Any woman who has been fitted for a bra knows that every bra maker seems to have a different method of measuring cup size. Some patient can be two or even three different sizes depending on the manufacturer. This makes deciding on size difficult. Even though it is not usually possible to make a breast look like a picture it may help to bring your surgeon a picture from a magazine or catalogue. This helps your surgeon understand your expectations and desires.
Many patients worry that after surgery they will be too big or too small. This can happen because it is impossible to always gauge the exact patient need. However it is much less common than you might imagine. Most surgeons are well trained to advise about this.
Some patients will always think the breast is too small after surgery no matter how large the implant. This may be because after a lifetime in which their body image is fixed on the idea that they have a small breast, nothing will change it, not even large implants.
Implants are usually sized in metric measurements. Many surgeons assess the size increase, and therefore the implant needed, by using the formual that 1(one) cup size = 150 ml (cc). A two cup size increase would need about a 300 cc implant. This amount needs to be added to the amount of breast tissue you have now. For example if you are now an “A ” cup then a 300 cc implant may bring you close to a full “C“. Unfortunately many factors need to be considered in deciding about size and shape and your surgeon can talk with you about this.
A final point of confusion for patients is that as they go from surgeon to surgeon they may be told that different size implants produce the same increase. Remember that if the implant is placed below the muscle a larger implant may be needed, often as much as 100 cc or more. So confirm with the surgeon if the size described is for above or below the muscle.