I want to get breast implants but a DD seems small to me. (photo)

The best thing to do is schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who can take measurements and perform an examination to give you a range of what would fit your body and shape and give you your desired size. The actual bra size is difficult to promise as every manufacturer has different bra sizes so there is no consistency. #PlasticSurgery #BreastAug #BreastImplant #Implant #Choosingimplants

The base width of your breast should determine the size that would fit your anatomy. Other factors, such as skin stretch, amount of existing breast tissue, nipple to fold distance are taken into consideration. Women with naturally large breasts do not have to think about this, but augmenting to a DD with an implant, usually means that the implant is larger than the available breast width. One can then stretch the nerves, and the skin, leading to an increased risk of numbness, and stretched skin that is permanently damaged, and need for reoperations.Women who choose to have implants placed that are larger than the space that is available to place them are putting their tissues at risk immediately, and continuously over time.  In my practice I I would prefer to do things that I know are not going to be harmful to the patient over the long term, excessively large implants being one of them.  So any size over DD is good, but only if one was naturally endowed. Many women over DD actually want their breasts reduced. Trying to create a breast over DD, when the starting size is B, is not good.

Thank you for your question and photo.  My recommendation for you is that you be seen in person by a board certified plastic surgeon since you have not provided any photos as a reference.  To find a surgeon, please look at surgeons' websites, focusing primarily on their before and after photos as well as patient reviews.  Then, schedule a consultation to be seen in person to determine what would be best for you.  Please be sure to clearly communicate your surgical goals with the surgeon to give yourself the best chance at optimal results.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thanks for the question. Ultimately the numbers can only tell you so much and and in-person consult will be able to give you a lot more detailed and accurate information. Plastic surgeons don't focus on cup size as much as they do the cubic centimeters (cc's) of the breast implants used. Cup sizes can vary a lot and aren't the most accurate measurement.Look for a practice that offers Vectra 3D imaging, which actually allows you to see a computer simulation of what different implant sizes could look like on your body frame. It's been a fantastic tool for helping our patients decide on an implant size. I've included a sample of the 3D video experience so you can see what I'm talking about.

It would depend on your measurements, specifically your base width.  To maximize volume in a set base width you might consider the new Inspira implants from Allergan.  

Hi,vanessam1.Your wish photo looks like she is at least DD/DDD.  However, it is difficult to assess without seeing her in-person (without bikini).You can go larger than DD.  However, with increasing implant size, you will have higher complication rate.  I think implants should augment your body but should be proportional at the same time.Please consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to learn about your options.Best wishes.

The right size implants for a patient is a combination between the preferences of the patient and what is physically possible to accomplish given the size and shape of the patients' natural breasts, shape of their chest, and skin quality, just to name a few.  Bra sizes are very difficult to use as a guide for breast implant sizing.  A particular bra cup size at one store does not necessarily equate to the same cup size at another store.  Because of this cup size discrepancy between bra manufacturers, it makes it difficult for plastic surgeons to accurately discuss cup sizes with patients.  My best advice is to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon and try on different size implants beneath your shirt to get a rough idea of what size your are comfortable with.  Your surgeon will take measurements and help you in the decision process in finding an implant that meets your goals and keeps your body in proportion.   

The best cosmetic result in any
particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors,
including: Your individual anatomy, 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 DD and a 36 DD 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

what implant size will produce the look you desire and whether it will fit on your frame or not.  Any good board certified plastic surgeon with good judgment should be able to help you achieve the goals you desire or let you know what limitations you may have after they have examined you and your tissues.

Thank you for the question.  Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. 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, and computer imaging) 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 know 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 for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.