If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Question

At 34DDD 10 yrs ago I had a breast reduction and lift with great results. I'm now mid 50's, 4 children, down 20 plus pounds, post menopausal and my breasts have changed shape, decreased in size and sag. Will 330-345 cc silicone implants moderate plus, with a breast lift give me enough volume and shape I'll be happy with for many years? If in doubt is it better to go larger if my frame can handle it? Surgery is in 4 weeks! Thanks

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.The most important factor when sizing implants, is working closely with your surgeon in person to find the implant size that gives you the look that you desire. Careful measurements of your breast and chest wall will help determine which size implants will fit within your natural breast footprint. Taking into account your desired look, and your measurements, an implant is chosen that specifically fits your body.

Unfortunately, online recommendations are not that helpful. Make sure that you have a good relationship with your plastic surgeon, so that you two can work together to find the right size.

In my office, patients try on implants in a bra and clothing. There able to see how they look in the mirror, and in photographs. Women are also encouraged to bring in wish pictures, so that I can get a sense of the look that they would like to achieve.

Good luck with the process!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

It depends on your chest wall measurements and existing breast tissue as implant size does not accurately correlate to a bra size.  It also depends on the brand and style of bra you wear as size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful.  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.

**** Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.

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 know words such as “natural” or "D or DD 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 (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry and love to hear you had a great experience with breast reduction/lift in the past.  Honestly without you be in person with us it is hard for anyone of us to advise if your are making a good choice.  I suggest you spend a little more time with your surgeon and try on sizers in the office.  Bring to the consult a person who knows your sense of style and preferences as this may be helpful.  Let the doctor counsel you further on your choices and then own the decision.  Good Luck at surgery and a speedy and safe recovery.

If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Answers (5)

Answer: If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Answer: If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Answer: Predicting breast result

Answer: Predicting breast result

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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

If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Answers (5)

Answer: If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Answer: If 330-345 cc silicone implants are added to a 34C breast, what would the final size be?

Answer: Predicting breast result

Answer: Predicting breast result

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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