D Cup Possible After Breast Reconstruction with Expanders?

Question

I've been diagnosed with multifocal, high grade DCIS which requires a mastectomy. I have always been very busty (34DD at age 15 and 34F now). Is it possible to be a D cup after breast reconstruction with expanders?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Although this is possible, it really depends on the extent of the skin sparing mastectomy and adequacy of soft tissue coverage over the implant. Achieving a D cup may require a larger final implant that will likely be associated with a higher rate of complications. In this instance you may want to consider the autogenous tissue reconstruction or you may (not YOUR first choice)  want to contemplate a reduction on the opposite side to diminish the size of your implant on the reconstructed side.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It is most likely possible to achieve what you desire as it sounds like you have a lot of skin to work with.  It is also very important whom does you mastectomy and how it is done.  So dont take the mastectomy part for granted.
Tissue expander reconstruction is a common type of breast reconstruction, one that I do a lot of, but it is not without risks.  So you must be aware and take caution.
Good luck.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Hi,
It's possible to achieve a very large cup size with breast tissue expanders, but the largest possible size varies from patient-to-patient.  The need for postoperative radiation, the thickness of the breast skin after mastectomy, and the total amount of skin removed all contribute to the final volume that can be achieved.  Sometimes, additional skin and soft tissue (i.e a flap) will be added to the implant to add volume.
Even if you can achieve a size match with the contralateral breast, symmetry between a breast reconstructed with an implant and a natural breast is very difficult to achieve without either a breast lift or a breast reduction on the side without cancer.  All natural breasts, particularly large ones, develop a certain degree of ptosis (droop) over time; breasts reconstructed with implants don't droop.  Without a procedure to raise the breast, symmetry won't really be achieved.
Hope this helps.  All the best.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Given that  you already have 34F breasts, it will be possible to have D cup size breasts after reconstruction.  You will have enough skin to drape over the tissue expander/implant. Also, your chest circumference (34) is not too large.  A 500-600cc implant may give you 34D breast.   Silicone implants come as large as 800cc; saline implants can be larger.  However, silicone implants do feel more natural and softer than saline implants.  For reconstructive patients who have thin mastectomy skin following mastectomy, I usually recommand using silicone implants.  The beauty of implant-based reconstruction is that as you go through the expansion process, you can see how big/small you want to go for implant.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends on your anatomy.  In addition, there is a limitation with respect to the projection you can achieve with the FDA approved Silicone Gel Implants.   Additional projection can be achieved with a saline implant, but there will definitely be more rippling through your thin mastectomy skin.   Remember, this is reconstruction and your PS will do his/her best to try to meet your goals.  But there are definitely limitations of what can be achieved.

D Cup Possible After Breast Reconstruction with Expanders?

Answers (10)

Answer: Yes it is possible.

Answer: Yes it is possible.

Answer: What size can be achieved with implant reconstruction

Answer: What size can be achieved with implant reconstruction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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D Cup Possible After Breast Reconstruction with Expanders?

Answers (10)

Answer: Yes it is possible.

Answer: Yes it is possible.

Answer: What size can be achieved with implant reconstruction

Answer: What size can be achieved with implant reconstruction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

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