How Many Cc's of Breast Implants to Get D Cups?

Your question is one that we see at least twice a week on Real Self. The thing is, we are stuck with this inadequate language to describe breast size called the cup system, introduced by the Warner Bros. Corset Company in the 1930's, when social customs forbade a more accurate and direct measurement of the breast. The cup is determined as much by the size of the chest, the shape of the rib cage, and the bra manufacturer as much as the volume of the breast, not to mention trying to predict final size by adding the existing breast together with the implant. My suggestion is to ignore the cup and try on implant samples until you find the size that just looks and feels right.

First you need to try sizers on.  You will get a sense of what the implants will look like and can choose the right volume for you.  Depending on how much breast tissue you already have, you will need to estimate how much will be required to get you to a D.  Then you go shop for bras to see what will fit.  We know what should work, but bras are all made differently.

is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast C cup breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the link below.

Hello! Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not correlate with bra cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory (e.g, implant type, incision, placement, lift, etc). I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant for your breast width. Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

One of the most important
decisions facing breast augmentation patients is the size of breast implants
that will be used. Most patients are striving for harmony, balance and
proportion with the surrounding anatomic structures. Typically, they want a
natural look with some fullness in the upper breast area.

 

         Most patients tend
to speak in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, cup size is not always helpful
because manufacturers of bras label their products differently and women don’t
always wear their bras the same way. In other words, some women wear their bras
snuggly, while others wear them loosely. This creates communication problems
when talking cup size.

 

         In an effort to
determine breast size in a more objective manner, I utilize external silicone
sizers and the Vectra 3D computer imaging system. These systems help patients
visualize what their breasts will look like with a specific sized implant.
Patients find this to be extremely helpful.

 

         The ability to
visualize your projected surgical result alleviates much of the anxiety
associated with this procedure. It’s important to remember that final
adjustments in the size of breast implants will ultimately be made in the
operating room based on anatomic considerations. 

It is very easy to be confused by this measuring system. Cup sizes are only used as estimates for clothing. Although the measuring technique for determining cup size is precise, the results of these measurements are not. Let me give you an example; weight is a very accurate measurement. However two patients that weigh 120 lbs are not likely to look alike. The same is true with two patients that have C cup breasts. This is why physicians tend to use volume (cubic centimeters or cc) as a more accurate measurement. Note: If you are trying to figure out what breast implant size you want to obtain, you can try the szing tool available through b4bra.com or read the articles about measuring there.

Size is a complex decision that is not only based upon your height, weight and current cup/bra size but ALSO on also on your breast diameter, waist, shoulder, and skin envelope measurements. These can only be assessed in person during a consultation. A good place to start is using my "Find your perfect size" tool listed in the left hand column of my bodysculptor.com home page. Another good place to look is the searchable database section of the physicians' photos on implantinfo.com. Best of luck.