5 Wks Post Op, 400 Cc High Profile Implants, What Cup Size? (photo)

Occasionally,
we see patients who have difficulty reconciling their expectations with their
actual surgical result.I personally
feel that you have an excellent result and I would measure your breast size as
C cups.Your breasts have harmony,
balance, and proportion with the surrounding structures.You have a natural look with upper breast
fullness.It’s important to realize that most
patients tend to speak in terms of cup size.Unfortunately, cup size isn’t always helpful, because manufacturers of
bras label their products differently and women don’t always wear their bras
the same way.In other words, some women
wear their bras snugly, while others wear them loosely.This creates communication problems when
talking cup size.In an effort to determine breast
size in a more objective manner, we utilize external silicone sizers and the
Vectra 3D computer imaging system.External
sizers are designed to sit on top of the patient’s breasts.They can be held against the patient’s chest
or placed inside the patient’s bra.This
technique helps the patient visualize what their breasts will look like with a
specific sized implant.It also gives
them a sense of the volume that will sit on their chest wall and how it feels.The 3D Vectra imaging system is a
relatively new technology that we have found to be extremely helpful for
determining breast implant size.The
system allows a patient to visualize different sized implants on their actual
body.Patients find this to be extremely
helpful.The ability to visualize the
projected surgical result alleviates much of the anxiety associated with this
procedure and minimizes confusion in the postoperative period.It’s still early in the postoperative course
and changes in your breasts may still occur.In addition, you may eventually adjust to your new breasts.It’s important in the interim to maintain
good communication with your surgeon.

Thank you for your question, and your photo.  It looks like you are starting to get a nice result.  they look larger than a "B".  Cup size can be a funny thing.  It's mostly based on projection.  It can also depend on how much breast tissue you had to begin with. Figuring out the cc's is often based on your base width, (how wide your breast is).  Some Plastic Surgeons will uses sizers at time of surgery, but we are all different.  There used to be standardization, but that went away.  It can depend on what style of bra you wear.  You are early in your post operative course.  They usually will get to their final position in 6 to 12 months.  One will usually drop faster than the other, and the shape may go through various changes.  Please follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon's post op instructions. For example; we like message, but some surgeons will have you wait, or do it in a specific manner. Please let them know your thoughts and concerns.   Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Hello! Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not correlate with bra cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory (e.g, implant type, incision, placement, lift, etc). I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant for your breast width. You out should await for swelling to subside and settling of the implants, which takes a few months. Then, you could get sized and fitted in bras. Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

First of all, your result is far from "final" since you are only 5 weeks post-op. Things are guaranteed to change as your tissues soften stretch, and your implants settle into their "final" position over several months (6-12). Many patients early post-op are concerned about size (usually too small, like you) and in some cases, this does require re-operation for placement of larger implants. There are some practical anatomic limitations to this that might be present in your specific case; only time will tell.

I'm not sure how you determined that your breasts "measure as a B cup," since I also agree that you have the "look" of a full C to small D. You certainly aren't "flat," but then size is a matter of personal preference.

I personally think that you will have a very nice, full look as more time goes by (if you don't develop capsular contracture). Keep in touch with your plastic surgeon and his nursing staff; they can all provide advice about how things change as time goes by! If you want something different, then you and your surgeon can discuss the available options. Best wishes!

Hello Kricketkricket,

You've maxed out on implant size.  As for the 'high profile', you are a perfect example of how implant profiles won't lift the breast or reposition the nipple.  The 'flatness' you are perceiving has something to do with your implants filling the upper pole of the breasts and your chest, but is doing very little for your breast tissue that sits below it.  If your breast tissue was properly draped over the implant you'd have more projection, and less 'flat' appearance.

One of the conversations you should have had with your doctor is about the inability to guarantee a cup size, and that bra sizes in general are not standardized units of measurement, varying a great deal from bra to bra, and between manufacturers.

If after 3 to 6 month healing period you have no other objections, you'd be a good for a breast lift.  Please don't entertain larger implants, that won't help you in the short or long term.

Best of luck.