A breast implant is a popular prosthesis that can help improve your self-confidence and change your life. Choosing the right breast implant to get the right breast size, however, 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 top 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.
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.
- The most popular 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. But big implants equal big problems.
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 you in the long run.
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, 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 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 Best Implant Size
Most people who undergo breast augmentation surgery aim to enhance their breast size and shape while maintaining a natural look. Improperly fitted breast implants can cause poor outcome and aesthetics – nobody wants that.
There is NO “one size fits all”, so Dr Rubinstein considers several factors to find the right implant size that suits you;
- Body frame
- Torso size
- Natural breast tissue
- Skin capacity
- Cleavage goals
Aside from extensive measurement tools, he also recommends the “try on” approach for his patients. You can try on 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.
Benefits of Small Breast Implants
Patients with smaller frames and smaller natural breasts can benefit from both small and large implants. Small breast implants can still provide several medical and cosmetic benefits while giving your breast the necessary 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.
Benefits of Larger Breast Implants
Aside from enhancing your bust, larger implants bring out the overall contour of your body, they can help give you an hourglass figure.
Bigger and more high-profile implants are more suitable for women who have a broader or taller build who are looking for large projecting breasts.
Larger implants can give you a more enhanced, glamorous-looking bust that can attract more attention.
Bigger isn’t Always Better
However, bigger isn’t always better. 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 sagging 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.
There is some new research that 80% of patients at one year post-surgery said they would have liked the next larger size up implant. (an extra 25 or 50cc). Some also liked the look of their initial post-surgery swollen upper breast pole.
Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Breast Implants
Breast Augmentation surgery is performed if you want to improve 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 goals
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 enhances your breast shape and your figure. Do want a glamorous / enhanced look or a more discrete or natural look.
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 sagging or prone to sagging, 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 Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, Dr Craig Rubinstein is dedicated to achieving the perfect symmetry, shape, and precision for your successful breast augmentation surgery.