After you have made the big decision to have breast implants, you will need to be prepared to make a few more critical decisions. You will need to decide between silicone or saline, the shape of the implants (round or teardrop), and your desired breast size.
Most women who have had breast implants will agree that choosing a breast implant size is often the most confusing and anxiety-inducing part of the entire process. The information in this post should give you a knowledge base that will help you make an informed decision to ensure you achieve the results you desire.
What To Consider When Choosing A Breast Implant Size
When choosing a breast implant size to use for your breast augmentation it is important to consider several factors that will contribute to, not only how your new breasts will look, but also how they may affect your daily life. For instance, if you are a runner with B cup breasts, increasing them to a DD may inhibit your ability to run comfortably.
Some other factors to take into consideration when choosing your breast implant size include:
- Anatomy – Your frame size and how much you weigh. If you wish your results to look natural, you do not want the implant size disproportionate to the size of your frame.
- Your lifestyle – Are you active, do you exercise regularly, or play sports (larger implants may interfere with your lifestyle).
- Your current breast shape and size.
- Current breast tissue and chest wall characteristics.
What Size Do Breast Implants Come In?
Cosmetic surgeons typically only use bra cup sizes as a guide because these vary widely among bra manufacturers. As doctors and surgeons, they work in exact measurements and use a metric scale of measurement.
Breast implants are measured in cubic centiliters (cc) which is a metric unit used to gauge volume or capacity. One centiliter is equivalent to 10 milliliters or 1/100th of a liter. As a baseline reference, approximately 150-250 cc provides about one cup size in added volume depending on the patient.
Implant Size to Cup Size Chart
| Current cup size | Target cup size and approximate ccs needed | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | C | D | DD | E | |
| A | 250-300 cc | 300-350 cc | 350-375 cc | 375-450 cc | 450-525 cc |
| B | 250-350 cc | 350-400 cc | 400-450 cc | 475-550 cc | |
| C | 300-350 cc | 375-450 cc | 450-550 cc | ||
| D | 300-400 cc | 450-600 cc | |||
Breast implants usually range from 200 ccs to 800 ccs, but generally, the average woman does not desire to go beyond 450 ccs. The most popular size of breast implant is 350 cc as it provides a natural degree of volume and works well on a variety of different body frames. Silicone implants are available in predetermined sizes but saline implants can be overfilled to achieve extra large breasts.
Breast implants also come in different profile sizes. The profile has to do with how wide the base of the implant is and how far it will project from the chest. An implant with a smaller base will have a higher profile than an implant with a wider base when filled with the same amount of fluid.
Depending on the current size of your breasts and the size implant you choose, your breast volume will be increased accordingly. Following is a chart of approximate size increases using different size implants. Please keep in mind that other factors will influence the final results.
Tips For Choosing The Right Size Breast Implants
Deciding to have breast implants and achieving the look you desire is very personal since you will be the one living with the results. Take your time to consider the options and weigh the pros and cons of each one as it relates personally to you and your lifestyle. Following are some tips and things to consider while making your decision.
- Choose a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with a proven track record and then value the advice of that cosmetic surgeon. This is their area of expertise and they want you to be happy.
- Think about the long-term.
- Try out some different size breast options using breast implant sizers. Just keep in mind when using these sizes that you are wearing them on the outside of your breast so your breasts are going to appear slightly larger than they will when the implants are installed.
- While most will not tip the scales, silicone breast implants weigh between 1 and 3 pounds depending on their volume. 400 cc silicone implants will add approximately 2 pounds of weight to an individual.
- Choose the size that will make YOU happy. Do not be swayed by outside influences but choose the size that you will be comfortable and happy living with.
- Review breast implants before and after pictures to get an idea of what look each size implant can create.
- Bigger is not always better. Large implants can create issues for women that they were not prepared for such as:
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- Larger implants are more at risk to displace;
- Implants that are bigger than your body frame can create an unnatural or disproportionate appearance;
- Large implants can interfere with your daily activities or routine;
- Large implants can begin to sag sooner than smaller implants would and can stretch out your skin eventually requiring a breast lift;
- Breasts that are disproportionately large for your frame can result in chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain.
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If you are considering breast implants to enhance your breasts and would like to learn more contact Surgicare Arts & Aesthetics. Set up a consultation with Dr. Angelina Postoev, a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon and highly skilled expert in breast augmentation.
Dr. Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified plastic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer breast augmentation for women in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, and the surrounding areas of Georgia.
