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

Question

Hi Doctors! I am a 34B cup, and wanting to be a full C after surgery. I tried on 275cc, 295cc and 310cc - I felt like the 295cc was too big, but it's hard to tell. I settled on 275cc for now, but I'm wondering if 295cc would be the better choice to get my desired end goal? It's hard to know how much of the implant size I'll "lose" once it goes under the muscle. Any help in deciding is much appreciated!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

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.

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

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast implant sizing

Answer: Breast implant sizing

Answer: Smaller implants

Answer: Smaller implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.