I am 5'7" 125lbs. Currently I am a large A to small B cup. Actually, when wearing a 34B, I cannot fill it. I am going for as natural a look as possible, while being a bit larger than my 34B pre-pregnancy size. At my pre-op, I went back and forth between 325cc and 350cc silicone unders. They looked the same with sizers in my t-shirt, with the 350 being a bit wider. I left deciding on the 325, but don't want to regret going to small...or too big. Will the 325cc give me enough of a change?
The main difference between implants of 325 vs 350 cc is really the diameter of the implant (the "base diameter"), and not the volume. If you really want cleavage, you'll almost certainly be happier with the 350cc implants.
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.
With regard to your specific question, I would not struggle over a 25 cc differential. This is unlikely to make a significant difference in the outcome.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is difficult to tell without seeing you in person. However, there is not much difference between 325 cc's and 350 cc's. It is less than an ounce and this means they will look the same to the naked eye. The most common complaint I get from patients its that they wish they had gone bigger.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board-certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board-certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 325 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want-to-be” photos, however, are useful if simply provided to the surgeon/
Published on Jul 11, 2012
A 325cc implant will increase your cup size by about two! Going an extra 25cc's will not make a noticeable difference.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
With your height and weight, you can go bigger if you want a full C, but be sure to show your doctor a picture of what you expect and clearly verbalize your goals.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Thank you for the question. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.
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 know words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” or "proportionate" 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 helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
What you are looking at is 2-cup jump. I personally recommend saline as it is less expensive than silicone and won't have to replace them as soon. But to your question, to go from a B-cup to a C-cup, you need hi profile 200-230cc implants filled to 250-275cc, respectively.
Published on Jul 11, 2012