5'9 150lbs 36b: will 500cc get me a full D or bigger? (Photos)

Although it's impossible to predict a final cup size, generally speaking, every 150-200cc of implant volume will likely increase your breasts by one cup size. Good luck with your upcoming procedure.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, a breast lift with an implant can result in a very
nice shape if good technique is used.  500cc is a large implant when a lift is also being combined.   The size, profile, and shape of
the implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hi Mommaof2beauties,

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, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

There is not an exact match between cup size and breast implant size since cup size is an inaccurate and highly variable measurement. 
Although it's a rough estimate, every 125-200 cc will likely increase your size by one cup depending on the surgical approach.
The appropriate breast implant size can be determined working together with your surgeon during the consultation process. The size of the implants is based on a combination of a patient's goals and objectives and her anatomy. In order to provide a natural looking augmentation, your surgeon needs to evaluate many factors including soft tissue coverage, skin laxity, chest wall width, breast imprint width, the shape of the breasts and relative level of constriction to ensure that the breast implants are appropriate for your body. 

Thank you for your questions.  Approximately every 150 cc is equivalent to one bra cup size.  Therefore, an implant of 500 cc would likely make you a double D. cup.  More concerning than your postoperative size is the use of such a large implant when combined with a mastopexy.  The combination of an augmentation and mastopexy should not be taken lightly by either the patient or the plastic surgeon.  When choosing an implant to be used with a mastopexy procedure, most surgeons will be on the more conservative side with regard to volume choosing an implant that is approximately 350 cc to 400 cc so as to limit potential complications.  There is already an increased risk for complications when combining these 2 procedures - complications such as poor wound healing, widened scars and the need for revision.  As I explain to all of my patients, we are already creating tension across the incisions and scars when performing a mastopexy because we are removing excess skin and tightening the breast skin envelope.   If we then also add more volume with an implant, we are creating an even greater amount of tension across the incisions and scars.  That is the reason for limiting the volume of the implant.  The larger of the implant, the greater the risk for poor healing, open wounds, and the need for revision surgery.  I recommend that you addressed  this with your surgeon.  As always, be sure that your surgeon is certified by the American board of plastic surgery.  Best wishes.