C to D or DD: 350cc teardrop implants vs. Round?

Hi. It is unfortunate that you were not able to upload your pictures. One C cup can be as different as night and day. I have plenty of patients who have C cups but when evaluated the only surgical procedure they need is simple breast augmentation. These patients usually lack fullness in the upper pole and have had kids.Yet, I have other C cup patients that will require some form of breast lift with the insertion of breast implants. I personally do not use a tear drop shaped implant for cosmetic breast augmentations. I strongly feel that breasts that are "tear drop" following a breast augmentation are more the result of careful pocket dissection, surgical technique and expertise rather than the implant shape itself. I encourage you to visit the Realself photos and judge for yourself. A tear drop shaped implant may become displaced and the shape would be affected.As far as the size, its impossible to tell without the benefit of pictures. Better yet is a personal exam. The exam can tell us much more regarding the quality of skin, body frame and elasticity. Measurements can also be taken at the time. There is a program called TouchMD with which we have the ability to take photos of your breasts, load them up unto a touch screen show you exactly why the surgical recommendations are being made. It is a very comprehensive and educational tool as oppose to those imaging programs that cannot accurately reflect before and after results.Always seek the advice of a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery. Good luck

Unfortunately, you have not told us your bra
size just your cup size.If you are 32
or 34 each 100 cc’s of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change.If you are 36 or 38 each 200 cc’s of implant
corresponds to 1 cup size change.From
this, you can compute the volume required to achieve your desired goal.I always recommend small round textured
silicone gel implants placed retro-pectoral since they look and feel more
natural, are more stable, less likely to ripple or have complications needing
revision.Implant profile is irrelevant
in the retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Many patients and doctors think that the way to get superior pole fullness is to place a high profile round implant.  The reality is that high profile round implants NEVER  produce superior pole fullness.  A better way to understand high profile implants is to realize this means the implant takes up a very short and narrow area in favor of sticking outward more.  THerefore there simply cannot be volume in the suerior pole and the inferior pole nor can the full width of most women's breasts be occupied with high profile implants.  These implants are preferred in dual-plane augmentation because of the thought that they will counter some of the unnatural flattening forces of the pectoralis major muscle.   In reality the muscle always wins and working on the extended lever arm provided by the high profile implant, the muscle pushes the implant to the "down and out" position off of the natural breast footprint.I use exclusively anatomically shaped implants because they actually allow ENHANCED SUPERIOR POLE FULLNESS.  That is they are taller than any other implant (if proper shape is selected) and give me the amount of width that I need to create a natural appearing breast form.  THis however does not work out with dual-plane or subpectoral techniques because the muscle limits the space the implant can occupy, spreading them apart and requiring more narrow implants (ie high profile).  In my practice I use exclusively subfascial placement for these reasons.  Subfascial placement offers long term contouring support that allows a natural and beautiful shape.  I use a fascia preserving technique called Cold-Subfascial AugmentationR and I simply do not offer other techniques because I do not believe that it is reasonable to intentionally create and "augmented" appearance.  I hope this helps!All the best,Rian A. Maercks M.D.

The simple answer is that both tear drop and round implants can get you to a DD cup breast. However, the tear-drop (or "anatomic" gel implants) are more restrictive in the options available. These implants are best used when the width of the implant matches your natural breast width. Because of this, the number of sizes available to a given patient are much less than with round implants. Although they create a more natural upper pole, many women seek augmentation to specifically address this lack of fullness! Round implants come in varying projections which allow more freedom in choosing an implant to fit. Also, the upper pole can be accentuated to the point where "pushup" bras are not necessary. Finally, rotation of the implant is not a concern with round implants, but if an anatomic implant should rotate, it can create a very odd deformity to the breast.

Breast augmentation consists of six decisions: incision, pocket, implant fill material, implant shell, implant shape and implant volume.  Each of these decisions are individualized and based on the patient's stated aesthetic goals and physical examination.  There is no way you can get a useful answer on line - you will need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon.

While your question is a good one it is so very difficult to answer without seeing you in person.  Remember that choosing an implant size and shape is a very involved process that includes a specific evaluation of your size, the breast tissue that you currently have, the shape of your breasts, and the outcome that you are hoping to achieve.  I recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-depth discussion of your implant choice and a customized plan for your surgery.

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: your individual anatomy, realistic expectations, a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing sit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The cups of a 32 D and a 38 D are significantly different. Cup size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular manufacturer. Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without seeing photos and without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest you find a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, MD FACSLa Jolla, California

Best to seek a few IN PERSON evaluations from boarded PSs in MIAMI. There are over 50++ PSs in MIAMI...

Thank you for your question, it is a common question that I get asked by my patients.  The decision between a round versus shaped implant depends on the look that you are going for. If you want a more natural look then possibly a shaped implant may be what you are looking for. You can still get a natural look from a round implant. If you are looking for more volume in the superior part of your breast than a round implant is the way to go. Good luck.

Thank you for your question.  In my experienced most patients choose round breast implants for a more natural shape.  Teardrop breast implants can look very nice but are more difficult to place surgically.For more information on choosing breast implant cc for cup size please read the following link: