Will 550cc get me to a DD? I'm a 36b now. 5'7", 140 lbs, athletic build, and a really wide rib cage. (Photo)

Hi NeedBoobies,You might be close, but not quite make it.  Here are some tips for you on picking your size: This is perhaps the hardest decision for a patient
to make, as well as the surgeon. 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. 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. Our
average size over the last 7,000 implants was 350. We use the quick recovery approach, so click on the
web reference link below to have this explained.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, and Happy Holiday, “Dr. Joe”

Based on your photo, and the basic guideline that it takes 200-250cc to yield one bra cup size, 550cc implants will take you from a B-cup to a D-cup, but probably NOT a DD.Personal examination and sizing with implants in a bra and stretchy top will help to determine the "look" you desire, as cup sizes are notoriously inaccurate for determining implant choices. Goal photos and sizing are the best ways to determine what size implants will come closest to delivering your happiest outcome,I think you will need implants in the 650-700cc range to give you a true 3-cup increase. But I'd want to see your goal photos and your sizing results before making that determination. For more information on sizing and choosing implants click on the web reference link below for my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Thanks for the picture.  I would focus on the desired visual result and not the cup size.  No one can accurately predict the cup size after augmentation.