Is 385CC enough to get me to a D cup? 5'2, 140-150lbs? (photos)

Hello,
Thank you for the question and the photos.
Implant size discussion and implant selection is one of the most important steps during your consultation with plastic surgeon. The decision-making process depends on patient’s desires, as well as breast and soft tissue dimensions of your chest wall. I also utilize Vectra 3D planning to further help with implant selection.
Based on your photos, 350-400cc range size implant will likely give you a nice full cleavage that you desire.
There is also very small difference in size between 385cc and 415cc breast implant in terms of final breast appearance and result.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon in order to discuss your goals and concerns for the best cosmetic results. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

At size 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. You would only need 200 cc implants to go to size D. What is more important is the lift. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Affectionate50703,
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

Good morning,
the 385cc sounds about right and should give you that look, but there is another variable in play- ask your PS how much tissue they plan/anticipate removing during the lift- is it equivalent to 25cc? 50cc? 100cc? That can totally change the size of the implants necessary to give you your goal size and look. In my practice I would have this discussion preop- so you like the 355cc sizer- that means you need 385cc to achieve that look, BUT if we remove 30cc of skin and tissue then you really need the 415cc implant to make up the difference. So then I take multiple different implants to the O.R. to be prepared for what may need to be used, with the patient's consent of course. Lifts make sizing more difficult and have to be a little more open-ended size-wise to achieve the best possible size and look!

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs. Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing additional board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. If I were choosing between your sizes I would do the 385. Best wishes!

If you thought the 415 cc implant was too large, then go down in size. If you thought the 355 was a little small, then you will probably love 385 cc's.

the difference between 385 and 415 cc on your body is smaller than you think, and the 385 cc will likely look good on your frame. Hard to know if it will be a "D" cup as that varies by manufacturer, but it should be something in that range. I think you'll be very happy. Good luck!

Thank you for the photographs and for asking great questions. Many women share your concerns with regards to selecting the "right" breast implant sizes for them.
However - and I tell this to ALL of my breast augmentation, breast reduction breast lift, and breast reconstruction patients - one CANNOT guarantee cup size with breast surgery. In the year 2021, it simply is not possible, and many of us plastic surgeons (myself included) have this language included in our informed consent paperwork. This is an important discussion a well-qualified plastic surgeon should be having with you in consultation and pre-operatively to make sure expectations are appropriately met.
For starters, at least in the United States, bra sizing is TERRIBLE and not an accurate reflection of breast VOLUME. This is an important distinction. While we plastic surgeons make a VERY gross estimate of cup size as it pertains to volume - by estimating ~120 cc per cup size change - this is not particularly accurate, as breast density can differ greatly between individuals and even between breasts in the SAME individual. Even intraoperatively, when we use sizers, those sizers can differ significantly from the final implant selected and implanted. We take as many measures as we can to avoid "buyer's remorse", and I would say most breast augmentation patients come away happy with their procedures (assuming no major complications), but it is an imperfect science.
Breast sizers and sometimes the use of breast imaging (Vectra, Illusio, Crisalix, etc.) are useful adjuncts to help you achieve the right "look" to your augmented breasts. But again, no protocol or system is absolutely perfect. If, with sizers, you found a range (emphasis on the word "range") with which you were happy, then you should trust your plastic surgeon - assuming he or she has the right credentials - to help you meet your goals. Managing patient expectations is a critical aspect in achieving those goals.
Seek out a Board-Certified plastic surgeon comfortable tacking all sorts of breast aesthetic issues whenever possible, to ensure you undergo the procedure safely. Assuming your current surgeon fits the bill, then please try to have some faith in the game plan with which he or she has offered to you. It will also be beneficial to you for your own mental health! :-)