34A, Wanting a Full C/small D. How Many Ccs?

Of all the questions asked by patients about breast augmentation surgery, this is the most important one.  25% of patients are not happy with the size implant they and the doctor have chosen when implant "Sizers" are not used.

It is important to look at photos together as to what your goals are first.  Then a long discussion about what size you really want to be now, and in 10 years.  Because they may be different.  Do not fall in love with the number of cc's, but the look you want.

I have patient put on a soft cotton bra on and place implants in the bra until you look the way you want and fits your body - the harmony of the shapes and curves.  In the OR we use sterile sizers in the breast pocket until we find the same look for you.  Then we put that size implant in.

   At 200 cc per cup size, to go from medium A to small D, you may need a little more than 400 cc, possibly 475 cc to 500 cc.  The best thing to do is try these implant sizes on to get an idea.  Bra sizes have so much variability.

You have a fairly broad breast base width from your description and therefore will be able to accommodate a larger implant whilst maintaining a natural look. You may also see slightly less effect with the implants under your muscle so I think around 400 is about right. In my office I use sizers with a non- padded bra, worn with a white and then a black top to give an idea of the influence clothing makes to breast size appearance.

Impossible to give accurate estimate for you personally, but historically in my practice, someone your size would end up with a C cup using 325-375cc, but would need 425cc+ to get to D cup. 

I think trying implants on at the office pre-operatively helps considerably.

Just curious, but what is the cost of breast augmentation in your location?

Determining a certain breast size by CC's is not an exact science, but there are many ways to estimate and recommend a particular volume. It all starts with an appropriate physical examination of your current breast volume and chest anatomy. You should consult with a PS in your area and see if they have a volume sizing system like I have in my office. Best wishes on your cup search - Dr. Aldo.

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

Thanks for your question. It raises several good points. While bra size is a fair starting point to describe your goals, do NOT use it as a yardstick of success. All bra companies are different, and if you are set on being a "Full C" you will certainly be disappointed when you find a bra that isn't labeled as such that fits you. Rather, judge your outcome by how you look in the mirror.  We use pre-op sizers for you to try on during your consultation, this is a VERY helpful tool to show the surgeon exactly the size you want to be. Based on this information, the surgeon can select the best implant for you-- and you will then know the "cc's" required to get you to your goal. Good luck!

It is difficult to predict the final cup size from the volume of implant. Each bra company is a bit different so the cups may vary.

To go from an A to a full C usually requires 350-375 cc's, so a small D would require 400-425 cc's.  Hope this helps.

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 “very natural”  or “full C, small D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on 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.