Are 550cc implants too small if wanting to achieve a D cup & would high or moderate profile implants give me a larger look?

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

I hope all is going well with your cancer treatment. I believe 600 mL implants are appropriate. That's the average size I place in most women. Your plastic surgeon should have various sizes of up to 800 mL to make sure that you get the appropriate implant for your height and frame. I always use high profile implants. This is unlike cosmetic breast surgery. In reconstruction you're not only adding volume but you're replacing breast tissue high-profile implants do that nicely.Best wishes.Earl Stephenson Jr. MD DDS FACS

Thanks for your question. The limit of volume expansion is affected by the pocket and quality of the overlying skin. Your plastic surgeon will be able to tell you if there is still more room available. If it borderline, you can always give it more time. Best of Luck!

these kind  of  modern implants  with lower weight, high projection and less volume  looks  like a 600cc vol.  with only a 350 cc filling dued  to higheer projection ( different shape)

How big do you want to be?  If a capsulotomy or capsulectomy is done at the time of the exchange, a 600cc implant will look considerably smaller that a TE filled to 600cc. I personally like HP implants in most reconstructions. A common complaint with reconstructed breasts is the lack of central projection. HP's or super HP's are the best way to achieve this, but this can make filling in the periphery a challenge.

Choosing the right impalt for you really requires a physical exam. Second, I always ask my patients at what volume  point in the fill process do they like the best. I then choose an implant with that volume in  mind.

The size of implant used for breast reconstruction will vary depending upon your size and shape.  At 5'7" and `180 pounds a 550 cc impalnt may be too small, just not able to give an accurate answer without more information, examination and photos.  

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful.   Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering  breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) 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 are 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  “natural” or "D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.
 The use of computer imaging technology may also be very helpful during this communication process.

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 (after the use of temporary sizers assessed with you in the upright position).
I hope this (and the attached link, devoted to larger looks) helps.