If you’re confused by the myriad options you have for customizing your breast augmentation, you’re not alone. Breast implants are sized differently from what we’re used to and come in a variety of shapes, materials, and projections, offering a host of choices for the prospective patient. This blog provides helpful charts that translate breast implant sizes, compare breast implant projections, and show approximate changes in bra size for each breast implant volume, so patients can walk into their consultations more informed and ready to make a decision.
5 Min Read:
Table of Contents
- What size breast implants are best for me?
- What’s the difference between breast implant size and bra size?
- How do breast implant sizes differ?
- What is breast implant projection?
- How will my breast implants affect my bra cup size?
- How do you decide what implant size is right for you?
What size breast implants are best for me?
If you’re considering breast augmentation, then you understand how exciting and, at times, overwhelming it can be to start planning your procedure. After all, breast augmentation offers a variety of options for customization, from breast implant material and size to projection and shape; each influences your final aesthetic result.
One thing is for sure with prospective breast augmentation patients: They want their breasts to be bigger, more shapely, and to look nice with their figures. But there’s still a lot of versatility there, especially when it comes to breast implant sizing. Some of the confusion stems from a distinct difference in how we talk about breast implant sizing compared with other, more familiar metrics, such as bra or cup size.
Below, we’ll discuss the differences among bra, cup, and implant sizes so you can start thinking about which implant size might suit your frame and goals.
What’s the difference between breast implant size and bra size?
A lot of people mistakenly conflate breast implant sizing with bra size, when in fact they are measured very differently. Bra size depends on the circumference of your rib cage (band size) and the volume of your breasts (cup size). The size of breast implants, on the other hand, is determined by the breast implant volume in cubic centimeters, which is why they are labeled as 100 cc (100 cubic centimeters).
It’s likely you have bras in slightly different sizes, depending on fabric, shape, and strap type. That’s because manufacturers may offer slightly different sizes, and you might need different sizes depending on the bra and the fit you prefer. Some women prefer strapless bras that are more snug than their regular bras to compensate for the lack of support. Breast implant sizing, however, is consistently measured the same way.
So while it might be helpful for you to think of your breast augmentation in terms of cup size (“I want to go from an A cup to a C cup”), this isn’t an exact way to measure your implant size.
How do breast implant sizes differ?
When you sit down with your surgeon for your breast augmentation consultation, or as you’re searching online, you’ll hear breast implant sizes referred to as cc’s. The volume of breast implants refers to the amount of space they occupy in the body. So rather than thinking about it in terms of cup sizes (more on that later), here’s a breakdown of what the popular cc’s might mean:
| Implant Size | Volume (cc) |
| Small | 150–200 cc |
| Medium | 300–350 cc |
| Large | Over 400 cc |
| Very Large | Up to 800 cc |
It’s not just about the volume of the implants, either. The diameter, or base width, also affects the end result and typically ranges from 7 to 17 cm.
What is breast implant projection?
Another factor to consider that directly affects your end result is the implant projection, also known as the amount the breast implant pushes out from your chest wall. This determines the final contour your implants create and is often based on your frame and shoulder size. Here is a quick breakdown of what implant profiles mean and look like:
| Implant Profile | Appearance | Projection From the Chest | Ideal for |
| Low | More flat, natural appearance | Minimal, rounder base | Broad chests |
| Moderate | Natural, medium projection | Moderate | Small or narrow chests |
| High | Prominent and round | Maximum | Narrow chests |
Choosing the right projection for your body is crucial to a natural-looking, long-lasting result; the same implant size and projection will look vastly different on two people. For example, a woman with a narrow chest wall (small shoulders and ribcage) with large, low-profile implants will not only have a hard time looking natural, but is also at risk of the implants being too large and heavy for her frame.
Similarly, high-profile implants on a woman with a broad chest would look unnatural because the base of the implants does not cover enough surface area to accommodate her chest wall.
How will my breast implants affect my bra cup size?
Even though these units of measurement are not directly comparable, many women want to know how their new implants will affect their bra size. Of course, it varies depending on the size, shape, and profile of her implants (low-profile implants may require a larger band size, for example), but a rough translation is as follows:
| Volume of Breast Implants (cc) | Approx. Increase in Cup Size |
| 250–300 cc | A–B |
| 300–350 cc | A–C |
| 370–430 cc | A–D |
| 250–350 cc | B–C |
| 350–400 cc | B–D |
| 400–450 cc | B–DD |
| 300–350 cc | C–D |
| 370–450 cc | C–DD |
| 450–550 cc | C–E |
| 300–400 cc | D–DD |
| 450–600 cc | D–E |
How do you decide what implant size is right for you?
The best way to determine which implant size is right for you is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, who can discuss the various options with you based on your anatomy, needs, and goals. This is such a customizable procedure that it’s important to understand how each variable affects the outcome, especially when considering how your unique frame will be affected.
Some things to consider as you think about the right implant for you:
- How tall are you? How broad is your chest wall and your shoulders?
- How large are your natural breasts?
- Do you want a dramatic look or a more natural contour?
- What does the rest of your body look like? Do you have a larger butt and hips, or are you slim throughout? What do you want your breasts to look like in comparison?
- How much cleavage or upper-pole fullness do you want?
- How active is your lifestyle? Will large breast implants get in the way?
A general rule of thumb is that patients with an active lifestyle, smaller frames, or a desire for a natural look opt for smaller implants, while those who are tall with broad chests or want a dramatic result opt for larger implants.
In the end, the decision is yours—but your experienced cosmetic surgeon is there to help you choose implants that you’re sure to love. In the meantime, you can check out before and after images for both saline and gel implants.
Want to learn more about breast augmentation in Cleveland, OH?
Dr. Matt Goldschmidt is a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon specializing in customized breast augmentation and breast enhancement procedures, offering patients safe, beautiful results tailored to their needs. If you want an expert’s advice on which breast implant option will get you the look you’ve been dreaming of, whether natural or dramatic, Dr. Goldschmidt is here to help. Call us at (216) 264-8100 or complete the online contact form to schedule a consultation today.