32A to Full C Cup- How many CCs?

Dear Skippy86,

Because you have such a small frame, 300cc-350cc high profile implants sound about right for you. I would also suggest you request sub muscular placement, as this will give you a more natural look and decrease your chances of developing capsular contractures. Pls. be aware that given your small frame, a surgeon can only place as big an implant as your tissues will allow, so size can never be guaranteed. Having said this, 300cc-350cc implants should not pose a problem. Best wishes, Dr. H

This is a very common question. Deciding on the implant size is the most
difficult decision for women during the breast augmentation process.

First of all we tend to stress between implants sizes that are
very similar. The difference of 30cc is
very small and would be very difficult to notice (just for peace of mind). Also know that whatever size you decide on
breast augmentation patients are typically extremely happy!

I do think it is very important that the breast implant fit
your body. The benefit of this day and
age is that the different profiles allow your surgeon to match your desired
volume to your breast and desires. You don’t
want an implant that is too wide or it can make patients look heavier then they
truly are currently.

Spend time sizing with your surgeon. Trying implants on in the office gives you a
realistic idea of what you will look like after surgery. Patients are typically a little bit smaller
after the surgery then they appear when sizing implants. So if you are between to implant sizes I would
consider going with the bigger implant.

You can also bring pictures to your surgeon so they can help
guide you to what implant will help you achieve your goals. Also don’t get to fixated on a cup size, go
with what looks good to you when sizing with the implants.

Spend time with your board certified plastic surgeon to
discuss your implant choices.

I think you need to try sizers on and determine for yourself what volume you think looks best on you.  I think that high profile 360 would work.  The best way for you to pick is to see it on for yourself.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, bra sizes are not standardized, and a "full C cup" can mean a lot of different things. I bring a range of sizes of implants into the operating room, usually three different sets, and during surgery, I make the final decision of implant size, keeping in mind the patient's preferences. If I have a patient with similar preferences as yours, I would likely select the larger implant as long as the result doesn't look "unnatural", which is ultimately a slightly subjective judgement I make from experience in the operation room. Most of my patients want 250cc - 350cc implants. Not all surgeons bring in three sets of implants, but if your surgeon is willing to, then I would suggest bringing 275cc, 300cc, and 325cc.

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 300 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in a bit.

I use a technique called dimensional breast augmentation which involves taking in a number of factors and measurements, so each patient is unique. That being said, given your height, weight, and your activity level, along with the fact you are considering a lift, I would say you are probably not that far off in choosing an implant in that range. Best thing to do is to see a qualified plastic surgeon that has good breast expertise.

Hello! Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not correlate with bra cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory (e.g, implant type, incision, placement, lift, etc). I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant for your breast width. Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

         It’s virtually
impossible to make a decision about breast size without being able to perform a
physical examination. The transverse dimension of the chest for example, can’t
be determined from your pictures. If your chest is wide, you might need a
moderate plus implant with a wider base dimension. If your chest is narrow, you
might need a high profile implant with a narrow base.

         It’s impossible to
use this type of dimensional analysis without a physical examination and
measurements. Without an exam I’d be guessing, but I suspect that 300 to
350cc’s would be an appropriate range for you.

The best way I've found to decide on final implant size is to decide between 3-4 implants within your base width range.  I then have patient place these implants under a special sizing bra and put a t-shirt on over this.  The patient then tries several different implants within that range and chooses the one they like the most.  Make sure you are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Best,

In general , the larger the implants, the more "lateral " the pocket has to be to accomodate the implant. That is, the implants will move to the armpit more with larger implants.  Adjustable implants are great for small frames as you can place a small amount in , allow the skin to stretch and at three months, place more.  The "pocket " can be smaller.

If you dont want adjustable implants , then go with the sizes you have requested.

Happy Surgery!

Dr J

There are a lot of ways to determine implant size, and surgeons each have different ways of predicting this.  I feel it is very helpful to look at photos with patients to get an idea about what they are thinking (what they like and what they don't like), then in the operating room I can try different sizers and see what implant looks closest to the photos.  I try to estimate beforehand and have a tentative plan, like your surgeons have done, but then I fine-tune it in the operating room.  There are a lot of factors that go into which implant size (cc's) looks best - your frame, breast tissue, chest wall, symmetry... and there are many implant sizes and shapes to choose from.  I don't recommend getting hung up on the actual number of cc's or the cup size (different bra companies fit differently) - just use these as a starting point for communication and be sure you feel comfortable with your surgeon and that he or she is on the same page and understands what your goals are.