Will I end up with a DD cup with Sientra cohesive 440 HP implants?

Question

I’m 5’6”, 130 lbs, currently a 32b cup. I’ll be getting Sientra’s highly cohesive 440 HP implants. I know final size is different for every person, but in your best estimate do you think I will end up with a DDcup? The 470’s will fit, and are the largest I could go because my natural widths are 12.7 and 13.0. I’m wondering if I should ask my surgeon if he will go up to the 470’s as I’m concerned that I will be disappointed with the final size.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
When it comes to breast augmentation, oftentimes your surgeon will allow you to "try on" different implant sizes prior to your procedure. They will have you place the implant within a bra, and then try on a tight fitting shirt to mimic the appearance of your breasts post-operatively. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and for evaluation.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

Bra sizing is a very complex garment selection process, sizes actually vary among manufacturer. If you place 440 size implants, you will most likely be at least a D cup and maybe even more than a DD depending on your current breast volume and which type of breast bra manufacturer you select. I would recommend seeing a board-eligible or board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast augmentation for further evaluation and recommendations. Best of luck!

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Great question, and one I get on probably a daily basis. There unfortunately isn't a very reliable way to translate implant volume into cup sizes. This is because bra cup sizes are not standardized, everyone wears their bras slightly differently, and the breast implant also makes the volume distribution different than a natural breast. A very rough estimate is that about 120-150cc adds a cup size for most small to medium band sizes. More important is how you like the look and feel of the size--use a virtual morph or try on physical sizers to see if that is the size you like. Also very important to respect your body's anatomy and not exceed the base width of your breast with the implant.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Nurturing276258,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Will I end up with a DD cup with Sientra cohesive 440 HP implants?

Answers (5)

Answer: Cup sizes are not reliable

Answer: Cup sizes are not reliable

Answer: Imoplant size

Answer: Imoplant size

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Will I end up with a DD cup with Sientra cohesive 440 HP implants?

Answers (5)

Answer: Cup sizes are not reliable

Answer: Cup sizes are not reliable

Answer: Imoplant size

Answer: Imoplant size

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.