350 vs. 385cc high profile implant. What would give me a full C cup?

Question

I’m getting Sientra high profile implants but can’t decide size. I‘m a 32B and would like to be a full C. The 350 on me was perfect but my doctor said even though I have a petite frame, I have wide breasts and the implant would pull to my side leaving a gap between my boobs. If I went 385, it would give more cleavage and mitigate that gap, but I would probably be a D. I don’t want a weird gap and there seems to be minimal difference between the two but “D” just sounds so huge. Help!

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question and in my opinion the difference between 350 cc and 385 cc is pretty subtle and I would be surprised if it would change you bra size and entire cup.  We usually will base implant options on a number of factors including the patient's goals/wishes, their breast base width and their overall frame, and I typically ask my patients to aim for a certain look instead of a certain cup size-- in the end we want you to have the look you want.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon so they can better help guide and inform you.  Great question and best of luck!

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ayame19,breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Your concern is justified. However, the ideal implant size and style is determined by measuring your current chest diameter and your nipple to crease distance; These distances are then compared to the implant diameter and radius you are considering. This is all done during your breast sizing consultation which is the most critical step to ensuring perfect breast mound size, nipple position, and cleavage gap.

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings, 
You, the patient, are best equipped to select an implant you will be happy with. The simplest way for you to possibly envision where your breast size is heading before your proposed surgery would be to obtain  Sientra 350 and  385cc high profile sizers and place them in a C cup bra that fits you (the style and manufaturer you like). Perhaps your plastic surgeon can help you with this endeavor. 
Take some photos both front and side views in your favorite shirt and look at them at home side by side on your computer.  The issue of a wide sternum may not be overcome with placement of the implants centrally beneath your existing breasts.  You should discuss all of your concerns with your surgeon prior to surgery.
Hope these thoughts are helpful. 
Best Regards,

350 vs. 385cc high profile implant. What would give me a full C cup?

Answers (7)

Answer: Trying to figure out the ideal implant size

Answer: Trying to figure out the ideal implant size

Answer: 350 vs. 385cc high profile implant.

Answer: 350 vs. 385cc high profile implant.

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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350 vs. 385cc high profile implant. What would give me a full C cup?

Answers (7)

Answer: Trying to figure out the ideal implant size

Answer: Trying to figure out the ideal implant size

Answer: 350 vs. 385cc high profile implant.

Answer: 350 vs. 385cc high profile implant.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.