What Breast Implant Size Would You Suggest for my Body Type?

Question

I am 4'9 and weigh around 110 lbs. My shoulders are very broad and I currently wear a 34A. I am considering a breast augmentation and would want to go to a 34C. I am unsure if this would look too top heavy on me. I have a nice size butt, so it might equal out. So I am seeking out your feedback.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

if a woman wears a size 36 AB bra and would like
to be a C cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size
bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make
that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a
smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter
implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way
if she was more petite, maybe a double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra,
then to become a 32C cup she would only require about 250 to 300 cc. A rounder fuller base may help balance the butt.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

I use a technique known as Dimensional Breast Augmentation to help patients achieve a more natural improvement. The technique considers your height, weight, breast width, breast height, distance between nipple and breast fold, as well as your goals to better plan your surgery. Talk to your surgeon to see if they apply a similar formula. As a result, more information about your body would be required to determine the best size for you.

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

Choosing the best breast implant size is an art and a science so pick your plastic surgeon well !It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape of implant that will fit your body type without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. 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 tough to answer your question. For example your native 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, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Additional critical decisions will also be made by your plastic surgeon such as: whether your implants will be above or below your pectoralis muscle. These choices are recommended to you based on the look you desire, the amount of sagging you may have, and other deciding factors. I always find it helpful for patients to bring in photos from my or other plastic surgeons’ websites to illustrate what they would like to look like. I bring these photos to the operating room for reference during surgery so that I have the advantage of “seeing through my patient’s eyes” to achieve their wishes.I personally order more than one set of implant sizes and use sterile sizers placed in the pocket during surgery to know in advance exactly which implant would work best for you. Software morphing programs 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).My advice is to accept advice from your board certified plastic surgeon after a formal consultation and examination with measurements.. If still confused don't hesitate to get a second opinion.

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size.  Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another.  What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you.  The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!Sincerely,

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you are a 34 A then each 100 cc of implant will correspond to 1 cup size change.  To go to a C you will need 200 cc implants.  I recommend silicone gel implants placed retro-pectoral.  They give the most natural look and feel.  It is important they are placed high so they do not make you look heavy.  The best implant is the smallest implant since it will descend slower and has the least complications.  You have not shown any photographs but if you have any drooping then may benefit from a simultaneous lift.  This can be done through a circumareola approach that will allow lifting your breast to increase your upper pole fullness, increase your cleavage, reshape your breast and require minimal implant to achieve the desired goal.  I recommend you undergo a Breast Augmentation with Mini Ultimate Breast Lift.

	Best Wishes,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

With broad shoulders and full buttocks, yes, a C cup or even a D cup would probably suit your frame well. Many of my patients want to be on the border, a sort of C/D size. The most important factor, I believe, is good communication with your plastic surgeon. You should look at some before and after photos with your surgeon and show him or her what you prefer. Many of my patients bring in photos that they have printed off the Internet, or magazine photos. Measuring systems sound like a good idea, but tend to produce volume estimates that are too small. Obviously you want to get the size right the first time. I've attached a section of my website on this topic, including discussing breast size, for your reference.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is impossible to pick an implant size without examining you, but could speak in generalities. The ultimate goal of a breast augmentation should be to create a natural breast that meets your expectations. The cup size should be secondary to achieving a natural appearance. Given the size of your frame at 4'9" tall, staying on the conservative side is probably going to look more proportional and natural.

	Try to pick an implant whose width matches the base width of your breast. This will help achieve a natural result. While in your surgeon's office, you can try on different implant sizes to help give you an idea of the final result. As for the final cup size, that will depend on where you buy your bras and how they are fitted.

	Best of luck with your inplant choice.

	Sincerely,

	Jeff Rockmore

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The size of the implants are based on a combination of a patient's goals
 and objectives and her anatomy. In order to provide a natural looking 
augmentation, the surgeon needs to evaluate many factors including soft 
tissue coverage, skin laxity, chest wall width, breast imprint width, 
the shape of the breasts and relative level of constriction to ensure 
that the breast implants are appropriate for your body. Consult with 3 
experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to understand 
your objectives.

Paul Gill, MD · Answer

In order to make an accurate size recommendation, I would need to assess your chest wall and breast mound measurements and characteristics.  Unfortunately, there is not a general rule of thumb or objective criteria to implant selection.
	Your plastic surgeon will perform several measurements of your chest wall and breast anatomy and determine a range of implants that both fit your chest wall and reach your desired goals.
	The next step is to try on this range of implants in the office with your doctor.   The key to this success is showing your surgeon the body proportion you desire with a bra sizer and allowing your surgeon to guide you to the right implant.   It will be much easier to communicate in implant cc's than cup size when determining the appropriate implant for you.
	I wish you a safe recovery and fantastic result.
	Dr. Gill

Norman Bakshandeh Day, MD, FACS · Answer

This discussion can only be done properly when you are present. Your wishes need to be considered and then your height, weight, chest wall size,anatomy and breast width need to be measured. Only then can a reasonable choice be made.

What Breast Implant Size Would You Suggest for my Body Type?

Answers (14)

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