Mastectomy-Breast Reconstruction-Implant Size Concern. Can I achieve a D cup? (Photo)

LenaBunz
I have always felt that doing bilateral reconstruction was the best way to achieve symmetry rather then trying to match a reconstructed breast to a natural breast. As far as the size being a C cup, I believe you could achieve a larger size with the use of saline implants which can be filled beyond the 800cc which is the maximum size for the gel implant. I do not recommend stacking gel implants. The other option is fat grafting to the breast with each fat grafting session providing the patient has adequate donor fat a patient can expect 1/2 cup size increase per session. This may or may not be an option for you. I hope this helps.

For women with large breasts, it can be difficult to achieve a good size match with implants alone. The largest silicone implant is 800cc, which is about a "C" cup size breast. A saline implant can be placed that can be filled up to about 1000cc, but overfilled implants can have other issues such as unnatural look, a hard feel, and a tendency to deflate. Often times for a good size match the natural breast must be reduced significantly. However, if you are amenable to autologous reconstruction, tissue from your abdomen or thigh may be a better match for your natural breast. In many women, the surgeon can harvest up to or over 1000g from the abdomen, especially for a unilateral reconstruction. Make sure to inquire to your reconstructive surgeon about both options.

Thank you for your question.
When it comes to breast implants, the sizes only go up so far. In a typical breast augmentation procedure, women are able to receive larger volumes due to the fact that there is breast tissue to complement it. However, in breast reconstruction there is no breast tissue meaning that the entire breast volume is created by the implant. If you are interested in larger volumes, I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon about autologous tissue procedures such as a DIEP or TRAM alongside the use of an implant. They will be able to discuss your candidacy for the procedure and other options available to you depending on your past treatment and other relevant aspects of your medical history.