I am a 38B and would like to be a 38D or DD, what size implant would be best for me? (Photos)

Question

I am 51yo, 5' 9", 177lbs and wear a 38B. I would like to be a full D or DD. What implant size do you recommend. Ive already been told I need a lift as my breast are saggy after breastfeeding my son. I don't mind having a a little hang to make it appear more natural.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well.. based in your question and the picture you showed you are a good candidate for breast lift  with implant in your case for best result you can apply for position sub glandular , its recommended if you get a consultation in person with a plastic surgeon to determinate how many cc do you need to the better results.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  Based on your photographs, you appear to be a good candidate for breast augmentation/lifting surgery.There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. For example, I do not think that the generalizations of "200 cc equates to 1 cup" hold any validity or are helpful in any specific or practical way.  In my practice, I ask patients not to communicate their goals, or evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed, based on cup size references.
Generally speaking, patients undergoing the breast augmentation/lifting combination operation should understand that it is significantly more complex than breast augmentation surgery only and that it is associated with a significantly higher risk of complications and need for additional surgery. 
Also, patients undergoing the combination breast augmentation/lifting surgery should understand that there are limits as to how large of an outcome can be achieved, given that breast lifting surgery does involve breast skin removal. On the one hand, breast augmentation surgery is expanding the breast skin “envelope” while breast lifting is (by definition) tightening up the breast skin envelope. These 2 forces are counteracting each other. 
Therefore, it becomes important to remove the appropriate amount of breast skin and to use the appropriate size/profile of breast implants to balance these 2 forces appropriately and to allow for achievement of the patient's goals while minimizing risks of complications. 
In my practice, "tailor tacking" is an important part of the mastopexy and mastopexy/augmentation procedure. It involves TEMPORARY  closure of the skin (for example with temporary skin staples)  to double check the amount of skin that is to be excised during the procedure. This maneuver is done to ensure that enough skin, but not too much, is removed. On the one hand, it is important that enough skin be removed to achieve the aesthetic breast lifting results the patient is looking for; on the other hand, is important not to move too much skin creating tension upon closure and potential wide scars.
 Also, generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting 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. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or 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" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
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. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers with the patient in the upright position makes selection of the best breast implant size/profile relatively easy.
Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Based on the supplied pictures it appears that you would most benefit from implant placement and a lift.  The implant will help restore lost breast tissue after pregnancy and weight loss, while the lift will remove excess skin and allow for resizing and repositioning of your nipple into a higher, more youthful, position.  As for implant sizing, it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing additional ASPS board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. Hope this helps

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. 
With regards to your specific question, it is difficult to offer definitive advice without an in-person exam. The best advice is to "love the look" not the cup. Find a look that you are happy with (which falls within your BWD). If you are seeking greater volume (than your BWD will accommodate) go up in profile. This will offer a more dramatic look with greater volume for a given breast width.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jon Kurkjian, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos
There are several variables to be considered when answering this question. It is always difficult to make a diagnosis based on photos alone, however, an augmentation with a smooth round silicone implant and a breast lift will achieve great results. When you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon, they will perform a set of measurements that will help determine what size of implants will fit your body and if a breast lift is necessary.  I hope this is helpful.

I am a 38B and would like to be a 38D or DD, what size implant would be best for me? (Photos)

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I am a 38B and would like to be a 38D or DD, what size implant would be best for me? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Sizing advice

Answer: Sizing advice

Answer: Breast Lift with Implant

Answer: Breast Lift with Implant

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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