Would 500cc or 550cc's end up a full D to DD ? (photos)

The best way to get the right size implants is to start by knowing which volume is ideal. The rice test is the best first step.THE RICE TESTget a pair of disposable pantyhose, a box of rice and a measuring cup that measures milliliters.Pour 300 milliliters of rice into the measuring cup and then into the panty hose.Cinch down the pantyhose and tie it off. Cut off all extra material.Put the rice-filled pantyhose in your bra and adjust until it looks natural. If your bra is too small this will not work.If the volume is too small or too large, untie the pantyhose, adjust the volume and repeat until you are satisfied with the volume amount.To confirm that it is the proper amount, look at yourself in a mirror, wearing a bathing suit, t-shirt and sweater. Once you are satisfied that you are using the proper volume, pour it back into the measuring cup to confirm the volume.Next, add 10% to the volume size and you have the final volume.The next thing to evaluate for the proper implant is width. Implants come in three widths for any particular volume. A wide implant will have less projection than a narrow implant of the same volume. To determine what is the proper width for you, measure from the nipple to the point on your chest wall where you would like the cleavage to start. This number should be between 5-9 centimeters if you are doing it properly. Double this number and subtract by 1.5 to get a rough estimate of the ideal width.With these numbers in hand (volume and width), seek out a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your options. For more information on breast implants, please read my book " Cosmetic Breast Surgery - a complete guide from A to double D".

If the width base of your breast is large enough and the distance from the nipple to the crease is long enough, your breast will accommodate a 550 hp implant. A simple measurement in the office can help your doctor to decide if you are a good candidate. 

I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:1. Dimensional planning2. Gel Implant Sizing systemDimensional planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can review this with you during the consultation.Gel Implant Sizing system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural fuller look. Hope this helps.Dr. BasuHouston, TX

The best cosmetic
result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of
factors, including: your individual anatomy, realistic expectations,desired outcome,  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 36D or DD and a 38 D or DD are significantly different. Cup size varies from
manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular
manufacturer. Implant size in CC.s and cup size do not have a direct correlation.

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

Thank you for the question.  There is no accurate correlation between size of breast implant utilized during breast augmentation and cup size achieved. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures and direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror) will be critical.
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery  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. I have found that the use of words such as  “natural” or "D or DD cup” or “dramatic look” 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.
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, helps 

Whether 500cc's or 550cc's is an individual decision made by patient's in my practice after they have placed implants in a bra and looked at themselves in the mirror. Then based on measurements I can tell them what is the safest volume given their anatomy and what shape implant. So trust the opinion of your surgeon or go on other consults.

Dr. Corbin