It really depends on your chest measurements. The number is measured by the circumference of your chest just beneath your breasts... at your inframammary fold. The cup size is then determined by the difference between that measurement and the measurement at the most projecting part of your breast.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
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 underappreciated 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. The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I don't think this is an answerable question. Remember, we would have to know your current breast volume, then we would have to measure bras scientifically which just isn't the case. Different stores will size bras differently. Good luck to you!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Every one. The volume of the breast implant doesn't not change the "bra band." Your chest determines this. By the way, I don't think that after 35 years as a plastic surgeon I've seen a 30" bra band.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Band size has little to do with it; it's cup size. The band size is your chest measurement under the breast, then add 5 for your bra size. 350 cc implant would add 2 to 2 1/2 cups depending on the starting cup size.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
You must ask your surgeon. We do not use this type of device here in our practice, just a regular front closing sports bra for two weeks. We do not use the bands.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Bras vary greatly from brand to brand. The implant size will fit different bras depending on your own natural breast size. I would recommend getting fitted by an experienced sales person and wear a bra that just fits comfortably.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Band size is mostly based upon the circumference of your body beneath your breasts, so breast volume isn't that relevant. But 30 is very tiny...350 would be huge for someone with such a small torso.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for your question. The ultimate bra cup size depends on the amount of breast tissue you have as well as the implant volume and bra manufacturer. If I had to estimate a 30 band bra then I would say at least a C if not a D.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no equation that reliably predicts bra size from implant size. You'll have to try on bras after surgery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for asking! This is hard to say without specific measurements and in-person sizing. Each person's native breast skin and tissue combined with the implant will need to examined with the specific bra in question to determine the fit. Although bra sizing has "industry standards" in the garment world, it doesn't always apply well in the real world to real patients. An in-person sizing is the best.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no way to tell this without measurement- it is not just your implant volume that decided cup size. Be sure to go to a specialty bra store or a department store that has staff that are experts in measuring and sizing you- chances are the popular chain store that has "the angels" are not going to have staff that can properly size you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Unfortunately, it is impossible to say what cup size you would need with a 350cc implant. There is no standard of measurement and all the bra makers are different. That could be one makers 30C, while another makers 30DDD. You really will not know until you try on bras about a month or so after your surgery.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for your questions.
I don't communicate this way with patients so it is difficult for me to give you an answer.
Best thing to do is communicate with your surgeon. I ask my patients to bring in pictures of breast sizes that they like and even dislike. I review these photos with the patient and discuss if it is reasonable with their body type, size,etc.. I take these photos to the operating room with me and when the patients is on the operating room table, I use temporary sizers to view how different cc's look on the patient. I sit the patient up on the operating room several times and compare them with the photos that they have chosen. When I see that I have achieved the patient's goals, I remove the temporary sizers and put in the implants. There is no guess work. I have all sizes from both manufacturers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time BUT gives more exact results.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Not that easy to answer. I've had patients that become a DDDD (G) while others are a D cup.
It depends on several factors including cup shape, manufacturer, fiit desired and final bandwidth which commonly increases to a a 32
Published on Jul 11, 2012