What size and type of implant would suit me best for maximum natural results?

I'm 30YO, 5'6, 133#, BWD 11.5cm, 34B. My goal is have full C cup breasts, tiny D at most. I have been contemplating BA for years and the only thing that has stopped is the fear of having a result that looks fake. Round beasts absolutely terrify me (you know what I'm talking about, that round fake look)! I want to look as natural as possible! What size and type of implant would you recommend for me to obtain my desired size without compromising any natural details.

Answers from doctors (9)


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.

With regard to your specific question, "natural" is a relative term. That being said, most can achieve a natural result via a moderate/moderate+ profile device that falls within their BWD. Submuscular placement should help the round "fake" or "augmented" look.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

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.

With regard to your specific question, "natural" is a relative term. That being said, most can achieve a natural result via a moderate/moderate+ profile device that falls within their BWD. Submuscular placement should help the round "fake" or "augmented" look.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph Cruise, MD

Published on Aug 02, 2019

You might consider a silicone teardrop implant for the most natural look. It is best to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon who can take your chest measurements, look at your body shape, and listen to your goals. This will allow the plastic surgeon to provide a more accurate recommendation than can be made here in this forum. I will say that the vast majority of women in my practice choose implants 400 cc's or smaller. In your situation, somewhere in the 350 cc range might be a good target.

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Answered by Joseph Cruise, MD

You might consider a silicone teardrop implant for the most natural look. It is best to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon who can take your chest measurements, look at your body shape, and listen to your goals. This will allow the plastic surgeon to provide a more accurate recommendation than can be made here in this forum. I will say that the vast majority of women in my practice choose implants 400 cc's or smaller. In your situation, somewhere in the 350 cc range might be a good target.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


John Diaz, MD, FACS

Published on Feb 28, 2017

It is very difficult without seeing you in person to know what implant size would be appropriate for you. Also, implant size selection depends on your unique measurements, so what may be too small for one woman may be perfect for another. Lastly, the choice of implant size is also a matter of taste. What you think may be too small, another woman may think is too big. We have a device called the Vectra 3D imaging system that shows you what you will look like with any implant. Our patients are very happy with the choice of implant they make when using this system.

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Answered by John Diaz, MD, FACS

It is very difficult without seeing you in person to know what implant size would be appropriate for you. Also, implant size selection depends on your unique measurements, so what may be too small for one woman may be perfect for another. Lastly, the choice of implant size is also a matter of taste. What you think may be too small, another woman may think is too big. We have a device called the Vectra 3D imaging system that shows you what you will look like with any implant. Our patients are very happy with the choice of implant they make when using this system.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Paul Vitenas Jr., MD

Published on Jan 25, 2017

Thank you for your question! If you are desiring a natural implant, then a moderate profile is usually going to be your best option. It provides you with a natural looking slope, in more a tear dropped way vs. the round fake look you are not wanting (which is more of a high profile implant) It typically takes about 200-220 CCs to make 1 full cup size, so you may want to consider anything in between a 265-339 size implant- Those sizes also depend on the implant manufacturer. If you’re able to try the actual implants on with a form fitting bra the day of your consultation, that will help you the most in your decision making process.

Answered by Paul Vitenas Jr., MD (View Profile)

Thank you for your question! If you are desiring a natural implant, then a moderate profile is usually going to be your best option. It provides you with a natural looking slope, in more a tear dropped way vs. the round fake look you are not wanting (which is more of a high profile implant) It typically takes about 200-220 CCs to make 1 full cup size, so you may want to consider anything in between a 265-339 size implant- Those sizes also depend on the implant manufacturer. If you’re able to try the actual implants on with a form fitting bra the day of your consultation, that will help you the most in your decision making process.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Jan 24, 2017

Your goal is not to have a specific bra cup size. Your goal is to have an appearance in the mirror that makes you happy. Regardless, BWD is not the only or even the most important measurement to determine you anatomic capacity, something far more important than your aesthetic goal if you care to avoid an unplanned re-operation(s). Go visit a few ABPS certified who are also ASAPS member surgeons. Best of luck!

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Answered by Gerald Minniti, M.D., F.A.C.S

Your goal is not to have a specific bra cup size. Your goal is to have an appearance in the mirror that makes you happy. Regardless, BWD is not the only or even the most important measurement to determine you anatomic capacity, something far more important than your aesthetic goal if you care to avoid an unplanned re-operation(s). Go visit a few ABPS certified who are also ASAPS member surgeons. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Jan 24, 2017

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.
Best wishes
Tom Pousti MD

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

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.
Best wishes
Tom Pousti MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Robert Kearney, MD

Published on Jan 24, 2017

Based upon the BWD you should use a middle profile implant, probably 250 ro 275cc. The volume will vary some with the implant manufacturer. You could also put in the lowest profile implant but in most patients they want to be bigger.

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Answered by Robert Kearney, MD

Based upon the BWD you should use a middle profile implant, probably 250 ro 275cc. The volume will vary some with the implant manufacturer. You could also put in the lowest profile implant but in most patients they want to be bigger.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Jan 24, 2017

For the most natural result, I recommend to my patients to have a moderate profile silicone gel implant and probably on top of the muscle. Also, the smaller the size, the more natural it will be!

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

For the most natural result, I recommend to my patients to have a moderate profile silicone gel implant and probably on top of the muscle. Also, the smaller the size, the more natural it will be!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen Greenberg, MD

Published on Jan 24, 2017

Thank you for your question.

I would recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your cosmetic goals, concerns and your candidacy for a breast augmentation. At the time of your consultation, many surgeons (myself included) offer patients 3D breast imaging to help patients visualize what a breast augmentation would look like for them as we have the capability to show you what you might look like with a variety of implant sizes and profiles.

In my experience, silicone gel implants tend to look and feel a lot more natural than saline implants do, especially in patients with little or thin breast tissue. Placing the implants below the chest muscle, or in the sub-pectoral position, will also lend itself to a much more natural look and feel.

It is impossible without seeing you to make any recommendation as to what implant type, size and profile would work best for your anatomy and your desired cosmetic result. Implant selection is based on a patients pre-operative anatomy, specifically the width of the breast and distance between the nipple and inframammary crease, and what type of a result a patient is aiming for.

I hope you find this helpful and I would encourage you to schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8227_1500931003.jpg
Answered by Stephen Greenberg, MD

Thank you for your question.

I would recommend that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your cosmetic goals, concerns and your candidacy for a breast augmentation. At the time of your consultation, many surgeons (myself included) offer patients 3D breast imaging to help patients visualize what a breast augmentation would look like for them as we have the capability to show you what you might look like with a variety of implant sizes and profiles.

In my experience, silicone gel implants tend to look and feel a lot more natural than saline implants do, especially in patients with little or thin breast tissue. Placing the implants below the chest muscle, or in the sub-pectoral position, will also lend itself to a much more natural look and feel.

It is impossible without seeing you to make any recommendation as to what implant type, size and profile would work best for your anatomy and your desired cosmetic result. Implant selection is based on a patients pre-operative anatomy, specifically the width of the breast and distance between the nipple and inframammary crease, and what type of a result a patient is aiming for.

I hope you find this helpful and I would encourage you to schedule a consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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