How many CCs do I need to go from a 36C to a 36DD? (photo)

It is difficult to answer this question with only a photo. If you were 6 feet tall, the answer would be different than if you are 5 feet tall. Also, remember that cup size is a fashion statement. You may be a D in one bra and a DD in another manufacturer's bra. Having said that, as a rough guide, going up 250cc is about one cup size....but that is just a very rough guide. You would need a physical examination with a board certified plastic surgeon to find the best option for you. 

*Opinions stated here are only opinions. They are not based on a clinical examination which is recommended.

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

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation.  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.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  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.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your question. I typically explain to my patients that we do not guarantee specific cups size after surgery. This is due to the fact that everywhere you go will size you differently. It typically takes around 150-200cc to jump a cup size. 

Hi, Thank you for your question. Before considering a breast augmentation it is important to determine if you will also need a breast lift. The picture you submitted is not a true frontal picture, therefore, the view is skewed. If your breasts are too low and you decide to have implants only, you may not like your results, as this will give you larger but lower breasts. Please consult with a Board Certified Plastic surgeon before moving forward. If you are wearing the correct sized bra; as a 36 every 200cc should give you an increase of one cup. Therefore, a 400cc implant will roughly give you a DD cup. 400cc implants are quite heavy and will push your breasts down further. Please  consider smaller implants to minimize the risks and complications associated with larger implants.  Kind regards,

While a 200cc increase in size would probably get you close to your goal, it's also important to choose the proper profile, or shape, of the implant. An in-person sizing process will also help define exactly what you want to achieve.

Thank you for
your question.

Please know that it is a common misconception that implant size correlates
with the bra cup size. A bra-cup size itself requires many measurements to
describe it.

Bra sizes vary among manufacturers, and they can label the cup size by any
designation they choose. So a C will be a D for another. Additional factors, such as demi and full
cup coverage, specific fabrics, padding, and elastics, can all affect the fit
of a bra.

If we consider all things being
equal – i.e., you get a bra from the same manufacturer and of the same style, -
then I think you might find it helpful to know that a study by Dr. Bengtson and
Dr. Glicksman titled “Standardization of Bra Cup Measurements” has shown that
the average implant volume required to increase the cup-size by 1 size is equal
to 205 ccs. It was also found that normally breast augmentation increases the
cup size by 2. However, it is also important to consider the profile as even a smaller
implant with a high profile can increase cup-sizes by the same amount.

Now, it may be helpful to do
bra-sizing trials with the bra of your choice when you go in for a
pre-operative consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon. Now,
although you give importance to
cup size designation, what should matter most is that the implant looks good
aesthetically and that the chosen bra fits and feels comfortable.

The implant has
to fit YOUR body dimensions. The more you deviate from the proper fit,
the more fake your breasts will look.

Surgeons use what is called
tissue-based planning. The planning takes into account the effects of implants on tissues over time,
risks of excessive stretch, excessive thinning, visible or palpable implant
edges, visible traction rippling, ptosis (Sagging), and breast tissue wasting.

To determine the final implant size, breast
measurements need to be made :  breast width, breast skin stretch and nipple-to-Inframammary
fold distance. The combination of the breast width along with these
measurements will help determine tissue coverage and the required implant
volume to optimally fill the breasts. If the skin covering your breasts is
stretchy (>2 cm), or if your nipple-to-inframammary fold distance is greater
than 9.5 cm, then more volume is needed for the optimal fill.

So please focus more on having full and natural
looking breasts rather than trying to fit into a particular bra-cup size.  

All
this being said, share all your motivations for surgery, expectations
and goals with complete honesty to avoid miscommunication and post-operative
concerns/regrets. Be as specific as you can about what you like regarding your
breasts and what you don’t like. If you trust your surgeon and their judgment and the
decision-making method used to choose the implant size, then you should be in
good hands.

Hope this helps.

Thank-you for your photo and question.

Choosing the correct breast implants may seem overwhelming due to the options available for implant material (silicone or saline), placement (under or over the muscle), implant size and shape. Based on your photo, you would do well with breast augmentation with a silicone gel implant placed under the muscle dual plane. Treatment plans are individualized for each patient based on findings during the consultation to meet your goals. 

Selecting the correct implant size and shape is among the most important decisions in a successful breast augmentation procedure. Placement of the identical implant will not produce the same results in all patients due to differences in:

1.Dimensions of the breast
2.Diameter of the chest
3.Volume of breast tissue
4. Height and weight
5. Breast shape, including breast ptosis and asymmetry

I rely on 3 methods to advise my patients:

1. Dimensional planning
2. Gel implant sizing
3. 3-Dimensional Vectra imageing system.

At the time of consultation, measurements are taken allowing for dimensional planning to select the implant which best fits the base diameter of the breast. Gel implant sizing is performed to allow you to visualize augmentation the with the various sized implants. Vectra 3-D imaging has been a very important method in my practice in selecting the correct implant size and shape as it allows you to see what you will look like following augmentation with any of the available implants. I would recommend a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Best regards, Andrew Lyos MD, FAC

to go up one size generally you will need 125-150cc, then if you go under the muscle you will have to have some additional beyond that. Tissue based planning is the best. good luck

Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. 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 breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.