I want 34B to a D cup, surgeon recommended 375 cc. Thoughts on implant size? Surgery scheduled for 11/14/2014. (photos)

When trying to see what implants will best achieve a specific patient's goal, the more information I have, the better I can come closest to "perfect." Trying on sizers (implants in the doctor's office, or rice in baggies at home) is only one way to estimate implant size to achieve a certain goal, and even that needs to be altered to accommodate for submuscular compression. Typically, 200-250cc equals one bra cup size for the average-size woman, though you see many different estimates on this site. I then add about 10-15% to the chosen sizer to "make up for" submuscular compression. Goal photos also help me see what's in the patient's "mind's eye."With your present breast size and goal photos, and understanding that personal examination trumps any answer online, I would probably recommend Allergan style 15 (moderate plus) 397cc implant in the larger breast, and a 421cc implant on the smaller side. Many women wish they had gone slightly larger once 6 months of healing, softening, and settling has occurred, so I also try to take this into account for my patients to reduce re-operations for size increase.Best discuss this in detail with your surgeon to ensure he has the desired sizes available one the day of surgery. In our office we avoid this concern by having a complete inventory of implants in both saline and silicone in virtually all sizes and profiles, with multiples in the most commonly-used sizes. No "Sorry, we didn't have the ones we needed in stock," or "Sorry, we didn't know he would need those and didn't order those."Best wishes for a fabulous outcome! Dr. Tholen

Thank you for your question.  Typically it is estimated that approximately 200cc is one full cup size, so that implant size should increase your bra size approximately 2 cup sizes.  It is good to keep in mind that it is hard to determine the exact bra size, since every bra is different.  I personally use the sizers and have my patients make sure they like the look of the of their breast size with the implant with the sizers in, rather than focus on the cup size.If you would like additional information regarding breast augmentation, you can download a free copy of my Breast Augmentation Planner at ABetterBreast.com.Best of luck to you. 

Thank you for your question. It appears as though the sizes recommended will allow for a D cup, that being said an in person evaluation is best to obtain an accurate assessment. Best,  

Size is a very personal but crucial decision when considering breast augmentation. This decision should be made jointly with your board certified plastic surgeon as there are other considerations outside of patient goals/desires (chest anatomy/width, skin envelope, pocket dimensions etc...). There are a number of ways to go about making these decisions. Typically 150-250cc of implant volume is believed to correlate with a single cup size increase. However, it is important to realize that cup size varies by designer and size. Often times sizers or 3D imaging can be employed to more clearly define a patients goals. These tools can be helpful in bringing a patient's desires into line with the realities of augmentation. Communication is key.Based on your photos, an implant in the range of a 325-350cc would be reasonable and is likely to achieve a "D" cup. However, it is important to discuss all of your concerns pre-operatively with your board certified plastic surgeon.

I think that with your current breast size a 375cc implant will get you to a D cup.  You should go in for another consult with your PS and show him you wish pictures so that everyone is on the same page day of surgery.

Thank you for the question and pictures. Given your concerns and questions, and the importance of clear communication to the success of breast augmentation surgery, I would suggest that you schedule additional time with your plastic surgeon,  prior to the day of surgery. This will be time well invested;  much better than having regrets afterwards…  
 Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful.
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. I have found that the use of words such as  “natural” or "D 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.  The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process.
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.

I prefer using sizers, but that's my preference and it's not the only way. I don't like guessing cup sizes, since there is no standard.  Numerous patients can fit into bras that are B, C and D.  Many surgeons on this site estimate a cup size increase for every 150-250cc of implant volume. Based on the photos, I see a reasonable amount of your own tissue, and suspect that you goal will be attained and that you will have a nice result.Best wishes

Pyr_mom,Your stats and photos show that the volume you mentioned will likely easiliy get you into the D-cup range, but bra cup sizing is really not standardized and the size of a D-cup will be different for a 32" and versus larger for a 34" band and larger still for a 36" band as bra cups are fabricated to proportional sizes and not actual physical standardized volumes. This is true even within different bra designs by the same manufacturer, so it is best to attain the look you want and then find a bra that fits, rather than shoot for a bra size that may mean something different to somebody else.  The photos will probably help you communicate this best, though you starting shape is different than the starting shapes that led to the results that you like.  Your surgeon should be able to explain that, as well.   I have a page linked below that discusses breast shape determination as a function of starting point characteristics.  I hope that it helps.     Best wishes,     Tom DeWire, MD, FACS     Richmond, VA