Sizing my implants - hoping for a perky C cup, will 400 CC be too big for me? (Photo)

Thank you for your question. Based on your height and weight, a 400cc implant placed above the muscle can provide a natural, moderately full appearance that aligns with your goal of achieving a perky, middle-sized C cup. The surgeon’s recommendation to avoid submuscular placement is appropriate if your anatomy does not support it, as above-the-muscle placement can offer a quicker recovery and a more natural shape in certain cases. Choosing an implant size significantly smaller than 400cc might result in a diameter that does not adequately fill your breast base, potentially leading to less satisfactory aesthetics. Ultimately, implant selection balances volume, base width, and projection to best suit your body and desired outcome, so trusting your surgeon’s expertise while communicating your aesthetic goals is key to a successful result.

At size 32 or 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. At size 36 or 38, each 200 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. From this, you can determine the volume required to achieve your desired goal.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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 alone, your choice doesn't seem unreasonable. However, without measurements or exam it is difficult to offer any real advice.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for the question and posting the photo it appears you have some breast saag or ptosis that would need to be addressed. A larger implant will not lift your breast enough therefore I feel you need a 300 cc to 350 cc implant with a full breast lift. Best of virtual con with for better understanding.