Would 300cc Be Too Big for my Goal of a Full B Cup?

Hello, the best way to decide the right size of Implant is in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. But in general terms, 300 cc (gr) is considered a "medium size" Implant, and will probably give the new desired cup (maybe around full B / small C). ...   The sizing for Breast Augmentation will consider  your actual breast size plus the Implant volume. About the lidocaine pumps some surgeons use them, but I do not find them necessary. Best Wishes..

    The short answer is that 300 cc is probably too large to get to a full B cup.  However, I would not focus on cup size.  Sizers in the office will give you a good idea of implant size.   The average volume implant placed in the US is 350 cc so a 300 cc implant is not a big implant.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

I think 300cc will meet your goals.  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

Pain pump insertion is not common for breast aug. I think you will achieve the results you wish. But rather than focusing on the type of implant profile or the number of cc's or bra cup size (with is inaccurate and manufacturer dependent), I would recommend you communicate very clearly your expectations and desires. Your plastic surgeon will decide with you on the profile of the implant based on the breast width, your body shape, skin elasticity and thickness and native breast tissue present.  In my practice I usually explain the implant types, profile and rationale for using different implants/ profiles. I also use the a special sizing system pre-op and have patients try them inside a bra so they can get a sense of their look. I never tell them what size I have picked until they show me the "look" they REALLY desire by trying on the sizing system in our office. Then we sit down and evaluate "the look" they have chosen and see if it matches what I have chosen by measurements and physical exam.  It does make it both fun and is a healthier partnership between patients and the PS.  Speak with your plastic surgeon.

I do not promise a patient a cup size because this is a ticket to disappointment.  It is best to look for a shape or contour that you like.  In our office we use the Vectra 3D imaging system.  This allows the patient to visualize their result prior to surgery.  In one year of use and over 100 breast augmentations I have had no patient complain of an implant size problem.

Hard to answer without photos and measurements. 

Your best bet is to try on sizers, and when you find a size that looks right, your surgeon will use that info to pick an implant to reach that goal--probably a bit larger than the sizer. 

Thanks, all the best. 

Hello again Kate,

If you are concerned about precise sizing for your BA ask your plastic surgeon (hopefully American Board of Plastic Surgery certified or eligible) to place a sizer during the surgery to determine exactly what volume will give you the full B cup that you desire.  My practice is to place a temporary sizer during surgery, sit the patient upright while under anesthesia and inflate the sizer to achieve the breast size that was determined by measurements and discussions with the patient preoperatively.  The proper sized implant is then chosen from a stock of implants kept in my office.  Perhaps your PS does the same.  Good luck!

I think that without an exam I can not say for sure. Why don't you do a baggy test with the volumes you are considering? Some surgeons use pain pumps, I do not find it necessary.

Dear Kate,
While it is difficult to give precise advice online, based on your description of wanting to be a full B cup, you will likely be closer to 250-275cc implants to provide that kind of a cup size for you. More importantly, you should have this discussion with your plastic surgeon looking at similar patient pictures and the final outcome.  Breast of luck. 

Thank you for the question. I will typically encourage patients to focus on the result not the cup size. Cup size is an idea not a hard number. This can be seen when one puts on 2 bras that are "identical" yet they often will not fit the same.

 I would recommend you re-consult with your plastic surgeon, show him pictures, if you have not done so, of what your goal is so that he can adjust his plan accordingly. He is in the best position to give you advice as he has the advantage of an in-person examination, therefore not only does he have your measurements but has evaluated the quality/elasticity of your tissues that you cannot get by pictures or an on-line description.

The most important part of achieving your desired results is good pre-operative communication with your plastic surgeon. I hope this helps. Best wishes.