Is 350cc enough for my full C-cup target with a natural look?

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your base width measurements and goals, 350cc is likely a nice choice for you.   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. 

Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well;..based in your question its difficulted evaulate your case if the question dont have a picture, its recommended to get a consultation in personal with a plastic surgeon.

The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Dear dv0340,
Implant profile is a very important consideration. 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 has several problematic consequences. The first is that the patient loses width and therefor 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 basewidth) but otherwise I try to avoid them.
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

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.
Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.
When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. 
With regards to your specific question, it is difficult to answer the question of "enough?" with regards to cup size. As long as you have been appropriately measured (with regards to BWD), you should do well. "Fake vs. Natural" is ultimately a question of frame and volume. Fake is typically taken to mean a mismatch between frame and volume. Rarely do smaller framed individuals have large breasts. The more conservative the sizing the less likely your result will appear "fake."
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

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, breastdimensions 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

La Jolla, , California

Dear dv0340Thank you for your question.  It is difficult to guarantee a specific cup size but in my experience a 350 cc implant will likely bring you into a c cup range.  Understand though that bras vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so sizes may change between bras.  If you are happy with your look and size post-op I would'nt focus so much on a specific cup size for a particular bra.  hope this helps & good luck.James Sheridan, MD

Dear DV,Photos would have helped all of us in more accurately answering your question.That being said, several things jump out.  First, high profile implants usually appear faker than moderate plus.  The size of an implant is different in each person.  A 350cc implant in one patient may be a large C cup, where in others it may be a medium C or even D cup. Better to bring in topless breast photos of size and shape you desire so the board certified plastic surgeon can better match it.Dr T 

Thank you for your question. If someone says to me that they want a full C cup look, I usually do not consider a high profile implant. I would use a moderate plus implant. At 5'6", and the base diameter you mentioned, you should be able to achieve that look with a moderate plus implant. As for the size, it depends on the amount of breast tissue you have now. I would discuss this with your surgeon and also look on line for women who start with your volume and have an implant size of around 350 cc in moderate plus and high profile and see which you like more.

How many ccs will get you to a certain cup size is very individual depending on many factors, Women may have a certain idea or look in their  head of what a C is but it may vary from person to person. An individual body type, weight, height and how much breast tissue they have makes a difference. I have my patient try on sizers to see how they may look and then I go through my photo book with them to get a good understanding of what they are looking for. I also encourage them to show me photos of how they would like to look.