I'm scheduled for BA and lift. Will 700cc implants give me a 38DD size?

Hi K,Most PS say about 200 cc per cup size.  There are even journal articles published on this.  So a B cup would go to about a C, D, DD with 600 cc.  An A would need more.  That said, the average size we put in in over 6,000 implants is 350.  I wouldn't get too hung up on cup size because it varies depending on what store you buy the bra! If you feel you are overdoing it, back off and go with your feelings.  Larger implants have more problems over the years than smaller implants.Here are a few tips for you. You 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 submuscular pocket. Once you
decide on a size you like, then add on about 25-50 cc, because in real life the
implant will be flattened slightly by your tissues.Multiple measurements need to be taken to fit
an implant to your exact anatomy. Have your surgeon's office show you the
charts of the implant dimensions for the various profiles of silicone and
saline from the manufacturer. Then you and your surgeon can piece
together the puzzle by matching your measurements, with your wishes, versus
your tissue cover and the available implants to arrive at a surgical plan.Keep in mind larger implants tend to have
more problems over the years.Since
silicone implants wrinkle less than saline implants, they might be your best
bet.You can also approximate this at home by measuring out an equivalent
amount of rice placed into a cutoff foot of old panty-hose, and put this in
your bra.Wear this around the house for
a while, and see what you think.Implant
size must square with assessments of tissue cover, breast diameter, and chest
wall width. Multiple measurements of your chest wall are taken (seven in
total). Implant size selection has been
an issue of much discussion. Therefore, I use a wide variety of methods, but the implant size is
always established preoperatively.Also,
patients are advised to bring reference photos demonstrating their ideal size
and shape. A photo album of patient pictures is maintained to assist them.
These photos ultimately help in determining where the implants will be placed,
since they can be shifted inside (to provide more cleavage), to the outside, up
or superiorly, and down or inferiorly during surgery. In determining the final
size selection, I always place the highest priority on the preoperative
measurements and potential tissue cover. Then, the patient’s verbal requests
are factored into the analysis.  All the best, "Dr. Joe" 

It's virtually impossible to know how a 700cc implant will impact the cup size of a particular patient. Unfortunately, cup size means different things to different people and is, therefore, a frequent source of confusion. For this reason, we utilize implant sizers to determine breast implant size in a more objective manner.Your history suggests that you would benefit from breast lift surgery. This procedure can also be performed in combination with breast augmentation when patients want larger breasts. Under these circumstances, safety should be everyone's first priority. It's important to realize that the use of large implants can be associated with secondary complications. For this reason, it might be reasonable to stage these procedures when large implants are utilized.It's important that you thoroughly discuss these options with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to address your concerns and formulate a treatment plan that achieves your aesthetic goals in a safe manner.

It is difficult to answer your question specifically without assessing your exact measurements of height, weight, frame, breast diameter, skin quality, degree of sagging, thickness of breast tissue, etc. That being said, a 700 cc implant is considered very large for almost any augmentation patient. I suggest you discuss this further with your plastic surgeon. You might get some helpful information by trying on sizers that your plastic surgeon may have in the office. In general, the larger your implant, the greater the chance you might need some revision surgery at some future point due to gravitational effects and stretching. If you need a breast lift, a smaller implant can generally achieve the look you seeking. Best of luck.

700 cc implants are quite large. If you did a baggy test or used an implants of that size that you like, then perhaps it is ok for you. But it really depends upon your skin stretch and ability to handle the implant size.

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. The
cups of a 32 C and a 38 C 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 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