Currently small deflated 32c, 5’6, 118lbs .. wondering what size implants to get to get me to a 32dd? (Photo)

Dear cl520,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Will 375cc Get You to a 32DD?
Short answer: Very likely yes, especially on your petite frame.

A 375cc implant on a lean frame (under 120 pounds) typically translates to a 2–2.5 cup size increase.
A current deflated 32C moving to 32DD (or even DDD in some bras) with 375cc is realistic.
Moderate profile gives a broader base and more natural slope, which is better for covering your frame, especially if you have a slightly wider breast base (12.5 cm).

If your goal is to achieve a natural, full DD look on a small frame, a 375cc moderate profile is a very solid and safe choice — not too small, not too overfilled. Many patients worry pre-op that they’re going too small, but in your case, the balance looks just right.

That said, if you're unsure, ask your surgeon during your sizing session to try sizers at 375cc and 400cc. The 25cc difference is minor (about 1–1.5 tablespoons), but on a narrow frame, even 25cc can look more noticeable than expected.

The key here is to look at the starting ingredients- you have a small frame with fairly narrow base width of the breasts, and you already have well developed breast tissue. In your case, 250 cc implants would likely give you the desired result. Best wishes with a happy recovery.

Each manufacturer makes several different profiles (heights and widths) of implants. When you have a narrow chest, we can use a less wide but more projecting implant to still be able to get the volume you desire. Its also important to understand that there is no definite way to know your bra size post-op. Using your goal photos, measurements, and existing breast tissue can help guide your surgeon to the right implant. Speak with your board certified plastic surgeon about the different implants available to use.

Thank you for your question and photos! I think that 375cc mod plus breast implants would complement your frame nicely and be equivalent to a 32D cup. I recommend that you discuss all of your concerns prior to surgery to make sure you get the results you want. Best of luck!

Thanks for your question! I would be very careful not to try and go too large on a primary surgery. I can't fully appreciate it in these photos, but it looks like you may have a small pectus excavatum. If that's the case, going too wide with an implant can create new issues. Best of luck!

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, and they choose what looks right for them. 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

Very important part of preoperative consultation(s) is implant sizing. Different tools are available, including silicone sizers, 3D simulation, etc.; patient desires as well as anatomical limits of the chest wall and skin envelope need to be carefully calculated. Based on these photos, I would suggest range of 300-350ml, moderate to moderate plus profile. Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question and photos. As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Bra cup sizes vary between manufacturers so “getting to a DD” should not be your goal. Instead, you goal should be the breasts you wish to have when you look in the mirror, regardless of what you bra label says.

Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection, as you already seem to understand. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. A 375 Moderate may well “fit” your breast, but the volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select. It is true that for a given volume a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame. Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

The terms “natural” or “not too big” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery.

Remember, breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Thank you for your question and sending your pictures. You did not mention if the implants will be under or above the muscle. Without the benefit of a physical exam, it appears by your pictures that a 375 cc implant will give you the result you are looking for. It may be difficult to place a larger implant than that if you are going submuscular. It is best that you discuss this with your surgeon and perhaps some larger sizes can be brought the day of surgery along with some sizers in case the pocket is large enough for a bigger implant. Good luck!