34DD Implants too big? What is Biggest Size I Can Get?

How big is too big is subject to interpretation and
depends on a multitude of variables. Attempts to have extremely large breast
implants come with a series of compromises. Large breasts may lose their
material appearance and develop extreme upper breast fullness. In addition,
larger implants may be associated with higher risks and the increased potential
for complications. Although obtaining a 34DD is possible, it may involve a
series of tradeoffs. Without pictures and a physical examination it’s impossible
to know how significant these tradeoffs will be. In some cases, these
compromises may be acceptable because of the patient’s aesthetic goals. In
other cases when patients want harmony, balance, proportion, and a natural look,
these changes may be unacceptable.It’s therefore
important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. This surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses these issues.

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 let your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon know what your goals are.  Please follow their 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

I appreciate your questionAfter performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that the size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Implants that are wider than this can be more palpable, fall more laterally overtime and also be more palpable. After that we will then choose the implant volume based on the measurements and also looking at any asymmetries you might have. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other peoples bodies and your results will probably be different.Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured. Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak. Implants, indifferent projections. The easiest way to think about it is they called me in a low medium and high projection or profile. Most of the time I use the medium profile which gives people the best in terms of natural look as well as a little bit of projection. High profile implants are for someone that wants  A little bit more of a fuller look. Low profile implants are better for someone that really wants a minimal extremely natural augmentation. Depending upon the anatomic versus round implants there are also subtle differences  in terms of the amount of projection for each profile. During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.In order to limit pain from breast augmentation and speed the recovery process I offer patients Botox into their muscles as well as a long acting numbing medication called exparel. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr SchwartzBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon #RealSelf100Surgeon#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Try on sizers.  You will be able to tell which volume you like the best on your body.  Your perception of your body and your desires for size are personal.  After you have chosen a volume that you like, the surgeon can help you select an implant based on the dimensions of your breast.

There are several other factors that go into the decision other than your height and weight and include your amount of skin laxity, breast tissue , breast diameter, etc. I am attaching info about very large implants.

There are numerous increased risks associated with this, and I am sure I will not even touch on half of them, but consider the following.

The size of the implant has been associated with:

1.Increased risk of loss of nipple sensation
2.Increased risk for long term breast ptosis (sagging)
3.Increased risk for chest wall deformation (curving of the ribs)
4.Increased risk of rippling or palpable /visible creases
5.Increased risk of lower pole tissue attenuation (thinning of the tissues of the breast)
6.Increased risk of secondary revisionary procedures
These are a few of the risks off the top of my head. Please discuss with your surgeon.

Most importantly, remember that although you are seeking breast enlargement, many women present complaining of breast overgrowth desiring breast reduction. These women report limited physical activity, neck/back/shoulder pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, numbness in the fingers, rashes beneath the breasts, etc.

Many of these women feel significant relief with reductions as small as 300 cc yet you are considering adding twice that to your breasts. Think it over carefully.

I hope this helps.

Cup size is certainly in the eye of the beholder and your personal aesthetic is critical to the success of your surgery and important in you realizing your expectations.  However, keep in mind that the larger you go, the more your breasts will take on the look and feel of the implants and potentially appear less natural. 

That being said, while one of the more popular comments made by patients following breast augmentation is that they would have gone bigger most patients also realize that there is a tipping point or limit to how big they can actually go without losing the natural appearance of their breasts. 

My recommendation would be to speak with a local Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, discuss your goals and expectations with him/her, size with implants, and then proceed accordingly.  A good surgeon will listen to your goals but also educate you and try and point you in the right direction so that you can achieve the most optimal results.

I hope that helps!

Each patient has their own ideas about what constitutes "just right" and "unnatural and vulgar." Consultation with your plastic surgeon (or more than one) will allow measurements and recommendations. Your anatomy has to cooperate with your wishes, as no surgeon can avoid the laws of bio-physics! Having photographs of desired breast size (from the internet or adult magazines) helps your doctor decide what is available for your anatomy in conjunction with your wishes. Resist a doctor who tells you what you should "want," but also follow your doctor's advice regarding what is and is NOT possible. Some doctors will tell you what you want to hear, rather than what is the truth! Several consultations with experienced, board-certified (American Board of Plastic Surgery) plastic surgeons will help you decide who is giving good advice and who may not be! Best wishes!

Choosing the ideal breast size is like sizing clothes...you can go to either extreme of size but it won't look good. 

The problem with very large breast impants in a woman with a thin figure and not  a lot of her own breast tissue is that larger implants will lok overly rounded and unnatural.  Furthermore, damage or overstretching of the skin can cause some real breast deformities down the road that are really hard to fix.

A good plastic surgeon will measure and "size" you for your implants, and explain the range of choces that will get you looking your best.

How big can you go while still looking natural? The answer is different for everyone, depending on their body. Your doctor has to measure two things to answer this question.
Imagine lying on your back and drawing a circle around your breast. If you draw a line across that circle, it will be a given length. (The length of a circle is called a “diameter”.) This is a measurement that your plastic surgeon will take. The length of this area of your chest is called the “base width diameter” (BWD).
For women, the base width diameter ranges from 9.5 cm to 16.5 cm (3.75 inches to 6.5 inches). As you can see, there is a very wide range.
A smooth breast implant is circular, and has the same measurement as your BWD. So if your BWD is 12 cm, that tells us that your implant cannot be more than 12 cm. It won’t fit. So the BWD determines the max size of the implant, length-wise.
Then the question becomes, how much volume will this implant have? We’ve measured its length, now let’s measure how far out it will project. That projection is the Profile, which comes in low, moderate, full (high), extra full (extra high).
A moderate profile will fit into most women. For the implants with more volume, high and extra high, whether they will fit depends on how much your skin can stretch. The stretchiness of the skin is based on genetic factors, weight, age, and whether you have had children. A woman who has breastfed will have looser skin. That means it can be stretched further and have room for a high profile, if that is what she wants.
For the most part, the implant size and volume is limited by these two measurements: your base width diameter and how loose your skin is. It tells you how much you can max out on. As long as the breast implant is kept within these measurements, you will have a beautiful, natural look, even if you max out.
The “fake,” “top heavy” or “stripper” look happens when the patient wants an implant that is bigger than her measurements. If it does not fit her body, it will look unnatural. So as long as you stay within your measurements, you do not have to worry about looking fake.
I hope that answers your question on how big you can go. It’s great that you’re doing this research. I always say that the best patients are informed patients.
You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?
A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.
So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural.
Second, when you chose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small.
And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"
That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.
This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it.
Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Given the
measurements you provided, it’s safe to say that 34DD would likely be too big
for you, and they certainly wouldn’t look natural. While I understand that you
want to be desirable to your husband, it’s important that you get breast
implants because you truly want them for yourself. I recommend that you meet
with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine which implant sizes are
suitable for you. A surgeon can evaluate your frame, measurements and natural
breasts to suggest ideal implant sizes. You may also try on sizers to get a
sense of which implant size you prefer. Best of luck to you.