Currently a 36D, how many cc's would I need to get to DD or DDDs?

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.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hello, the correlation between implant volume and final bra size is not very accurate, because every bra company sizes their bras differently (i.e. there is no standard size of a DDD breast). Rather than considering the final cup size, I find it is more helpful for my patients to get a sense of their final breast size by trying on implant sizers, doing virtual 3D imaging, or looking at before/after pics of people with similar breasts. I hope this information is helpful.

Dear lauraleep,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

At size 36, each 200 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. You would need 200 cc implants to go to a DD or 400 cc implants to go to a DDD.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

There is a great deal of variability in bra sizes between manufacturers so bra cup size is notoriously drought with error when used as a predictor of which implants are most suitable. Your best guide is photos of other women’s breasts you find attractive, and allow your plastic surgeon to make implant size recommendations. Best of luck to you.

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

When selecting an implant a board certified plastic surgeon is your personal expert. During a consultation your surgeon will discuss your surgical goals as well as take measurements of your breasts. These measurements are different that those used to determine bra size. This information is then used to recommend the appropriate implants to help you get the look you want. The next step is to schedule a consultation!

I am not a fan of making women DDD in size since those breasts are heavy and will sag over time. However, an additional 150-200 cc's is about a cup increase when you are a D, so 300-400 cc implants should make you up to DDD, if you are actually a true D. Bras are not made to standard sizes and do vary, especially with large cups.