What Are 1400 cc Breast Implants? A Quick Answer
1400 cc breast implants are among the largest implant volumes available, representing a dramatic departure from the 300–500 cc range most patients choose for cosmetic augmentation.
Here’s what you need to know at a glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume | ~1400 cubic centimeters per implant |
| Primary use | Breast reconstruction (post-mastectomy) |
| FDA-approved silicone option | Mentor MemoryGel Enhance (up to 1445 cc) |
| Previous silicone maximum | 800 cc |
| Saline alternative | Can be overfilled to ~1400 cc, but carries higher risk |
| Ideal candidates | Larger frames, post-mastectomy patients, or staged augmentation patients |
| Typical cosmetic range | 300–500 cc (for reference) |
Until recently, silicone gel implants were capped at 800 cc in the U.S. — a limit that stood for nearly 25 years. The FDA approval of Mentor’s MemoryGel Enhance line (ranging from 930 cc to 1445 cc) has changed what’s possible, especially for women undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy.
These are not everyday cosmetic implants. They require careful patient selection, a thorough surgical plan, and an experienced board-certified surgeon.
I’m Dr. Thomas Jeneby, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in San Antonio with over 19 years of experience and more than 9,000 breast procedures performed — including complex high-volume cases involving implants approaching the 1400 cc breast implants range. If you’re considering extreme augmentation or reconstruction and want honest, expert guidance, you’re in the right place.
1400 cc breast implants vocab to learn:
Understanding 1400 cc Breast Implants and FDA Guidelines
When we talk about “cc,” we are referring to cubic centimeters, which is the standard unit of volume for breast implants. To put 1400 cc breast implants into perspective, a standard soda can is about 355 cc. You are essentially looking at nearly four cans of volume per breast.
For nearly a quarter of a century, the FDA approved silicone gel-filled implants of up to 800cc. This 800 cc cap meant that patients desiring more volume often had to resort to overfilling saline implants, which came with aesthetic compromises like a “water balloon” feel or visible rippling.
However, the landscape changed with the introduction of the Mentor MemoryGel™ Enhance line. These implants extend up to 1445 cc, making them the largest silicone gel-filled implants currently on the market. This expansion was supported by the 3-year ATHENA study, which provided data on safety and effectiveness in 400 patients. While these large sizes are primarily approved for primary and revision reconstruction in post-mastectomy women, they have opened new doors for patients with larger body frames who previously found 800 cc insufficient for a balanced look.
At our practice, we have seen how 800cc breast implants in San Antonio can provide incredible results for the right candidate, but moving into the 1400 cc range requires even more specialized care.
Comparing Silicone and Overfilled Saline Options
Before the commercial launch of ultra-large silicone (planned for mid-2025 in the U.S.), the only way to reach 1400 cc was through saline implants. Saline implants are filled with saltwater after they are inserted, allowing for some flexibility. While they are usually filled to a manufacturer-recommended limit, they can technically be overfilled.
| Feature | Silicone (MemoryGel Enhance) | Overfilled Saline |
|---|---|---|
| Feel | Soft, mimics natural tissue | Firm, can feel tight or “hard” |
| Rippling | Low risk due to cohesive gel | High risk, especially in thin patients |
| Integrity | Form-stable “gummy bear” | Risk of spontaneous deflation |
| Projection | Predictable and consistent | Can become unnaturally spherical |
Choosing between saline vs silicone implants is a major part of the consultation. For those seeking maximum volume, silicone is generally preferred because it maintains a more natural softness even at high volumes. Overfilling saline by more than 10% can void manufacturer warranties and often results in a breast that feels like a firmly inflated basketball.
If a patient wants the look of 1400 cc breast implants but their tissues cannot safely accommodate that much silicone or saline, we might suggest fat grafting as a volume alternative. This involves taking fat from another part of your body and injecting it around the implant to add “fluff” and coverage. Understanding the types of breast implants available is the first step in deciding which path to take.
Candidacy and the Surgical Process for Extra-Large Implants
Not everyone is a candidate for 1400 cc breast implants. We have to look at your “footprint”—the width of your chest wall—and the elasticity of your skin. If the implant is wider than your chest, it can lead to issues like symmastia (where the implants meet in the middle, creating a “uniboob” look).
We use a comprehensive breast implants size guide 2025 to help patients visualize how different volumes will sit on their specific frames.
Is it Safe to Go Directly to 1400 cc Breast Implants?
In most cases, the answer is no. If you currently have an A-cup or B-cup, jumping straight to 1400 cc can cause the skin to thin or even tear, and the weight can be too much for the internal tissues to support.
We often recommend a “stair-step” method or surgical staging. This involves:
- Initial Augmentation: Starting with a large but manageable size (perhaps 600–800 cc) to stretch the skin naturally over a year or two.
- Tissue Expanders: In reconstructive cases, we use expanders that are gradually filled with saline over several weeks to create a pocket large enough for the final 1400 cc implant.
- Revision Surgery: Swapping the smaller implants for the larger ones once the “envelope” of the breast has adjusted.
This gradual approach is part of our breast implant adjustment guide 2025, ensuring the long-term health of the breast tissue.
Suitable Body Types for 1400cc Volumes
The ideal candidate for 1400 cc breast implants usually has a wide frame or a broad chest. On a petite, 5-foot-tall woman, 1400 cc would likely look disproportionate and cause significant physical strain. However, on a woman with a wider torso or a taller athletic build, these implants can provide a balanced, voluptuous silhouette.
It is also important to consider how much do breast implants weigh. A 1400 cc implant weighs approximately 3.1 pounds. Carrying an extra 6 pounds on your chest is a significant lifestyle change that requires strong pectoral and back muscles.
Risks, Recovery, and Lifestyle Impacts
With great volume comes great responsibility—both for the surgeon and the patient. Extra-large implants carry higher risks of:
- Capsular Contracture: The body forming a hard shell of scar tissue around the implant.
- Symmastia: The implants shifting toward the center of the chest.
- Bottoming Out: The weight of the implant causing the breast to sag prematurely.
- Back and Neck Pain: Due to the added weight on the anterior (front) of the body.
For some patients, an ultimate adjustable breast implants guide can offer a middle ground, allowing for volume tweaks post-surgery.
Long-Term Maintenance for 1400 cc Breast Implants
Large implants are not “set it and forget it” devices. The FDA recommends regular MRI screenings—starting three years after surgery and every two years thereafter—to check for “silent ruptures.” This is especially important for silicone gel.
Patients should also stay informed about BIA-ALCL, a rare but serious lymphoma associated with textured implants. While modern MemoryGel Enhance implants are designed with safety in mind, long-term vigilance is key. You can find more info about Mentor implants on their official site to stay up to date on manufacturer safety protocols.
The Recovery Process for High-Volume Augmentation
Recovery from 1400 cc breast implants is more intensive than a standard breast augmentation.
- The First Week: Expect significant tightness. You will likely need 5–7 days off work.
- Activity Restrictions: No heavy lifting (nothing over 15 lbs) for at least 4–6 weeks.
- Support: You will need to wear a medical-grade surgical bra 24/7 for several weeks to prevent the heavy implants from shifting or stretching the incisions.
Cost and Choosing the Right Surgeon
The cost of 1400 cc breast implants is typically higher than standard augmentation. This is due to the specialized nature of the implants (MemoryGel Enhance is a premium product) and the complexity of the surgery, which often takes longer and may require advanced techniques like an “internal bra” to support the weight.
When looking at breast augmentation cost, remember to factor in:
- Surgeon’s fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Post-surgery garments and medications
Because we believe everyone deserves to feel confident, we offer how much does breast augmentation surgery cost breakdowns and in-house financing options to help fit this investment into your budget.
Choosing a surgeon is the most critical decision you’ll make. You need someone who doesn’t just “do” breast implants, but someone who understands the physics of high-volume augmentation. A board-certified plastic surgeon with a deep portfolio of “before and after” photos for large-framed patients is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions about Large Implants
What is the largest FDA-approved silicone implant?
Currently, the Mentor MemoryGel™ Enhance is the largest, reaching up to 1445 cc. Before this, the limit was 800 cc.
Can 1400cc implants be used for cosmetic reasons?
While they were primarily approved for reconstruction post-mastectomy, they are used off-label for cosmetic purposes. However, many surgeons are cautious and will only perform this for patients who have “staged” their way up to that size to ensure the skin can handle the volume.
How do 1400cc implants affect mammograms?
Large implants can make mammograms more challenging. We typically recommend placing the implant behind the muscle (submuscular) to allow for better imaging, and you should always inform your radiologist so they can use specialized “displacement views.”
Conclusion
At the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas, we believe in providing options that reflect the diversity of women’s bodies and goals. Whether you are seeking symmetry after a difficult journey with breast cancer or you desire a bold, voluptuous aesthetic that standard implants simply can’t provide, 1400 cc breast implants represent a new frontier in plastic surgery.
Dr. Jeneby and our team in San Antonio and Austin are dedicated to patient safety above all else. We won’t just give you a size; we will give you a plan that protects your tissue, matches your frame, and helps you achieve the “wow” factor you’re looking for.
Ready to see if high-volume augmentation is right for you? Learn more about adjustable breast implants or schedule your personalized consultation with us today. Let’s build your dream silhouette together, safely and beautifully.
