Breast Augmentation Size Chart – Implant Sizes and Cup Sizes

Choosing the right breast implant to achieve your preferred breast size can sometimes be very confusing.

Implant size and breast cup size are two very different things. Silicone implants are measured in cubic centimetres (cc), while the final breast size for a bra is measured in cup size.

Your Post Breast Surgery Bra Cup Size cannot be guaranteed as bra manufacturers vary considerably in bra design and cup sizing. Patients can also lose or gain weight which affects their final bra cup size.

Plastic surgeons use implant size charts to estimate which approximate final cup size each implant volume will achieve. Other factors, like implant profile, implant shape, and your natural anatomy can also affect the final size of your breasts after breast enhancement.

Dr Craig Rubinstein is one of the leading specialists in breast plastic surgery in Melbourne, Australia.

During your consultation, Dr Craig and his team will help you choose the perfect implant size and shape for you to reach your cosmetic goals.

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What Are the Different Sizes of Breast Implants?

Just like natural breasts, not all breast implants are created equal. Breast implants are available in a range of sizes to accommodate different body types and cosmetic desires.

When surgeons and patients say “implant size”, they usually refer to the implant’s volume (in cc). However, there are other measurements that will determine the final cup size and shape of your breasts.

To better understand the different sizes of breast implants, let’s look at the three measurements needed. We base the dimensions of breast implants on the following:

1. Implant Volume

• Implants are measured in volume, cubic centimetres (cc), rather than the cup size.
• A smaller breast implant can range from 150 to 200cc.
• A common, mid-range sized implant is 300 to 350cc
• A large implant is anything over 400cc
• A very large implant can go up to as high as 800cc or more in Australia.

2. Implant Diameter

• The diameter or base width of a breast implant shapes the breast outline and determines the right fit for you.
• It usually ranges from 7.4cm to 17.2cm.
• Selecting the correct width is essential in maintaining natural-looking breasts.

3. Implant Profile

• The implant profile determines the distance that your breast, or implant, projects outward from your chest.
• Profiles can be measured from low/moderate to ultra high, depending on your desired outcome
• Motiva Implants come in a range of 4 different profiles – Moderate (Mini), Moderate Plus (Demi), High (Full), Ultra-High (Corse)

At your consultation with Dr Rubinstein, you’ll likely have a thorough discussion about your breast implant size options. You’ll go over the different sizes of implants, their pros and cons, and what’s best for your needs.

What Are Breast Implant Profiles?

The best way to get an idea of your breast implant’s profile is to stand sideways in front of a mirror. From a side view, you can see the contour of your breast. You can visualise how a breast implant can change how far your breasts push out from your chest wall and add fullness.

Implants can have the same volume (e.g. 400 cc), but different profiles (low vs high), which means different final breast projections and shapes.

Take a look at the standard breast implant profiles and their prominent features.

Implant Profile	Features
Low Profile Implants	●     Flat in appearance ●     Minimal Projection ●     Ideal for Wider chests
Moderate Profile Implants	●     Natural-looking projection ●     Ideal for smaller or narrower chests
High Profile Implants	●     Maximum projection ●     Very round and prominent breasts ●     Ideal for narrow chests

Low-profile breast implants slightly push the central part of your breast (areola) outward, creating a softer and flatter appearance. Whereas, high-profile implants push the central and lower parts the most, giving a pointy and round breast shape.

So, low implant profiles provide the least projection for a given volume, while a high profile offers the most projection, and a moderate profile projects between a low and high level.

The profiles follow the same principle when looking at different implant diameters. As the volume of the implant increases, so does the projection.

How Does Implant Size Affect Cup Size?

Cup sizes are mainly used to communicate the aesthetic you want to achieve (and buy bras). As a rule of thumb, each 150cc to 200cc breast implant volume is likely to give you one cup size increase.

However, this differs in individual patents. We have to take both your height and build into consideration. In other words, a taller person may need a bigger implant volume to boost their cup size in comparison to a shorter person.

Remember, bra cup sizes vary between brands and are widely inconsistent. So, estimating using cup sizing is not realistic, nor is it reliable in breast augmentation.

Dr Rubinstein uses precise measurements of your breast before and after breast enhancement. So if you’re considering a breast enlargement, your cup size increase may not work with your usual bra brand. Here’s a chart that estimates the general changes in cup size after breast augmentation depending on the implant volume you get:

Breast Implant Volume	Estimated Cup Size Increase
250 to 300cc	Cup size A to B
300 to 350cc	Cup size A to C
370 to 430cc	Cup size A to D
250 to 350cc	Cup size B to C
350 to 400cc	Cup size B to D
400 to 450cc	Cup size B to DD
300 to 350cc	Cup size C to D
370 to 450cc	Cup size C to DD
450 to 550cc	Cup size C to E
300 to 400cc	Cup size D to DD
450 to 600cc	Cup size D to E

If you have a specific cup size in mind, mention it at your initial consultation with Dr Rubinstein. His expertise as a specialist plastic surgeon allows him to work towards your goals and accurately convey the look you want to achieve.  However, a final Bra Cup size cannot be guaranteed.         

How to Choose the Most Suitable Implant Size for Your Needs

Breast augmentation surgery typically aims to enhance breast size and shape while maintaining a natural look. Improperly fitted breast implants can cause poor outcomes and aesthetics.

There is NO “one size fits all” solution, so Dr Rubinstein considers several factors to find the right implant size that suits your:

• Body frame
• Torso size
• Natural breast tissue
• Skin capacity
• Cleavage preferences

Aside from extensive measurement tools, he also recommends the “try on” approach for his patients. You can try silicone implant sizers in a bra of your desired size to get a rough idea of the implant size you need.

Dr Rubinstein’s Melbourne clinic also uses Vectra 3D Imaging, the latest imaging system for cosmetic surgery procedures.

The Vectra 3D Imaging device produces a 3D image alongside a silicone breast implant to serve as a visual guide. It provides accurate and personalised measurements of your expected breast augmentation outcome.

Are Larger or Smaller Breast Implants Better?

Most patients already know what they want their new bust to look like, but there’s more to the process than just picking a size.

Although we note your body type and physique to help you choose, you also have to weigh the pros and cons before arriving at a decision.

Small Breast Implants

Patients with smaller frames and smaller natural breasts may benefit from both small and large implants. Small breast implants can still provide several medical and cosmetic changes while giving your breast the desired boost:

• Natural shape and texture
  • A smaller implant can avoid that overly rounded appearance.
  • It also keeps more of your natural tissue, giving it a softer, natural texture.
• Fewer stretch marks
  • Smaller implants need less space to accommodate them.
  • It stretches less skin, resulting in fewer stretch marks.
• Smaller incisions
  • We can insert smaller implants through smaller incisions, allowing more placement options and fewer chances for scarring.
• Quicker recovery
  • A smaller implant causes less damage to your natural breast tissue, meaning fewer post-surgical side effects and a smoother recovery period.
• Less discomfort
  • You’re less likely to develop back and shoulder pain because of its smaller weight.

If you want a more clear enhancement, the augmentation from smaller implants may not be enough. You may need larger and high-profile breast implants to carry out the augmentation effectively.

Larger Breast Implants

Bigger and more high-profile implants are more suitable for women who have a broader or taller build and are looking for more projecting breasts.

Contrast to the Options on Size

There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind when choosing a larger implant:

• Restrictions
  • Larger implants can impede your normal daily activities like running and exercising.
• Heavy load
  • The heavy silicone implant can lead to descending breasts and even damaged breast tissue.
  • You may need a breast lift in the future to tighten the surrounding tissues.
• Discomfort
  • Heavier implants can weigh you down and cause back or shoulder pain.

Small breast implants may make sense if you have a petite build and are looking to enhance your natural breasts. While larger breast implants, say 400cc or 375cc high-profile, may work perfectly for a person with a taller and broader frame.

Ultimately, choosing a breast implant size is a long-term decision that only you can make. Our role is to guide you through the process and provide expert care and advice throughout your procedure.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Breast Implants

Breast Augmentation surgery is performed if you want to alter the shape and size of your breasts. Aside from breast implant sizes, Dr Rubinstein has to factor in a few more things before deciding on the best breast implant for you.

1. Aesthetic preferences

Getting a breast augmentation is a personal decision. You may want implants that put you a few sizes up from where you are now, or you may opt for a larger size that alters your breast shape and your figure.

2. Implant Shape

We could use different breast implant shapes to achieve your desired look. A round implant can give you more cleavage and a rounder look, while a teardrop implant or anatomical implant can give you a more natural look.

3. Natural Body Shape

Your existing proportions play a significant role in determining your breast implant. Implants with a higher profile can make your breasts look fuller if you have a shorter waist or a narrow chest. On the other hand, if you’re taller or long-waisted, Dr Rubinstein may suggest implants with a wider diameter.

4. Age

Younger patients have more elasticity to their skin, making it easier to adjust to a new breast profile. If you are older and your skin is descending or prone to descending, you might need to add breast lift surgery and choose high-profile implants.

5. Your Lifestyle – Exercise and Sports

If you live a physically active life, we recommend only a slight increase in implant size. Larger breast implants, and larger breasts, can interfere with your daily routine and activities. Sports and exercises can be challenging to manage and can even be uncomfortable.

With all the options available, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed when it comes to breast implants. With years of experience as a Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, Dr Craig Rubinstein is dedicated to achieving the desired symmetry, shape, and precision for your successful breast augmentation surgery.

FAQs about Breast Implant Sizing

What is the most common breast implant size?

• The most common breast implant sizes range from 275 to 355cc.

What is the smallest breast implant size?

• The smallest breast implant sizes available are 145cc, which is roughly half a cup size.
• Although very rare, it’s also possible to request a 100cc or 125cc breast implant.
• Practically speaking, though, the smallest breast implant size that patients usually request is 250cc.

What is the largest breast implant size?

• Breast implants go up as large as 800cc in Australia (1200cc for overfilled saline implants in the USA); however, we do not recommend these.

Which Implants look the most natural?

• Two kinds of implants are available; Silicon and Saline.
• Silicone breast implants yield more natural-looking results. These are made from a highly viscous gel that gives a significantly softer and natural feel.
• In terms of size, 250cc to 400cc medium to high-profile implants usually give a natural-looking size increase depending on height and weight.

Where are breast implants placed?

• Dr Rubinstein can place your breast implants behind the glandular tissue in your breast or behind the muscle in your chest wall. The latter is the most common placement for long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Which Implant profile is better for natural-looking breasts?

• Moderate profile implants are most likely to give the look of natural breasts. However, this isn’t the case for everyone.
• A high profile may suit you if you have a tall or wide build, while a low profile can look more natural if you’re on the petite side.

Can you do chest exercises after implants?

• We suggest avoiding strenuous chest exercises like push-ups after breast augmentation surgery, especially during your recovery.
• Consult Dr Rubinstein and get a clear pass before starting any activities.
• We also recommend wearing supportive gear like a sports bra while working out.

How long does it take for breast implants to look normal?

• You might experience slight swelling after your breast implant surgery. This is entirely normal after surgical procedures.
• You may need up to 6 weeks to 3 months before your breasts look completely natural with minimal signs of surgery.

Medical Sources – Breast Augmentation Size Chart

• Which breast implant shape is best for you?
• Article about Breast Implants Sydney
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• American Board Cosmetic Surgery
• WebMD: Breast Implants
• nhs.uk: Breast Enlargement
• Smart Beauty Guide

About Dr Craig Rubinstein
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