Expander Size to Get C Cup after Mastactomy

If you have a tissue expander implant for your first stage of implant based reconstruction, you will have a say in your final volume during your expansion process.   You will get a good idea of your breast size during the expansion process.  Everyone's anatomy (chest wall width) is different so it is difficult to nail down the cc's to achieve the look you want.

I typically begin by asking the patient to let me know once we reach a tissue expander volume that allows them to look and feel normal in clothes.  This is very important, as many bra designs have differing cup volumes, but how one looks and feels in clothes will not change.  

A typical rule of thumb is that 150-200cc of fluld are necessary to increase a cup size.   Therefore, starting from a mastectomy, approximately 450-600cc would be necessary.   This will also depend on your chest wall width, body size, and breast skin envelope characteristics.   I typically will overinflate the expander by 10% once I reach the target goal of my patient to ensure i have enough skin to create a natural result.  I will then bring a variety of implants to the exchange procedure to try on during surgery to ensure the best shape and size based on the patient's goals.   

I hope this helps and I wish you a safe recovery.

Paul S. GIll, M.D.

Gill Plastic Surgery

Houston Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon