400 or 465cc? What bra size would I be? (Photo)

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. With regards to your specific question, the difference between 400 cc and 465 cc is not terribly significant (for comparison a shot glass is 44 cc). It is unlikely to make a difference in cup size. The best advice is to "love the look...not the cup." In my practice, I have found that very few patients who like the way the look post op will change their opinion based on the size label.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Unfortunately there is no direct correlation between implant cc size and breast size and I would choose the implants that offer you the best visual look when trying them on in your surgeon’s office.  Hope this helps.

Thanks for your question and photos. There is no way to accurately predict the exact future bra size based on implant size. I recommend you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, examine you, review the different size of implants and help select the best one for you based on your goals and body frame, and show before/after pictures to give you an idea of what type of result you can expect to get. Good luck!

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  It would be helpful to know your individual breast measurements in order to decide between 400 and 465cc.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question and photos
There are several variables to be considered when answering this question. It is always difficult to make a diagnosis based on photos alone, however, you do appear to be a good candidate for a breast augmentation with a smooth round silicone implant. When you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon, they will perform a set of measurments that will help determine what type and size of implant is appropriate for you.
I hope this is helpful

so if you want a certain cup from a certain manufacturer, use external sizers to fill that cup and then add 10% to select your volume of implant and you should get a close approximation to what you saw.

65 cc's not that much of a difference in volume. Best to remember implant envy. "I wish I had gone bigger!"concept. So think about the 465 cc implants. 

Hi and Happy Holidays. If you go  with 400 CCs you will be a Full C-D size.Good luck.International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)
Certified Plastic Surgeon 25 years of experienced

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast augmentation surgery.  

There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. For example, I do not think that the generalizations of "200 cc equates to 1 cup" hold any validity or are helpful in any specific or practical way.  In my practice, I ask patients not to communicate their goals, or evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed, based on cup size references. 

 In other words, guesses regarding cup sizes will not be helpful to you;  much more hopeful will be MORE COMMUNICATION.

It is definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.

***One question that might be helpful for you to consider: would you be more disappointed if you are slightly too big or slightly too small after the breast augmentation procedure?

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, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) 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. For example, 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, as you know, 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 helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with. 

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast
augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your
individual anatomy, desired outcome, 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 36  D-DD and a 40 D-DD are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer. There is also no direct correlation between an implant size or
shape and resultant cup size.
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