How Many Cc's Do I Need to Be a C-cup? (photo)

I always recommend one or two sizes higher than your chosen. So 325 or 350 cc high profile would be my recommendation to answer your question very directly. 

From your photos, it appears that you are in the range of a C cup. And for reference, a 38B is the same as a 36C so that you likely are in the range you requested. You should not judge your surgical results by the size of your bra, rather how you look in the mirror and if that was your ultimate goal. Bra sizing is no where near an exact or consistent science. 

Best of luck,

Vincent Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

A 38B is equivalent to a 36C.  A 300 cc augment should increase you by at least a cup size.  Having been swollen, you became accustomed to a larger look than you requested preoperatively.  If you remain unhappy, three months down the road, you could consider a reaugment with larger implants but I would encourage you to take a look at your preop photos being jumping to conclusions.

There are no fixed standards for cup size.  Many of my patients have B's C's and D's in their bra drawer all (or occasionally none) of which fit. 

A B cup on a 36 inch band is larger than a B cup on a 34 inch band, and smaller than a B cup on a 38 inch band. I cannot imagine why your measurement went from 36 to 38. That measurement is based upon the diameter of the chest at the level of the breast fold, and that should not have changed with implants. 

The sizing discrepancy may well be due to that. The B cup on the 38 is larger than the B cup on the 36. It can be a full cup size or more.

Usually a 200 cc implant will give a one cup size increase. 

Thanks for your question, best wishes. 

Usually an increase in cup size requires about 200 cc's extrea in volume sometimes a bit more and sometiems a bit less.

It seems remarkable that you could have a lift and a 300 cc implant and be the same size you were from the start. Still, if the result does not meet expectations a fuller implant will be needed. Communication is the key to understanding the 'look' that is right for you as cup size, and the number on the imlpant can be misleading as too can be terms such as conservative. Better to show your surgeon the result you feel is your goal.

Sorry to hear about your displeasure on the outcome of the procedure. Predicting breast size in the post operative period can be challenging. If one notices, there is variation in the cup size not only between manufacturers but also within the same manufacturer and same style of bra.

In my practice my patients are asked to bring in pictures which represent the breasts "they want". With the aid of these pictures and a discussion of their goals we can best arrive at the solution needed. While the 300 cc implant would have increased your cup size, the mastopexy (lift) will typically reduce your cup size.

In order to be larger, you will obviously need a larger implant. At this point I would recommend that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon and communicate your concerns. If you choose to undergo revision I suggest to wait a minimum of 6 months after your surgery. This will give enough time  for the majority of the post operative swelling and scarring to subside.

Good luck.

Thank you for the question and picture.  Overall, you have achieved an  aesthetically pleasing result after breast augmentation/lifting surgery.

Nevertheless, I'm sorry to hear about your dissatisfaction after the  procedure. This situation demonstrates the importance of pre-operative communication when it comes to  conveying patient's goals in regards to breast size desired.  The use of words such as “conservative” and “nothing fake/porn” can mean different things for different people, just like “a cup size bigger” can be subjective. As you know, breast cup sizes will vary from one from manufacturer to another.

 At this point, I would suggest that you  continue to follow-up with your plastic surgeon and convey your questions/ concerns in a calm and constructive manner. If you are contemplating revisionary breast surgery ( to increase breast size) you'd be best off waiting anywhere from 6 months to one year after the initial operation.

 If so, communicate  your goals clearly;  I prefer the use of goal pictures  to help with this communication process. In my practice, the selection of breast implant size/profile is made intraoperatively,  after the use of  intra-operative  temporary sizers  allow for direct comparison of the patient's breasts on the operating room table with her goal pictures.

 I hope this helps.

Sorry that you are unhappy with your result.  It is difficult to predict post-operative bra size as different bra brands may give different size.  Based on your photo, you had breast augmentation as well as breast lift (mastopexy).  Although 300cc implant should have increased your bra size by one or two cups, when you combine the augmentation with lift, it tends to decrease your bra size.  If you want fuller breasts (with implants), I recommend you talk with your plastic surgeon.  You will need wider, larger implants.

Thanks for your photo-- it makes answering your question easier.  Tough to be real accurate without a pre op picture, but if you listen to the way you describe what your goal was and then look at the result you have, I think you received an excellent result. You have a natural shape, good scars from the lift, great nipple position, and volume appropriate for your frame.  Lift / augmentation operations are conceptually difficult (smaller on the outside skin and bigger on the inside with the implant).  You could have had, and someday may choose to have, bigger implants. I agree with the comment that you have to think about that a 38 B is about the same cup volumen as a 36 C.  I am sorry for your sadness, but give it another4-6 weeks and be sure and review your pre and postop pictures with your surgeon.