Deciding between 275cc and 295cc - I'm a 34B cup, looking to be a full C. (5'2", 110lbs) (photo)

Thanks for your question!
Schedule a visit to your surgeons office for a revaluation and fitting. Most patients are happier when they choose the larger size implant. Best wishes!

Hello, the two implants your are considering are only a few millimetres different in size, so regardless which you choose the final outcome would likely be very similar. There are many ways to help narrow down the final choice, including trying on implant sizers, looking at before-and-after photos of women with similar breast size and shape, 3D breast simulations, and last but not least, seeking the advice of your plastic surgeon. Most surgeons will take detailed breast measurements, assess skin tone and tissue thickness, differences in breast size or nipple position, then advise you accordingly. Since your own surgeon should have all of this information, they will always be the best source of advice regarding implant selection. I hope your surgery goes well and you are happy with the outcome.

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.
Based upon your photos, your listed options seem very reasonable. I typically encourage a size range (which you have already determined) which allows the surgeon a narrow window of consideration intraoperatively. The differences in your options is very unlikely to make a significant difference in outcome (44 cc is equivalent to a shot glass).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Dear Peaceful966747,

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

What's a C cup? Do you really know how you would actually look? Regardless, that is no way to select an implant. There is no correlation between bra cups and implant volume. The best method for implant selection is either 3D photo morphing, or my preference, low tech sizing with purpose built sizers. Go to a surgeon who does either of those and you'll be fine. Finally, don't look at before and after pics that provide implant information. It's absolutely worthless and leads to as many revision surgeries as trusting a surgeon to pick an implant based on a desired bra cup.

At size 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. 300 cc implants will take you up 3 cup sizes to a DD. Those are too big and will most likely not fit underneath the muscle. I recommend smaller implants in the order of 150 cc to 200 cc.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you: After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

The difference between the two implants you are considering is 20cc. This is less than one and half tablespoons of volume. Arguably it would not be noticeable with an untrained eye once in the body. You may want to discuss with your surgeon which implant would fit the breast space better to achieve the look you are wanting.

Twenty cc's is a small volume, and you probably cannot tell much difference between the two. I suggest going with 295 cc's.

Based on your goal of achieving a full C cup, here are some considerations:
275cc with a moderate to high profile can give you a nice, fuller projection while maintaining a natural contour.295cc with a low profile will offer a slightly wider base, which can create a more natural look, especially if you prefer less upper pole fullness.