Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, and Bra Size Information

Breast Implant Size & Weight

Size. This is why the vast majority of us have breast augmentation, because we want to increase our size and/or have our breasts more proportionate to the rest of our bodies. This can be very distressing, because we tend to obsess over getting the perfect size, which is completely understandable. Some women worry about going too big, while others worry about not going big enough. Having realistic expectations regarding size is a must. You would not want to attempt to go too large, because doing so could lead to serious complications, which will result in more surgery, more recovery time, and last, but certainly not least, more money. A good doctor will not push the limits of your body by trying to force a (too large) breast implant into your body.

Typically, implants do not appear as large as natural breasts do. For instance, if, after your breast augmentation, you wear a D cup bra, you will most likely appear more like a C cup in clothes. Implanted breasts do not look as large as natural breasts, so keep this in mind when worrying about going to big. I wear a DD bra, and in loose-fitting clothes, you would never think that I'm a DD. Even in tight-fitting clothes, I don't appear to be a DD. I look more like a D cup.

"Trying on size" prior to your consultation with your plastic surgeon is a very good idea. If you're very flat-chested, ANYTHING seems big, but you will be amazed at how quickly you adjust to the new, larger size. It also gives you an idea of what you'd like to look like, as well as a rough idea of how many cc's it may take get that result. You can try the Rice Test, which is a "do it yourself" sizing method. It's not 100% accurate, but it's pretty close.

 

Determining Bra Size & Cup Size

 
This is yet another difficulty that we run into after the surgery. Studies show that the vast majority of women wear the wrong bra size. You may think that bra shopping will be easier after breast augmentation, but this is not always the case. Bra sizes run differently according to style and manufacturer. For example, if you buy a 34D bra from Victoria's Secret, this does not mean that you will always wear a 34D in all of their bras. Ditto for other manufacturers.

Implants tend to be wider than a "natural" breast, therefore, many of us will need to wear a D cup, simply because the width of a C cup bra isn't enough.

We have our own chart here at Just Breast Implants, which works for most, but not all, people. If it does not work for you, you may want to go to and be measured by a professional, though this does not always work either.

To use the chart below, you will want to measure each breast. Use a soft tape measure to do this. Start where the breast starts at (near the side/armpit), and measure all the way across the fullest part of the breast. The fullest part of the breast is usually the nipple, but not always.

You will also want to measure the circumference of your ribcage. Do this by measuring just below the breast, in the area of the crease. Measure all the way around. This is your ribcage measurement.

If your ribcage measurement is an odd #, add 5" to get your band width. Example: 29" ribcage + 5" = 34" band.

If your ribcage measurement is an even #, add 4" to get your band width. Example: 28" ribcage + 4" = 32" band.
 

 

 

In the video below, Dr. Teitelbaum explains how to get natural results.

 

The video below, courtesy of Dr. Jennifer Walden, shows how the breasts are measured prior to breast augmentation in order to determine the correct breast implant size.

 

Ever wonder what you'd look like with bigger breasts?

By Dr. Jennifer Walden