What cup size is 500cc silicone implant?

Hi Steve,Cup size estimates can be misleading, but I
generally advise patients that they will experience an increase of
approximately one cup size per 200 cc. Your S.O. can try on implants in the office by
placing them into a special bra.Approximately 50 cc (1-2 oz.) is added to the final volume to account
for flattening of the implant in the partial sub-muscular pocket. Once she
decides on a size she  likes, then add on about 25-50 cc, because in real life the
implant will be flattened slightly by her tissues.Multiple measurements need to be taken to fit
an implant to your exact anatomy. Have your surgeon's office show the
charts of the implant dimensions for the various profiles of silicone and
saline from the manufacturer. Be sure to see only a board certified
plastic surgeon (by ABPS - The American Board of Plastic Surgery) who is a
member of ASAPS (The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and or a
member of ASPS (The American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Also, ask if they
have an established, high volume breast augmentation practice, performing several
hundred breast augmentations each year. Be sure the PS has been in practice for
a while, 20-years or more might be a good gauge.Does the PS offer all three incisions?Discuss the implant type (gel or saline),
shaped "gummy bear" or non-shaped, smooth or textured, implant pocket
(over or under the muscle) and the "quick recovery approach."Ask to see their before and after photos if
you didn’t see any on their website. If they are experienced, they should
have several 100 breast implant patients for you to view. I would also
recommend that your doctor offer you the chance to talk to past patients who
would be happy to discuss their experience with you. You need to feel
comfortable, so make sure the environment is safe as in an accredited surgery
center. Also, ask a prospective surgeon if he or she has ever published journal
articles in professional peer-reviewed journals, which they can provide
you.All
the best, “Dr. Joe”

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast
augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your
individual anatomy, 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. There is no direct correlation between implant size and cup size. The
cups of a 32 D and a 38 D are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer.

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 you find a plastic surgeon
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. Despite your good description of goals, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, and computer imaging)  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. 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, 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.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery,  after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast  augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.