36B, wanting a 36DD. Is it possible? (Photo)

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the below link.#breastaugmentation#findingtherightsize#BA

Hello,Bra cup sizes are no way of measuring breast size, and there is no reliable formula that equates implant volume to cup sizes. There is a better way of determining and communicating your goals: in office sizing with sizers placed in a unpadded bra. This will give the doctor useful information about the necessary implant volume. More important than your aesthetic goals is prioritizing your anatomical 'capacity' for the implant. A few quick measurements of your breast will give the surgeon an objective idea of maximum implant volume.  Keep in mind that most complications that lead to reoperation are due to the placement of an inappropriately large implant. Best of luck!

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you  is dictated by your
chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the
top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a
silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural,
which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but
they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this
type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual
follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid
silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only
into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort
or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a
good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic
implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a
breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a
natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these
implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative
or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and
reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel
implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked;
therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and
silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.Best of luck!

Dr Schwartz

Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly
Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

This may help you better understand implant sizing. Usually if a woman wears a #size 36 AB bra and would like to be a C cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way if she was more petite, maybe a double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra, then to become a 32C cup she would only require about 250 to 300 cc. This is a general number, and of course there are other factors that will affect this. Other factors which contribute to the outcome are size, shape, and profile. The #profile is determined by the amount of #projection versus roundness that the you desire, as well as the #size of the implant and size of your chest. Also, the #placement or #incision location will also have an effect on profile. Another element to a satisfying result of your #augmentation is realistic #expectations.Talk to your surgeon at greater length and be sure to view before and after pictures and reviews beforehand to gain more reassurance of the procedure.

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. The implant sizes/projections which fit you the best will depend on your specific measurements and existing tissue. My patients find it helpful to try on the implant sizers with a form fitting top in order to get an idea of what they will look like. I recommend that you make your choice based on the look you like best for yourself and your Plastic Surgeon's recommendations, rather than targeting a particular cup size. There is no standard for bra sizing and you may find that your measurements vary.Be sure to seek a board certified plastic Surgeon.All the best 

Thank you for the question and wish photographs. "Tissue based planning" relying on your chest and breast measurements is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon most likely determined what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. Choosing an implant too wide or too large will lead to problems in the future which will require additional surgery. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.

Photos are key. A photo of you  would be extremely helpful, as would an exam to determine skin thickness and pliability and your body shape..Larger implants require more space and thicker tissues in general.This info would really help to determine what size we could use to give you your best desired result.There are many factors that we have to look at to reach our decision:)

No one can guarantee cup size from breast augmentation surgery as no standardization exists in either the fashion or medical field regarding cup size. The final implant choice is a decision made between you and your plastic surgeon based upon breast measurements and a thorough consultation.

Thank you very much for your question.While seeing the wish pics is helpful, it is difficult to make any recommendations without your own pictures.  However, what is really needed is an in-person exam to measure your breast dimensions, at which point the proper implant can be chosen.  You may want to visit with a couple other doctors in your area for a consultation.  Best of luck!

Thank you for the question. Ultimately, 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 "DD 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.I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.