Will 300ccs bring a 32A to a 32C cup? (Silicone unders) 5'1" 99lbs

Thanks for your great question! Oftentimes those wanting breast implants are requesting a specific increase in cup size.  Your mind is envisioning cup sizes, while plastic surgeons are working with volumes of implants in cc’s. Unfortunately cup size and number of cc’s of volume in breast implants do not exactly correlate. This is because the potential cup size on an individual patient depends on a number of factors. This includes a person’s height and weight, breast shape, chest width, the way one wears their bra and likes it to fit, and other factors, some of which have to do with the properties of the implants chosen as well. 
For someone very petite like you, a 300 cc implant is quite large and is likely to get you to a C or D cup, particularly if your chest is narrow and you require a highly projecting implant. Obviously being seen and examined in person by a plastic surgeon can give you a more definitive response. 
In the office, we use sizers or visual simulations to give you an idea of what you’re going to look like and I highly recommend doing that. 

300 cc is probably the appropriate volume for your stated goal.  However, implant volume selection is not an exact science as there are too many variables that affect the final outcome. Your surgeon is your best resource and should be able to guide you in selecting the ideal size implant. 

Hello,Using bra cup sizes as a means of measuring or communicating breast size or breast size goals is unreliable and leads to disappointment and frustration for both the patient and surgeon. Bras are non-standardized in construction and the perception of fit and comfort is very subjective, varying from woman to woman. Further, there is no correlation between implant volume and bra cups. Combined, it is very unlikely a patient will actually get the bra they want. Despite this, it is still so common for women to ask these sorts of questions on Realself or in the plastic surgeon's office. My advice to you is to forget about bra sizes, and go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons who use biodimensional planning to determine maximum anatomic capacity and in office sizing to determine aesthetic goals. This will result in the selection of the correct implant from both a safety and satisfaction standpoint, with no mention or care of the actual bra size you will be wearing after surgery. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   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.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Dear sw2018,
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

and I love external sizers in helping my patients see what they will look like with certain volumes.  Use unlined bras and light colored camisoles to best illustrate what the potential outcome will be like.  I always add 10% to the volume of the sizer when choosing the implant as using the same sized implant as the sizer will result in a smaller than appreciated outcome.  My patients are my testament that this works despite what others say about external sizers... maybe they just need to learn how to adjust their selection process???

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, desired outcome, realistic expectations, a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing sit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant. 

There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The cups of a 32 C and a 36 C are significantly different. Cup size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular manufacturer. Nor is there a direct correlation between implant shape or size and cup size.

Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. 

Robert Singer, MD FACS 

La Jolla, California

Thank you for the question.   There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. For example, I do not think that the generalizations of "200 cc equates to 1 cup" hold any validity or are helpful in any specific or practical way.  In my practice, I ask patients not to communicate their goals, or evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed, based on cup size references.


Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.


 Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation 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. For example, 
I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C cup” etc may mean 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. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.


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.  In my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.


I hope this helps. Best wishes. 

Unfortunately, it is difficult to estimate potential cup sizes, as cup sizes vary significantly among bra manufacturers.  Ask your surgeon if you can try the implants on in a bra of the size you are considering (C cup).  This will be the best way to see if the implant size will achieve your intended goal.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.