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.

Without photos and measurements, offering more specific advice is difficult (if not impossible).

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I wish it were that easy to tell you how many CCs you need. Bras fit differently at different stores and it's not an exact science. Some helpful things to do at the time of consultation are standardized digital photography like Vectra--these images can be manipulated to show how your body will look with different implant sizes, anatomically shaped sizers which you can slip into a soft bra and get an idea of how many CCs you like, and finally bringing wish pictures to your surgeon so he or she can help guide you. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. I recommend that you have a consultation with a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to assess your breast and body type to determine the appropriate breast implant size. During your consultation the surgeon will measure your breast base width, nipple and inframammary fold lengths, and assess your soft tissue thickness and stretch. 3D imaging can also be performed to illustrate how your breasts would look with a specific volume implant. Additionally, Mentor Corporation has a volume sizing system that enables you to place a silicone gel sizer over your breast to assess the appearance with that particular volume. Good luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Potential patients are best served when they choose their implants with the guidance of a their local board-certified plastic surgeon and his/her staff. They do routinely and expertly and have more realistic expectations in the short-term and over the long-term than patients who are doing this for the first time. Don't get fixed on a volume/cup size without discussing the desires vs. assumed risks with your local board-certified plastic surgeon. Patients' breast size vary with menses, weight gain/loss, and the bra style/manufacturer and/or bra padding. The ideal implant size is determined (and limited) by the patient's breast width/diameter as well as other factors such as tissue quality, pre-existing asymmetry, congenital factors, smoking, and/or droopiness.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. It takes roughly 200-220 cc's to make 1 full cup size. To go from an A cup to F cup would require over 1,000 cc's, which most plastic surgeons do not carry. Going that large can typically create a multitude of problems, including bottoming out, double bubbling, fold fatigue/fold failure, and numerous surgeries to fix the concerns. It is advised to go with a size that fits correctly on your chest. This will better ensure you will not have problems later on in the future.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It would be very difficult to even accomplish that. Most surgeons would discourage that because of probability of complications. My recommendation would be to have a consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. Many do not charge for consultation. They can have you try on sizers to show you your post-op appearance.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.

2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.

In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "Extra Large" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.

3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.

I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
Tom Pousti MD
www.PoustiPlasticSurgery.com
619-466-8851

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I suggest that you wear a Wonder Bra with the size you want to look like and have the doctor see you with your sweater on and show him
how you want to look when completed. If he has experience, he can tell you if you need 450 cc implants or 500. Show him a picture also of what you expect and see what the consultation will reveal. That's the best way.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

That will be a significant breast implant, and you would be looking at 700 to 800 cc in a high profile implant. Three dimensional imaging can give you a pretty accurate idea of how things will look.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Cup sizes are impossible to predict. Based upon your question, you want to be large. You would most likely want an ultra high profile implant. See your local board-certified PS and get an idea about your base width diameter and see which implant matches.

Published on Jul 11, 2012