How Many Cc's Should I Get for Saline Implant, Looking for a Full D Size?

Question

I'm 5'3, medium frame, 158pounds, more muscle then fat, looking for a full D. I would like that natural round look for my breast. I'm wondering if 500cc HP SALINE would be good for my frame? At the moment I'm a small B, no breast tissue on top, and some on bottom, saggy boobs..I have one kid.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

First of all I would consider the latest technology saline implant made to feel like a silicone implant called: IDEAL implant. It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape saline implant you will require to best match your ideal 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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.

	In regards to breast size, the more breast surgery I do the more I realize that there is no correlation between the size of implant and resulting cup size.  This may have to do with several factors including: the amount of breast volume the patient starts with, the shape of the patient's chest wall (concave or convex), the type and model of breast implant selected (saline/silicone  and low/moderate/high profile), bra  manufacturer variance  in cup sizes, the  degree  of filling of the cup  with breast tissue,  and the subjective differences in patients perceptions of cup size.

	 If surgery is decided upon, it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  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 cup” 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 “I wish I was bigger”.
	 I hope this helps.

Antoine A. Hallak, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there is only one way to estimate how many ccs you will need to go from a B cup to  D cup and thats to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and get examined and measured and also review several pictures of other patients to have a better idea. You may need a breast lift as well and only your surgeon would be able to tell you if you do or not.

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Just considering the numbers that you have provided you are in the approximate range to go from a B cup to a D cup.  I would recommend trying on that size implant to verify that that is in fact the cup size that you would like to achieve.  Another thing to consider is the "natural" look that you want to achieve.  You are describing some breast tissue sagging which may indicate that you are also in need or a candidate for a breast lift.  Discuss this with your plastic surgeon. 

	 

	All the best,

	Dr Remus Repta

Jarrod Little, MD · Answer

As others have stated, this really requires an physical exam to answer.  However, a high-profile 500cc saline implant in someone 5'3" seems like a high risk of having an unnatural result.  The most important thing you said regards the sagging of the breasts.  Sagging breasts with a large implant result in large sagging breasts.  You really need to consider whether or not a breast-lift (mastopexy) is needed.

How Many Cc's Should I Get for Saline Implant, Looking for a Full D Size?

Answers (9)

Answer: Size wise you are in the right range

Answer: Size wise you are in the right range

Answer: D cup from B cup

Answer: D cup from B cup

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.

How Many Cc's Should I Get for Saline Implant, Looking for a Full D Size?

Answers (9)

Answer: Size wise you are in the right range

Answer: Size wise you are in the right range

Answer: D cup from B cup

Answer: D cup from B cup

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.