Breast augmentation size C or D? (photos)

Question

I'm 29 years old, have 3 kids and breastfed all 3. I'm a B cup now but used to be a C before kids. I'm getting breast augmentation surgery (saline) on Thursday and I'm unsure if I should go with Full C or small D. I don't want them to look too big on me. I'm 5'5, 130 lbs. I have been skinny all my life and I am exercising a lot with at home dvd programs. I also do cardio but plan on quitting half marathons after surgery, just 5Ks and 10Ks. Any advice is appreciated.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Breast implant sizing is an inexact science, relative to a woman's bra measurement, as there is no direct correlation between cc size and cups.  As one's chest is wider, each cc will impact the cup size less than a woman with a more narrow chest.   The exact size will be unknown during surgery, but remember that it is better to fit your bras to your breasts rather than the other way around.  Hope this helps

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I would love to give you a more scientific answer; however, it is important to know that "cup size" is not a very scientifically specific measure.  Each bra manufacturer varies and one company's "C cup" may be totally different (by more than a cup size) from another's.  I tend to say from your description that a "full C" is probably going to be more along the lines of what you want.  You can ask your plastic surgeon if you can come into the office and try on breast implants at different volumes.  I think that can be helpful in getting a sense of breast implant size.  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck!

Vaishali B. Doolabh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  Considering your athletic lifestyle and slender form, you may find that a smaller size (c cup) interferes less with exercise.  You can always make them fuller with wired or padded bras when desired.  Saline implants do not project as much and are wider than gel implants-try some sizers on and rediscuss with your PS so that you are not disappointed after surgery. High profile gel implants provide fullness without the width that can cause rubbing against your arms. Best wishes, Dr. Doolabh

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a lengthy conversation you should be having with your surgeon.  You can find 'before and after' photos online of many body types and sizes.  Find a photo that you like and share with your surgeon.  She or he may also have other ways of helping you find the best size for you.  Good l uck!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

Mark E. Mason, MD · Answer

Your questions are valid and very common for women wanting to regain their breasts that they had before having children. As other surgeons have mentioned, there is no standardization of bra sizes, so the look of a C or D cup will depend on how the implants look on your body. Without knowing what your current breast measurements are, it is hard to suggest implant sizes to you. The most common sized implant in my practice is 300-400cc. There are also different shapes of implants, and your surgeon can advise you on which type would be best for your body. I would advise that you take time to try on different sizers at your surgeon's office. We tell our patients to wear a tight fitting shirt so that they can look at themselves with the sizers in under clothes.  I hope that this helps, and good luck with your upcoming surgery.

J. Dayne Petersen, MD · Answer

This is a very common question.  In general Bra cup sizes are not standardized (if you have ever been to Victoria's Secret to purchase a bra you were likely measured at a larger cup size than you are with other bras.)  While knowing the cup size you desire is helpful, It is often also helpful to use sizers.  While consulting with your surgeon you can place implants or sizers of different volumes (cc's) in your bra to find the look that you are looking for.  In this way you are choosing the cc's that deliver the look you want rather than trying to guess if you want to be a C or D.  Once you have found the look you like your surgeon can select the right implants to match your desired size.  Good Luck and Best Wishes.

Mark A. Deuber, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. In general, I will discuss at length with patients their goal with regard to post op bra cup size. BUT, I also emphasize that 1) it's impossible to guarantee a specific bra cup size 2) bra cup sizing is not truly standard 3) plenty of patients can wear more than 1 size comfortably (eg a 32D or a 34C) 4) a full C and a small D is virtually the same thing. You're best bet is to discuss your goals at length with your surgeon, look at lots of before and after results and let him or her know which example results you are most comfortable with.

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
This is such a common question that there is no “right” answer from anyone but yourself.  Another issue is you may in fact have different cup size with different bra makers.  As long as your implant matches your measured base width minus the soft tissue thickness you are likely to have a nice result.  Selecting higher profile implants will result in larger size and more artificial look.  I can say that I see more women that have had implants for 15-20 years come back wanting to be a little smaller than those that want to be bigger.  Remember bigger implants put more stress on the soft tissues.Dr. L

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.  Despite your good description of goals, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, and computer imaging) will be critical.  
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering  breast 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 "full C or small D cup” or "too big on me" 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.  Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
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, dedicated to breast  augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Simple solution - show the surgeon post op photos that you like and let him/her find the implants that create that look. Bra size is immaterial as each manufacturer has a different idea of what a C is or a D is. This operation is all about the final look.

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