increase) – and 100 cc implants are extremely rare but technically possible.
Many surgeons use 250 cc as a kind of dividing line: under 250 cc is often called a “mini boob job” (roughly a one-cup increase or less). In practice, the tiniest implants are usually chosen only by the most petite patients or by those wanting only a small lift with minimal volume.
Key point: the “smallest” implant depends on the brand and on your anatomy, but patients should expect mini augmentations to involve volumes well below 200 cc. These small sizes can improve shape and fullness without creating an exaggerated look.
How to choose the size of a Breast Prosthesis?
Deciding on implant size is very personal. It involves balancing your aesthetic goals with your body’s proportions and lifestyle. Experienced surgeons (including Dr. Erçin) typically recommend a step-by-step approach. The following checklist (based on board-certified surgeon guidelines) can help you choose the best implant size:
Define Your Goals: Consider what you want to achieve. Do you want just a subtle increase (for example, one cup size) or a more noticeable change? Think about how you want to look in different clothes or activities. Collect photos of results you like to show your surgeon.
Consult Multiple Surgeons: Schedule consultations with at least two or three board-certified plastic surgeons. They can assess your body frame and discuss whether a smaller augment or a breast lift (mastopexy) might best meet your goals. Ask about each doctor’s experience with smaller implants and review before/after pictures.
Assess Your Body Measurements: During consultation, have the surgeon measure your chest width, breast tissue thickness, and skin elasticity. These dimensions are crucial – the implant must fit your anatomy. A petite chest may not accommodate a very wide implant, for example. This “bio-dimensional analysis” ensures the chosen implant matches your body.
Learn About Implant Types and Profiles: Implants vary by material (silicone gel vs. saline), shape (round vs. anatomic/teardrop), and projection/profile (how far they stick out). For smaller enhancements, many surgeons suggest a lower- or moderate-profile implant to distribute volume evenly. Educate yourself on these options and discuss which might give the look you want. Note that smaller implants typically range from about 100 cc to 200 cc.
Discuss Placement Options: Decide with your surgeon whether the implant should go under the muscle (submuscular) or above it (subglandular). Placement affects how natural the result looks. (Placing implants under the muscle can soften edges, especially helpful with thin tissue, while above the muscle often yields a fuller upper profile.) Your surgeon will recommend the best pocket location for your small implants.
Try On Implant Sizers: Many plastic surgery offices offer implant sizers – soft silicone forms you can wear in a special bra. Trying different volumes on your chest can give a realistic preview of how various sizes would look on you This hands-on test helps you visualize the final result before surgery.
Consider Your Overall Proportions: Keep in mind how any increase will balance with your shoulders, hips, and waist. A 150 cc increase on a very slender frame can be more noticeable than on a fuller frame. In general, smaller implants often work best for petite figures or athletic women aiming for a natural look.
Review Outcomes and Risks: Understand the recovery process, longevity of implants, and possible complications (like capsular contracture or implant shifting). Make sure you feel comfortable with these factors. Ask your surgeon to explain the benefits and potential risks in clear terms.
By following these steps, you can make an informed decision about implant size. Remember: the goal is not to meet someone else’s ideal, but to enhance your natural shape in a way that makes you feel confident. Dr. Erçin’s clinic emphasizes patient education, so you’ll be guided through each step of choosing your implant size.
What is a breast prosthesis called?
In medical terminology, “breast prosthesis” simply refers to an artificial breast form. In cosmetic breast surgery, this is commonly called a breast implant. Implants (whether silicone gel or saline) are a type of prosthesis placed under the breast tissue. In reconstructive contexts (after mastectomy), a prosthesis can also mean a wearable silicone breast form that fits into a bra.
In other words, breast prosthesis = artificial breast form = breast implant. For example, Breast Cancer Now defines a prosthesis as “an artificial breast form used to restore shape when all or part of the breast has been removed”. Surgeons usually just say “implant,” but patients might hear both terms. The key point is that both words describe the device or form used to mimic the natural breast contour.
Whether you hear “implant,” “prosthesis,” or “breast form,” they all refer to the same concept: an artificial shape (typically silicone) that provides fullness. Dr. Erçin can place either internal implants (for augmentation) or help you select an external prosthesis (for reconstruction). He will explain exactly which term applies to your situation and ensure you understand what prosthesis or implant size will achieve your goals.
What is the pocket for breast implants?
When surgeons speak of the “breast implant pocket,” they mean the space or pocket surgically created to hold the implant. During augmentation surgery, the surgeon carefully separates tissues to form a pocket either above or below the pectoralis muscle. This pocket must be precisely tailored to the chosen implant’s dimensions.
The pocket’s shape and size are crucial to a good result. As one specialist explains, “the key to breast augmentation surgery is creating a great pocket for the implant”. In practice, this means Dr. Erçin will take detailed measurements of your chest and plan a pocket that fits the implant snugly. He carefully preserves important breast structures (like the inframammary fold and side contours) while making slight adjustments so the implant can settle naturally.
A well-crafted pocket helps the implant stay in the correct place over time. For example, leaving the inframammary fold intact allows the implant to gradually find its position without “bottoming out” (dropping too low). In short, the pocket is the tailor-made space under your breast tissue (and possibly under the muscle) that houses the implant. Dr. Erçin’s meticulous surgical technique ensures this pocket matches the implant to your anatomy, reducing complications and achieving a smooth, natural profile.
Choosing Dr. Erçin’s Clinic in Turkey
Turkey is a leading destination for cosmetic breast surgery, and Dr. Burak Sercan Erçin’s Istanbul clinic stands out for its patient-centered care. He combines advanced reconstructive expertise with aesthetic skill – for example, he specializes in breast reconstruction and aesthetic breast surgery, so he understands both look and function. Patients report that Dr. Erçin takes time to explain each step, ensuring informed consent and comfort.
Whether you need a tiny “small prosthesis” implant or more complex reconstruction, you’ll receive compassionate, thorough care. Dr. Erçin and his team speak English fluently, making international patients feel welcome. With the above information and guidance from an experienced board-certified surgeon, you can confidently choose the small breast implant (prosthesis) that best suits your body. Dr. Erçin’s clinic will support you every step of the way, from sizing your implant to post-operative care, ensuring a safe and satisfying outcome.
