How Many Cc's of Breast Implants to Get D Cups?

Your question is one that we see at least twice a week on Real Self. The thing is, we are stuck with this inadequate language to describe breast size called the cup system, introduced by the Warner Bros. Corset Company in the 1930's, when social customs forbade a more accurate and direct measurement of the breast. The cup is determined as much by the size of the chest, the shape of the rib cage, and the bra manufacturer as much as the volume of the breast, not to mention trying to predict final size by adding the existing breast together with the implant. My suggestion is to ignore the cup and try on implant samples until you find the size that just looks and feels right.

is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast C cup 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 350 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 the link below.

First you need to try sizers on.  You will get a sense of what the implants will look like and can choose the right volume for you.  Depending on how much breast tissue you already have, you will need to estimate how much will be required to get you to a D.  Then you go shop for bras to see what will fit.  We know what should work, but bras are all made differently.

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!

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

One of the most important
decisions facing breast augmentation patients is the size of breast implants
that will be used. Most patients are striving for harmony, balance and
proportion with the surrounding anatomic structures. Typically, they want a
natural look with some fullness in the upper breast area.

 

         Most patients tend
to speak in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, cup size is not always helpful
because manufacturers of bras label their products differently and women don’t
always wear their bras the same way. In other words, some women wear their bras
snuggly, while others wear them loosely. This creates communication problems
when talking cup size.

 

         In an effort to
determine breast size in a more objective manner, I utilize external silicone
sizers and the Vectra 3D computer imaging system. These systems help patients
visualize what their breasts will look like with a specific sized implant.
Patients find this to be extremely helpful.

 

         The ability to
visualize your projected surgical result alleviates much of the anxiety
associated with this procedure. It’s important to remember that final
adjustments in the size of breast implants will ultimately be made in the
operating room based on anatomic considerations. 

It is very easy to be confused by this measuring system. Cup sizes are only used as estimates for clothing. Although the measuring technique for determining cup size is precise, the results of these measurements are not. Let me give you an example; weight is a very accurate measurement. However two patients that weigh 120 lbs are not likely to look alike. The same is true with two patients that have C cup breasts. This is why physicians tend to use volume (cubic centimeters or cc) as a more accurate measurement. Note: If you are trying to figure out what breast implant size you want to obtain, you can try the szing tool available through b4bra.com or read the articles about measuring there.

Size is a complex decision that is not only based upon your height, weight and current cup/bra size but ALSO on also on your breast diameter, waist, shoulder, and skin envelope measurements. These can only be assessed in person during a consultation. A good place to start is using my "Find your perfect size" tool listed in the left hand column of my bodysculptor.com home page. Another good place to look is the searchable database section of the physicians' photos on implantinfo.com. Best of luck.

Hi,
Thank you for your question.
It is difficult to say exactly how many cc's you would need to achieve a certain size without examining you. It all depends on your breast tissue and frame dimensions.
Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss this as well as any other questions you may have.
Best regards,
Dr. Speron

This is a very difficult question to answer without any photos and measurements. Everyone is different and you just cant say that a 475 cc implant will be a DD or a D cup in you or anyone else.
You need to go for the look you are going for rather a particular cup size. Besides you will go to one store and they will size you one way and go to another and they will size your differently. So trying to achieve a look is far more consistant that going after a cup size. Having said that you can play around with home made implants out of rice and stockings; I call it the Rice Test. You can learn how to do this on my website journal posts.
Good luck. Make sure you see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Breast Implant Size is a combination of subjective and objective criteria.There is not a direct correlation between the cc's of a breast implant and the corresponding cup size, as cup size is an inexact measurement that varies considerably among companies and even within the same company. Online consultants will not be able to guide you as well as surgeons who perform in person consultation.The size of the implants are based on a combination of a patient's goals and objectives and her anatomy. In order to provide a natural looking augmentation, the surgeon needs to evaluate many factors including soft tissue coverage, skin laxity, chest wall width, breast imprint width, the shape of the breasts and relative level of constriction to ensure that the breast implants are appropriate for your body.Consult in person with 3 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options.