Reconstruction revision - how to pick the right implant size?

Thank you for your question.
Without photos or evaluation, it is difficult to say. However, your surgeon may be able to have you "try on" different implant sizes prior to your procedure. They will have you place the implant within a bra, and then try on a tight fitting shirt to mimic the appearance of your breasts post-operatively. They will use small 150-200cc implants to mimic the cup size increases. I recommend speaking with your plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and for evaluation.

I would recommend a sizing appointment with your surgeon's staff which would give you an idea on range. If you are 520cc now and hoping to go up 1 or 2 cup sizes would recommend trying between 625-700cc. the largest implant being 800 cc's. this would involve trying sizer that were between 100 and 180 cc in addition to what you have already. Hope this helps!

Unfortunately, you have not told us your bra size or provided photographs. If you want to be 2 cup sizes bigger then at size 32 or 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. If you are size 36 or 38, each 200 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. From this you can compute the volume required to achieve your desired goal.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear RSProfile8870232,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Hello! So sorry to hear about your infection, but glad you are doing well now. In general, 150-200 cc will equate to one cup size. A 520 cc implant will likely give you about a C in the average patient. If you are interested in being a D, or one size larger. Probably about a 200 cc increase in volume will get you there. This can be a combination of larger implant and the grafting. Remember that the first grafting round following mastectomy can be limited depending on the thickness of your tissue the general surgeon left behind. Over grafting leads to all sorts of problems. It's a good idea to do a sizing appointment with your plastic surgeon, we have these smaller implants we can use for determining what a smaller increase in size will look like. You can also do this at home with a measuring cup and dry rice in a plastic baggie. You may consider choosing a firmer implant as well depending on what type you currently have to help with your rippling as well. Once you narrow down the range, trust your plastic surgeon to pick the right one in the OR :). Good luck!