How Many Cc to Get a Big C or Small D? (photo)

Hello Oklahomajade,

You will not do well without a breast lift in addition to breast augmentation.  Breast implants will not make your current breast just look bigger, it will also distort your current breast shape into something less pleasing.  Additionally, breast implants over the muscle do not last (stay put) over time, and in someone like you will take on the appearance of 'ball in sock'.  

You need to visit surgeons that are expert in breast lifts, reductions, and revisions.

Best of luck!

Implant dimensions more important than size.  Your breast base width minus skin thickness, with amount of breast gland and skin elasticity factored in are all important considerations in selecting implant dimensional parameters.  Of course, your desired final size is also most important, but along with pre-surgical breast size chiefly influences profile (projection) you choose, not width.  The combination of width and projection determine implant volume... Along with implant manufacturer and implant shape/style.

You need a simultaneous augmentation plus a vertical lift.  This is called a vertical augmentation/mastopexy.  Your breasts are saggy and will not look ideal with implants alone, particularly on the left side.  Implants really don't take up the slack the way you might think they would.  Plus your areolae need to be reduced anyway (so the lollipop scar is not necessarily a negative).  Your areolae will look even bigger if you just have implants without a lift.  Also, your asymmetry cannot be corrected without a lift.  The vertical technique is best.  Check out this section of my website.  I've attached a link.  Also, your implant size done at the time of a lift should be in the 400-450 cc range.  Saline is fine, but you can have silicone if you prefer.

I am concerned that an augmentation without a lift might may end up with a very unsatisfactory result for you.  I think you will do much better with breast augmentation/lifting surgery. 

As you may know,   one of the downsides associated with breast lifting surgery is the necessity of additional incisions/scars.  For some patients the necessity of additional scars is unacceptable and for these patients it is better to avoid breast surgery altogether.

On the other hand, many patients accept the scars associated with breast augmentation/breast lifting surgery as long as they are happy with the improvement in contour, size, and symmetry. This acceptance of the scars is the essential compromise associated with many of the procedures we do in the field of plastic surgery.

In regards to achieving your  breast size goals  it will be important for you to have  thorough 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..

It sounds like you may benefit from additional consultations with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients in your situation.

Best regards,

   The first thing that I notice is that you have alot of breast tissue to begin with.  You appear to have at least a C cup.  You could add a small implant to make you a D if you want.  However, I would recommend you get a breast lift or you will be unhappy.  I would also recommend that the implant be placed under the muscle.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast augmentations and breast lifts each year.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

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

Dear Oklahoma, Thank you for posting your pre-operative photographs and question. Your photographs reveal sagging and asymmetric breasts. Your large areola, when viewed from the front,  give the illusion that your breasts are much lower than they really are. Ideally, there should be some skin and not pigmented areola tissue at the bottom. Also, there is too much breast tissue resting on your abdomen, particularly your left breast. For these reasons, I recommend a breast lift along with a partial sub-pectoral muscle breast augmentation. Large breast implants placed above the pectoral muscles in sagging breasts often lead to more sagging and disappointment. The size (CC's) and the shape of the silicone breast implants can be determined once you decide if you can accept a breast uplift and some scarring. Working with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will help you achieve your optimal longterm results. Dr. Richard Wellington Swift

Before getting to size, I strongly disagree with the opinion you received about not needing a lift. Your nipples and areolas are low enough that you will likely wind up with your own breast tissue draping off the implants, a very unsatisfying result.

You should consider a lift and will probably need a vertical (lollipop) lift. 

As to size, despite the photos, I don't have a feel for your current size, and I don't know what you would consider a D to be--there are no uniform definitions of cup size. Best option is to try on implants, concentrate on the look, not the letter, and with that info your surgeon can select the proper implants to reach your goal.

All the best. 

Dear Okie,

BE CAREFUL!  You are a classic set up for a "rock in a sock" phenomenon.  You need a lift, period.  Large, heavy implants placed above your muscle will descend with time and create a very displeasing result.  Please do not restrict your plastic surgeon by saying "well, I don't want the scars of a lift."  It will severely compromise your result.  Good luck!

Thank you for the question and your pictures. Judging from the photos you have provided a mastopexy (breast lift) is needed for an optimal result. There is far too great ptosis which will most likely lead to a snoopy deformity of the breast. In time, since the implant is being placed in the sub-glandular space, you will most likely also go on to develop a "rock in a sock" deformity which appears just as it sounds.

I would suggest a re-consultation and if still doubtful, a second opinion and even a third if necessary. Also consider that if the additional scars of a mastopexy are a "deal breaker," perhaps not having any surgery rather than accepting a sub-optimal result may be the best course of action.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.