I'm getting a breast lift with 350cc implants, currently I wear 34C or 32D bras, what bra size will 350cc give me? (Photo)

Question

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation with a lift.  350cc seems like a reasonable size for you.  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

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. 
With regards to your specific question, cup size is impossible to predict. VS has greater than a 60% market share. However, they are notorious for upsizing relative to the competition. Thus 350 cc will represent a different cup size in different garments.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.

Generally speaking, patients undergoing the breast augmentation/lifting combination operation should understand that it is significantly more complex than breast augmentation surgery only and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of complications and need for additional surgery.

Also, patients undergoing the combination breast augmentation/lifting surgery should understand that there are limits as to how large of an outcome can be achieved, given that breast lifting surgery does involve breast skin removal. On the one hand, breast augmentation surgery is expanding the breast skin “envelope” while breast lifting is (by definition) tightening up the breast skin envelope. These 2 forces are counteracting each other.

In my practice, "tailor tacking" is an important part of the mastopexy and mastopexy/augmentation procedure. It involves TEMPORARY  closure of the skin (for example with temporary skin staples)  to double check the amount of skin that is to be excised during the procedure. This maneuver is done to ensure that enough skin, but not too much, is removed. On the one hand, it is important that enough skin be removed to achieve the aesthetic breast lifting results the patient is looking for; on the other hand, is important not to move too much skin creating tension upon closure and potential wide scars.
 
Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting 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. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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 "C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.

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. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.
Best wishes.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32 or 34,
each 100 cc corresponds to 1 cup size change. 
With 350 cc implants, you would go from a C to a DDD.  Most likely this will not be successful.  From your photograph, your breasts are
already drooping.  The technique I recommend
is The Bellesoma Method.  This technique
will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants,
elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your
cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided,
nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  At the same time or later, fat transfers can
be performed if additional volume is desired. 
                      Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

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 DD -DD+ and a 36 DD-DD+ are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer. There is also no direct correlation between an implant size or
shape and resultant 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

I'm getting a breast lift with 350cc implants, currently I wear 34C or 32D bras, what bra size will 350cc give me? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: The Bellesoma Method

Answer: The Bellesoma Method

Answer: Breast implant size - bra size

Answer: Breast implant size - bra size

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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I'm getting a breast lift with 350cc implants, currently I wear 34C or 32D bras, what bra size will 350cc give me? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: The Bellesoma Method

Answer: The Bellesoma Method

Answer: Breast implant size - bra size

Answer: Breast implant size - bra size

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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