Approximately what size cup will 275 cc implants bring me to? I’m 5’7” 105-110 lbs with a very narrow chest/body.

Hi waterfalls89,

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.

Implant profile is one of the important considerations to make. Many patients wrongly assume that the higher the profile the better. The truth is, the more profile (or projection/height) and implant has, the narrower its base has to become. This is associated with several problematic consequences.

The first issue is that the patient loses width and therefore cleavage of the breast. The second is the breast becomes more narrow and pendulous, often falling lateral and onto the side of the chest, and third, high profile implants have a higher risk of bottoming out because they exert more pressure on the inframammary fold than moderate profile implants.

High profile implants do have a role in symmastia repair (when I need to narrow the base width) but otherwise I try to avoid them.

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, American Society of Plastic Surgery

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well..Based on your question, it is difficult to evaluate if the case does not have photos to give you an official evaluation, my recommendation is that you be evaluated in person by a certified plastic surgeon.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.   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.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately there is no direct correlation between implant cc size and ultimate bra cup size, especially considering each patient will fit into different bras between manufacturers.  Because of your narrow chest you will increase cup size faster than other patients, especially depending on what profile implant you are using.  I would expect you to be in the C range.  Hope this helps.

It is always difficult to determine your cup size after surgery, because all bras are not standardized. Most would say that a cup size for a women with a 32 inch chest is 2 inches of projection. So a C cup would be 38 inches measured across the nipple. (32 inches plus 6 inches) The shape of the breast is even more difficult to predict. It depends on you breast bones the muscle and the skin. The breast does not reacts the same with every patient. Some breast are very tight and others loose.  The scar tissue that forms around the implant also has different characteristics and is a factor  in determining the shape of the breast. It is also dependent on whether or not you have had children or a large weight gain and loss.  A 275 cc implant will not project 4 inches so I believe will will need a larger implant to be a C cup.  

The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, desired outcome, 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 C and a 36 C are significantly different. Cup size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular manufacturer. Nor is there a direct correlation between implant shape or size and cup size. 

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 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 that your plastic surgeon be 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 FACS

California

The run of the mill answer is that every 200 cc's of implant is roughly equivalent to one cup.  However, in my opinion, this is the wrong way to go about it.What is important is what breast proportion is appropriate for you.  That is why the consultation is so important.  If you have a narrow frame, then implants with a narrower base and more projection (a "high profile" implant) may be important.  Whether to go under or over  the chest muscle will also affect the size choice of implant (there are pros and cons of each site).In an effort to make things easier, I have my patients consult with me and bring a non-padded bra.  Then we have a try on session by placing custom, breast shaped sizers within the cups.  Eventually we reach a decision based on size but also considering all the other factors.  This is a complex consultation and one on one works best -- beware of an "internet" consultation.For further information, please refer to my website captioned below.Good luck!Elliot W. Jacobs, MD, FACSNew York City

Imaging you would help -- but there is not sure answer -- under the muscle gives a smaller increase than over -- and I agree for your height 200ccs is about 1 bra size.

Thank you for the question.   
There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. For example, I do not think that the generalizations of "200 cc equates to 1 cup" hold any validity or are helpful in any specific or practical way.  In my practice, I ask patients not to communicate their goals, or evaluate the outcome of the procedure performed, based on cup size references.
 Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and  careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
  Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "small C cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
In your case, my best advice: more communication. It will definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.