My tissue expanders are going to be filled to 350cc. What does that convert into as far as cup size with implants?

Question

I had a mastectomy in Nov 2014. In March 2015 I had 200cc tissue expanders placed. I've had two 50cc fill and next week will probably be my last fill. I am 5'6" 150 lbs .....I'm trying to Figure out about what size I'm going to end up with when its all said and done ??? Barely B, just a B or full B ???

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to your question given that there are so many variables that go into cup size determination.  While you have given your height and weight, body habitus (shape) also plays into cup size.  Additionally, cup size varies wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer.  The beauty of tissue expansion (depending upon the type of expanders used) is that the expander can often be overfilled greatly to achieve the size that you desire.  Thus, rather than focusing on cup size, I would recommend that you instead focus on what you want your reconstructed breasts to look like compared to your body size, both in and out of clothing.  Once you reach that size then you have successfully achieved your goal, regardless of the final volume and/or cup size.  I would recommend you discuss this further with your surgeon so that you can achieve a satisfactory reconstruction while you still have the ability to adapt your size with the expanders in place.  Best of luck with your reconstruction!

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.I am afraid it is very difficult to give an
exact figure on cup size you will be after the filling of your tissue
expanders.

This is because cup sizes are measure very differently and if you
go into different stores you may well be measured differently in different
makes of bra and in fact many women to wear the incorrect bra size for their
bust size.

The important this is that tissue expanders are changeable and
your surgeon will be able to add the correct amount of volume for you to give
you the appearance you would like following surgery.

I hope you found this information interesting and I think it would
be best to discuss it in person with your surgeon so that he understands the
appearance you would like following surgery.AR

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I always have patients tell me when they are happy with the volume. That is usually the implant volume I choose for the second stage.  As for cup  size, they do not always correlate with fill.

My tissue expanders are going to be filled to 350cc. What does that convert into as far as cup size with implants?

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