Breast Implant Size to Achieve Full D Cup?

Question

I'm having round smooth saline breast implants placed in 2 weeks and am confused on size. I am 5'4" 130 lbs and currently have 36 B breast. I was 36 C prior to children. My shoulders are wide at 18" and breast diameter 14 cm. I want to go to a full D cup and thought 450 cc would accomplish it (under the muscle). I liked the 400 cc sizers. My doctor said he may have to use 500cc and I'm concerned that it will be too large and weigh my breasts down too much. I currently do not need a lift. On the other hand, I don't want to go too small and be unhappy.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  In my practice, the use of photographs of &ldquo;goal&rdquo; pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as &ldquo;natural&rdquo; or &ldquo;C cup&rdquo; or "fake looking" 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.
	I use  intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allow me to select the press implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high-profile) that would most likely achieve the patient's goals. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.
	I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.
	By the way, the most common regret after this operation, is &ldquo;I wish I was bigger&rdquo;.
	I hope this helps.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

SEE VIDEO FOR SIZING TECHNIQUE:
In reality 450 to 500cc does not represent a significant difference and if 500 is too big then so will 450cc. However, if 450cc is too small, then 500cc may be too small.
I would highly recommend that you stick with your sizing preferences. If you liked 400 then 450cc is an appropriate size. Try on a 450 sizer and if that is too big for you (correlates with a 500cc under the muscle implant), then inform your surgeon and he/she will not use this.
There are sizing techniques such as the rice test or zip lock or water filled  condom or commericially sizers.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

For your given measurements, I think that about 400-450 cc would accomplish your goals. However, with a wider breast diameter of 14cm, you may need to go with a slightly larger, lower (moderate) profile implant.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

The larger the implant, the higher the risk of complications.  In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements and characteristics.  Unfortunately, there is not a general rule of thumb or objective criteria to implant selection.

	Your plastic surgeon will perform several measurements of your chest wall and breast anatomy and determine a range of implants that both fit your chest wall and reach your desired goals.
	The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor.   The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant.   It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you.
	I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.
	Dr. Gill

Nina S. Naidu, MD, FACS · Answer

I completely agree with my colleagues; bra cup sizing is extremely variable.  Your best option is to stick with the size of implant that you liked in the office.  Discuss this with your surgeon and remind him or her that you want to be on the larger side.  Most surgeons do bring a few sizes into the OR and use what they think will achieve the patient's goals while preserving the integrity of the tissue.  Good luck with your new look! /nsn

Breast Implant Size to Achieve Full D Cup?

Answers (10)

Answer: Implant Selection Process

Answer: Implant Selection Process

Answer: Breast implant sizing

Answer: Breast implant sizing

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Breast Implant Size to Achieve Full D Cup?

Answers (10)

Answer: Implant Selection Process

Answer: Implant Selection Process

Answer: Breast implant sizing

Answer: Breast implant sizing

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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.