I'm a 34C and want to be a 38D. I am 5'2 and 135lbs. What size implants should I get?

What size implant should I get? That is the number one question asked by patients. Fortunately it can be easily answered after initial examination. There are special sizers made that can be tried inside a sizing bra that can show what the result may look like in 3 to 6 months after surgery. It takes time for the breast implants to drop in place and look natural. If you just use standard implants in a sizing bra, the breast will appear larger and rounder than the final result. The answer is to use these specially made sizers that when placed in a sizing bra will show what the result will be like after healing is complete. That is only part of the answer next the profile of th implant needs to be deiced on. The profile will depend on many factors such as weight , chest width and final look you are expecting.

This is a very commonly asked question for patients and in general the implant size really is dependent upon several factors including the patient's chest wall base diameter, amount of breast tissue, whether the patient has breast ptosis, and the degree of skin elasticity. These are all important in determining the new breast size and shape. These all must be taken into consideration when doing a breast augmentation. It is highly recommended that you see a plastic surgeon that understands these parameters in breast augmentation.

Your question shows a common misunderstanding in bra sizing:  the first number (34 or 38) represents your rib cage measurement.  This would stay the same after breast augmentation surgery, unless you gain or lose a bunch of weight.  So, if you are a 34 band - that will stay the same.

The cup size is what will change.  If you want to up one cup size (34C to 34D), that would be a fairly conservative implant.  I like to use a dimensional sizing system and fit the width of the implant to the width of your breast...so I'd have to examine & measure you to help pick out the correct size implant for you.

To chose the best implant size for you, you should try out different sizers or get a 3D scan that simulates the results of a breast augmentation.  In our practice we have both options but I find using sizers simpler and easier.  Talk to your plastic surgeon or get additional opinions if you wish.

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD

A number of factors are important in determining which implant size is appropriate to achieve the look you want. Looking at before and after photos of patients with similar breast size, shape and of similar height and weight is a good start. This is then combined with chest measurements to determine the most ideal implant dimensions and the trying on of implant sizers, which will give a reasonable approximation of the appearance of various volumes.