Is a 330 Cc or 360 Cc Implant Right for Me?

Thank you for your question.  Cup size can be a funny thing.  It's mostly based on projection.  It can also depend on how much breast tissue you had to begin with. Figuring out the cc's is often based on your base width, (how wide your breast is).  Some Plastic Surgeons will uses sizers at time of surgery, but we are all different.  There used to be standardization, but that went away.  It can depend on what style of bra you wear.  They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months.  One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through various changes.  Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please let them know your thoughts and concerns.  
Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal 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 330 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.

In my office I like to use 3D images of each patient to superimpose implants of different sizes to make certain they are comfortable with the size.Also if you place the implant sizes in a bra on yourself, you will get a really good idea about how it will look. Once the implant is actually in, it will look only slightly smaller than it did when placed in a bra. One way the computer imaging helps is that you would see that there is barely a difference between 330 and 360 for example. If you like the way the 330 looks in a bra, get the 360.

Yes, your surgeon's recommendation for 330 cc or 360 cc is a reasonable recommendation to meet your objective of moving from B to C cup. Yes, you will lose some projection when placed under the muscle. The size of the implants are based on a combination of a patient's goals
and objectives and her anatomy. In order to provide a natural looking
augmentation, the surgeon needs to evaluate many factors including soft
tissue coverage, skin laxity, chest wall width, breast imprint width,
the shape of the breasts and relative level of constriction to ensure
that the breast implants are appropriate for your body.

Yes, you will lose some of the projection of the 360 by going under your muscle.  In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements and characteristics.  Unfortunately, there is not a general rule of thumb or objective criteria to implant selection.

Your plastic surgeon will perform several measurements of your chest wall and breast anatomy and determine a range of implants that both fit your chest wall and reach your desired goals.
The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor.   The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant.   It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you.
I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.
Dr. Gill

There is a very small difference between the two sizes you are talking about. The difference is 3 mm. The smaller of the two is the more natural look if properly sized.

I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:

1.Dimensional planning

2.Gel Implant Sizing system

Dimensional planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can review this with you during the consultation.

Gel Implant Sizing system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural fuller look.  If you have decided on saline implants, then based on the gel sizer you select, we can guide you to the saline implant that achieves a similar look.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Basu
Houston, TX

Both these implants are similar enough in size that it would be hard to see much difference. 

I have patients try on implants as part of the planning process. The implants look a bit bigger on top of the breast than the same size implanted. My general rule is to use an implant about 10% larger that the size that looks good in trials. 

So if the 330 looked OK, I would expect a 360 to have that look, approximately. 

I would also say that the patients who are a bit smaller than they would have liked are by-in-large pleased. Those who are larger that they would have liked are asking for surgery for smaller implants.

Thanks for your question. Consider another visit to and discussion with your surgeon before making a final decision. Best wishes. 

Thank you for the question.
 As you can imagine, despite your good description of body type and goals, it is not possible to give you precise  advice online.
The best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery is:


1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully.  Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you're looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.



2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals  with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining  breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural”  or “full C” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.



3.  Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly,  allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery.




I hope this helps.

Both implants will be noticeable augmentations and probably satisfy your goal to go up a bra cup size. If you are concerned about being too big, then choose the smaller size. There is no shame in choosing the smaller implant, and smaller implants tend to look more natural. Ask your surgeon if there is a technical reason why you need a larger implant.

Your plastic surgeon gave you a range, so he/she probably thinks you will be happy with either, so you can't go wrong. Enjoy.