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How Do I Choose Which Implant Size is Right for Me?

asked 8 months ago by beyondhelen91 in Miami, FL
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 314 times
Tags: cc, implant size

Hello, I'm 5'2 and weigh 118 pounds. I just had my consultation and my surgery is scheduled in two months. I'm currently a small B/A and would like to be C. My doctor recommended 350cc for a medium C. I don't know whether i should go medium C or full C. I want to look natural yet full without being too over the top. Should i go medium C or full C?

16 answers to How Do I Choose Which Implant Size is Right for Me?

Choosing the right size in breast augmentation

UNfortunately, a 'C-cup' is a rather meaningless statement as it just refers to the difference in chest wall circumference below the breast and on top of the breast. Most women wear a cup size too big and a number measurement too small so this adds even more to the confusion. The right size breast size for each patient has a lot more to do with their chest wall dimensions and the width of the goal breasts. you should select one wide enough to fill out your breasts.... more

Rian Maercks, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Choosing breast implant size

I never use bra "cup size" as a way of estimating breast size. Bra manufacturers are all different and one company's "C cup" is different from another. When I see patients in consultation I always do a seried of measurments in order to correlate the patient's chest wall anatomy with the size of the implant. In addition, we allow patients to "try on" implants at their consultation in a special bra to get a sense of what they like. In addition,... more

James F. Boynton, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Size is often a hard decision

I often see ladies in consultation who do not know what size they want to be. They know they want implants but are not sure what size they want to be. Trying on sizers, wearing rice sizers, and looking at photographs are all useful. I would highly suggest looking at photos of breasts on ladies similar in size to you so that you can decide what you like. You then need to communicate with your surgeon your goals. Often showing him/her photos of your desired... more

Evan Sorokin, MD
Cherry Hill Plastic Surgeon

How to choose breast implant size

My preferred method of selecting implant size has to do with first taking careful patient measurements then using 3D imaging software which simulates what a patient may look before surgery. This technology is very accurate and takes a lot of the guesswork out of which implant to choose. You can also try some breast implants on in a bra in your plastic surgeon's office to help decide. Best wishes, Dr.Bruno

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Choosing your implant size

Thank you for your question. The more breast surgery I do, the more I realize that clear communication with your plastic surgeon is important in achieving the desired goals of the patient. I like to communicate with patients with “goal” pictures. During surgery, I use temporary sizers to determine the size/profile that will give the patient the look she is looking for. Trying to predict the size of the implant preoperatively is not ideal. I think it is too... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

How To Choose The Best Breast Implant Size.

Dear Beyondhelen91: ( A link and a video are available by clicking "more" below. ) Choosing the best implant size will depend on your breast size before augmentation and your desired size afterwards. Doing your homework and knowing what size you want to be is the first step. Once you know, you need to communicate this to your surgeon. Bring pictures of the size you desire. Buy a bra your desired size and stuff it to your ideal volume - zip-lock bags filled with rice can... more

Joseph Mele, MD
Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon

Medium or full "C"

It is so hard to size patients up for a specific bra cup size because the volume of implants do not correspond exaclty to the cup. In fact, bra companies do not have the same standards for designing the cup.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Best Breast Implant Size Depends on You

It is important that when choosing a breast implant size you as the patient take an active role in the decision. The best size for each patient is different depending on your body size, shape, measurements and how much larger you desire to be. Step 1 Consultation with the Plastic Surgeon Be as clear as possible about how large you would like to be. Many women ask for a medium or full C-cup. If you are not sure the plastic surgeon will help you... more

David L. Mobley, MD
Sarasota Plastic Surgeon

sarasotaplasticsurgery.com

Breast implant sizing issues

This is indeed one of the most common questions and most common problems in cosmetic breast augmentation. The reason is that there is no objective or defined way to measure breast volume before or after surgery, 3D software notwithstanding. There is also a difference in the question of how to increase by a certain amount and what endpoint or goal size is best for the patient. The patient has to decide the latter for herself but the fitting and size increase is best done by thinking in terms... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Sizing breast implants.

Choosing the implant that its your body and meets your goals requires an examination and thorough discussion. There is never a guarantee of "cup" size when it comes to implants. This is mainly due to the fact that there is no standard between manufacturers of bras. A 'C' cup for one company may be a 'D' for another. There are several ways to "try out" implants in the office in order to get a clearer idea of what you can expect following surgery. You did... more

David Bogue, MD
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

There is no formula for cup size

Since you are fairly petite you might be surprised when getting fitted after your surgery. There is no formula that says a 350 cc implant will get you to a c cup and no larger. At a famous bra store that starts with a V the cups are narrower meaning that you will need a larger cup size there than at the foundations department in a clothing store. I let my patients choose their implant size. I don't reccomend the size but I help them try on sizers before the... more

Phillip C. Haeck, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.faceliftseattle.com

Medium c or full c

This is always a tough question.what is a full C ?I don't know.I guess you could take a bra whose size you like and put a 330 cc implant in to see if it gives you the size you want.It is not exact but an idea.

Robert Brueck, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

www.beauty-by-brueck.com

Choosing the right implant size for breast augmentation

Choosing the right implant size: What is your chest size? 1. 32 a/b to a 32 c only requires about 275 to 300 cc of volume.. 2. 32 requires less volume than 34, 3. 34 needs less than 36 4. Moderate or standard implants are wider than Plus 5. Plus are wider than High profile 6. Saline implants can be adjusted somewhat

Jed H. Horowitz, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Choosing Implant Size

You will want to have as much input in the size of your breast implants as you can. Your plastic surgeon will have experience that you lack, so it is important that you communicate well with your surgeon. Bra sizes do not work well since there is no standardization of sizes in the garment industry. Photographs can show your surgeon what you idealize. Trying on sizers can get you in the ball park of the best size for you. Have your surgeon discuss profile types and specifics for your body. Be... more

Mary Lee Peters, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.maryleepetersmd.com

Picking the right breast implants for you is part of the plastic surgeon's responsibility.

Hi. 1) This is the most common type of question on RealSelf. 2) It is the surgeon's job to pick the right breast implants, not the patient's. Implant selection is really pretty technical. 3) Make sure your surgeon REALLY understands the look you want. Mentioning a cup size is not enough. Show your surgeon pictures of breasts you like. 4) Then your surgeon has to tell you if your chosen look is realistic for your anatomy. The most common... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Simple approximations!

Rule 1 - 200 cc's is about one cup size. Rule 2- The rice test can help achieve the proper size but typically requires 10% larger volume. For instance, if you like 300cc's with a rice test, then ask your doctor for 330 cc's. Rule 3- implant diameter is as important as volume to achieve the desired look.