September 10, 2025 | Breast Implant
4 minute read
Breast augmentation is an exciting opportunity to achieve your preferred breast aesthetic and silhouette, unlocking new wardrobe opportunities and new confidence alike. However, due to all the options available to customize your procedure, it’s understandable that most patients have a long list of questions and curiosities concerning breast augmentation and breast implants. This blog will discuss how breast implant sizing works and offer guidance on selecting the ideal implant size for your specific needs.
Table of Contents
- Factors That Affect Implant Size
- Bra Cup Size vs. Implant Size
- Breast Implant Sizing Tips
- Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Orange County
Factors That Affect Implant Size
Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most customizable plastic surgery procedures of them all. The surgery itself varies in terms of where your surgeon places incisions, whether your implant will sit underneath or on top of your pectoral muscles, and which implant material is best for your preferences and lifestyle.
But breast implants themselves are highly customizable devices. There are three main dimensions that determine the size and shape of an implant: volume, profile, and diameter.
Breast Implant Volume
Breast implants are sized by their volume, which is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), rather than cup sizes, which most of us are more familiar with.
In the United States, patients can choose implants ranging from 100cc to 800cc. The most popular range is 300cc to 400cc, but every patient has their own unique anatomy and preferences that determine the best implant volume for them.
As a general rule:
- A smaller breast implant is typically 150 to 200cc in volume.
- A mid-range implant would be 300 to 350cc.
- Anything over 400cc is a large implant.
Implant Profile
Implant profile is a term used to describe the distance that your breast projects outward from your chest. Implant profiles range from low or moderate to ultra high, depending on your desired outcome. Different levels of projection can make the breasts appear larger or smaller, even at the exact same volume.
- High profile implants have the most forward projection, creating a rounder and more lifted appearance, increased fullness in the upper breast pole, and more defined cleavage.
- Low profile implants have the least amount of projection and a relatively wider base, providing the softest, most natural-looking results.
- Moderate profile implants offer a balance of width and projection, and are popular for their natural look.
Implant Diameter
The diameter is the base width of the breast implant. It shapes the breast outline and determines the best fit for you, depending on your chest size and preferred aesthetic. Diameter usually ranges from 7.4 to 17.2 centimeters. A wider implant can offer more cleavage, but may also make the breasts appear farther apart.
All of the above factors combined will determine the shape and appearance of your breasts after breast augmentation surgery.
Bra Cup Size vs. Implant Size
Generally, breast implant size does not translate to a specific bra cup size. Even women with similar breast volume will wear different bra sizes, because bra sizes measure volume based on the difference in inches between chest circumference below the breasts and at the fullest part of the bust. Additionally, bra sizes often vary among different bra brands. You may be a 36B in one brand and a 34C in another.
That said, a general guideline is that every 150 to 200cc of added volume equates to approximately one cup size increase. Ultimately, factors like implant profile, body frame, existing breast tissue, and surgical technique all influence your final bra size after augmentation.
Breast Implant Sizing Tips
Your ideal breast size isn’t just about aesthetics—your lifestyle and preferences matter, too. For athletic women who enjoy high-impact workouts or deep stretching exercises like yoga and Pilates, implants that are moderate in size and projection may feel more comfortable and natural during movement.
Wardrobe is another factor: if you envision wearing low-cut tops or dresses that highlight cleavage, a higher-profile implant may suit your goals better than a wider, lower-profile option.
It is an excellent idea to collect “goal” pictures to bring to your consultation. Your surgeon can examine your anatomy and review your goal photos to help you determine exactly which implants are right for you.
Learn More About Breast Augmentation in Orange County
Breast augmentation is a versatile procedure with numerous options to customize to your preferences. If you’re ready to start your journey, schedule a consultation with our highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons at UCI Plastic Surgery. Call our office today at (714) 456-3077 (Orange), (949) 999-2411 (Costa Mesa), or (714) 456-3077 (Tustin) or complete the online contact form.