I'm a 40D.

If I do 550cc, how big would that make me?

Answers from doctors (4)


More About Doctor Paul Vitenas Jr., MD

Published on Sep 26, 2017

Thank you for your question! Typically it takes 200-220 cubic centimeters to make one full cup size. Therefore, 550 cubic centimeters would be almost three cup sizes of a difference, making you go from a 40D to a 40DDD--possibly larger. There isn’t an international standard though on bra cup size, and all bra manufactures differ in their sizing. If you are a 40D in Victoria’s Secret, but a C/D at another store, then you are most likely smaller than what is being told to you by Victoria’s Secret.

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

Thank you for your question! Typically it takes 200-220 cubic centimeters to make one full cup size. Therefore, 550 cubic centimeters would be almost three cup sizes of a difference, making you go from a 40D to a 40DDD--possibly larger. There isn’t an international standard though on bra cup size, and all bra manufactures differ in their sizing. If you are a 40D in Victoria’s Secret, but a C/D at another store, then you are most likely smaller than what is being told to you by Victoria’s Secret.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS

Published on Sep 22, 2017

Hard to know for sure as cup sizes are not scientific or consistent among bras. As a ballpark, 550 cc is about 1 1/4 lbs of weight added to each breast. Once you get past DD- to DDD-cups, the nomenclature is so inconsistent as it is almost meaningless.

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Answered by Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS

Hard to know for sure as cup sizes are not scientific or consistent among bras. As a ballpark, 550 cc is about 1 1/4 lbs of weight added to each breast. Once you get past DD- to DDD-cups, the nomenclature is so inconsistent as it is almost meaningless.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS

Published on Sep 01, 2017

The challenge here is that different shaped, different volume breasts may fit into the same "size" bra because of inconsistencies in the nomenclature/sizing of bras. Also, the fact that a patient with no upper pole fullness might still need a larger bra to accommodate her breast width or sagging, while she might not fill out the bra, is a factor too. A 550 cc implant is certainly a large implant, and when coupled with large natural breasts might result in a very large bust post-op, where the bra sizes will vary considerably.

I use surgical simulation software (Crisalix) in my office, which helps simulate the view for the patient from multiple angles, which is more useful than a specific bra size number. At the end of the day, what matters more is the general look and degree of fullness as well as shape than what the bra label says.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/8434_1500932221.jpg
Answered by Tim Sayed MD, MBA, FACS

The challenge here is that different shaped, different volume breasts may fit into the same "size" bra because of inconsistencies in the nomenclature/sizing of bras. Also, the fact that a patient with no upper pole fullness might still need a larger bra to accommodate her breast width or sagging, while she might not fill out the bra, is a factor too. A 550 cc implant is certainly a large implant, and when coupled with large natural breasts might result in a very large bust post-op, where the bra sizes will vary considerably.

I use surgical simulation software (Crisalix) in my office, which helps simulate the view for the patient from multiple angles, which is more useful than a specific bra size number. At the end of the day, what matters more is the general look and degree of fullness as well as shape than what the bra label says.

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 under appreciated 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.

I 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. If you like the look of your chosen implant size, then the final cup size should not matter.

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 under appreciated 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.

I 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. If you like the look of your chosen implant size, then the final cup size should not matter.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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