How Do I Know What Size Implant I Need For Full C Cup

THE MYSTERY OF BRA CUP SIZE

Ahh, the dreaded cup size. As a board certified plastic surgeon, I have been in private practice for over 13 years and have operated on hundreds (if not thousands) of women desiring breast augmentation. As you can guess, the most common question is “what cup size am I going to be?” and the most common request is to be a “full C”.

The problem is measuring the bra cup size is not standardized and there is NO international standard for manufacturing bras. Most patients, for example, have purchased Fruit of the Loom sports bras after their breast surgery. These bras are notorious for running small. A patient with a 36 bra size usually has to wear a 40 or 42 bra for a comfortable fit.

The other issue with cup size is that it is relative. For the same bra company, a 34D bra has a similar fit compared to a 36C and a 38B bra. In other words, as the chest circumference increases, the cup size decreases.

In my opinion and based on my experience, the closest approximation for estimating breast implant size is for the patient to try implants wearing a sports bra and look at herself in front of the mirror. I typically add an extra 50cc or so to the breast implant volume chosen to adjust for the extra projection the implant has lying on top of the breast. For example, if a patient chose a 350cc volume, I choose a 375 or 400cc implant, since the breast implant will be placed under the muscle and will end up having less projection.

Since using this technique (estimating breast implant size) for the past eight years, we rarely have a patient who is not pleased with her size.

Michael A. Jazayeri, M.D. is a board certified plastic surgeon in Santa Ana with over 13 years of experience. His office is located in Orange County, California. To schedule a consultation, please call (714) 834-0101.