Width of rib cage, amount of existing breast tissue and estimate of desired projection determines size and shape of breast implants used. There are no guarantees of definite sizes.

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

Cup size is so hard. Different stores will fit you differently and cup size changes by a letter as the band size changes by 2. For example, a 34B is the same VOLUME as a 32C and a 36A. I would try digital photography such as Vector imaging or anatomic sizes that fit to your body or even measuring grains of rice in ziplock bags in a soft bra to get a better idea of how large you want to be. On top of that (I know it's crazy confusing and overwhelming) I would encourage you to allow your surgeon to pick profile (mod plus vs high vs Xtra high) based on the volume you choose and your base diameter--measured with a ruler from the side of your chest to the breast bone. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hi, thank you for your question! I would consult with your board-certified plastic surgeon and let him know the desired look you are looking to achieve.

Implants are measured in cubic centimeters (CC) and because bra sizes can vary a great deal depending on the brand, it's hard to say what your exact cup size would be.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Without pictures, chest measurements, and knowing how much of your own breast tissue you have, it's hard to give you a definitive answer. However, I would say yes, it is possible for you to achieve a D cup with a 415cc implant. It wouldn't be unreasonable to go a little larger if you are concerned, maybe close to a 450cc implant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thanks for your question. It typically takes 200-220 cc's to make a one-cup difference. If you are already a B cup, then 415 cc's would probably get you into that D cup category. It, of course, depends on whose bras you are buying. There is not a generic bra cup size in the US. The best way to tell is to talk to your surgeon about trying the implants on with a full coverage bra, to see how comfortable you feel with various sizes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. In the absence of a physical exam it is impossible to say exactly what cup size a 415 cc implant would afford you. It is a common misconception that implant size, volume or cc's corresponds to a specific cup size. Cup size is largely determined by the amount of breast tissue you are currently working with and how wide or narrow your chest is. The profile of your implant will also change things because some are smaller in diameter and afford patients greater projection, while others are wider in diameter and project much less.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

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 manufactorers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time BUT gives more exact results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

About every 120-150cc increases your cup size by about 1. So, that amount should bring you to what you want.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, most likely. Be sure you show a photograph of what you expect, and communicate that to your surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I'm sorry, but you've got it wrong. Height and weight have nothing to do with tissue-based implant selection. Cup size, no matter how familiar you feel with it, is not the way to determine aesthetic goals or predict breast size. There is no correlation between implant size and cup size. Instead, go to a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons and get sized in the mirror to determine your goals and the implant necessary to achieve those goals. Remember though, if the implant determined by biodimensional measurements is smaller than the one determined by the mirror, err on the side of tissue based measurements to limit your risk of complications.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Your question is a common one: To know what size implant will achieve a certain cup size. First of all, there is no standardization of bra cup sizes in the industry. All bra companies have their own sizing charts. That being said, if 415 cc implants are used, it is likely that you will achieve the size you desire. The type of implant (moderate, moderate plus, high profile, etc.) is based on your chest measurements. Be sure to discuss this with your board-certified plastic surgeon beforehand. Good luck with your decision.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Cup size changes so much from store to store it is next to impossible to predict. VIctoria's Secret might be a DD and Nordstrom a D.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The final breast size is determined by the amount of breast tissue, the size of the implant, the patients' natural monthly breast swelling, and weight gain/loss. In general, 200 cc's yield about a bra cup size, but this is very non-scientific. If the patient truly has a narrow rib cage, she should at least consider high profile implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012