In the context of breast implants, “CC” stands for cubic centimeters. It is a unit of measurement used to describe the volume or size of the breast implant. A higher number of cubic centimeters indicates a larger implant size, while a lower number represents a smaller implant size. During consultations for Breast Augmentation, patients often discuss their desired implant size in terms of Bra Cup size to communicate their aesthetic preferences to their plastic surgeon. The breast implant size (volume measured in cc or cubic centimetres), and profile (the projection or ‘height’) is one of the key Breast Augmentation decisions.
Download our 2023 Breast Augmentation Guide
This complete guide to Breast Augmentation Surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
- Your surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a good candidate.
- Planning for your surgery
- Answers to most frequently asked questions.
- Before and after gallery
- Learn more about Breast Augmentation
What are the drawbacks of implants that are ‘too small’?
Implants that are “too small” can have some drawbacks, depending on individual preferences and goals. These drawbacks may include:
- Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Results: If the chosen implant size is significantly smaller than what the patient desired, it may not achieve the desired result.
- Less Projection: Smaller implants may provide less projection in the breasts, which may not be what the patient was seeking.
- Limited Upper Pole Fullness: Smaller implants may not provide the same upper pole fullness (fullness in the upper part of the breast) that some patients are seeking.
- Difficulty in Achieving Specific Looks: For patients who are seeking a specific appearance or have particular aesthetic goals, smaller implants might not be able to fulfil those goals effectively.
- Potential for Implant Rippling: Smaller implants can sometimes be associated with a higher risk of visible or palpable implant rippling, particularly in patients with thin breast tissue.
It’s important to note that what’s considered “too small” varies from person to person, and the drawbacks of smaller implants depend on individual preferences and expectations. A thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the right Breast Implant CC size that aligns with the patient’s goals and body characteristics. The surgeon can provide guidance to help patients make an informed decision about implant size.
How to address this concern with your breast implants?
- Use computerised 3D technology to visualise the way the different Breast Implant CC’s might look on your physique
- Recognise this is only a ‘sample’ and is not predictive – humans, in real life after surgery, and machines, in visual outcomes, will always have differences – some can be significant BUT these technologies may be helpful for visualisation from an external perspective
- Wear fillers for a few days in different sizes, in many different outfits, and ask yourself:
- Which ones FEEL most comfortable as I go about my daily activities (yoga, walking, cycling, stretching, working at the computer, etc)
- Which ones LOOK the best to you in terms of proportion and projection?
- Understand that the position of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) and the distance between the nipples – plus the location of the centre of the breast mound on the ribcage – all have an impact on what the implants will actually look like once they’re ‘in’.
- For example, where they’ll sit when they are surgically placed into position under the existing tissues, or partially under the muscle.
- What the upper pole will look like (cleavage-wise) once the implants are in place.
While there’s no right answer – only you can decide. An experienced Surgeon will help you make that decision using a variety of methods to help you visualise and experience what each implant CC size will end up ‘looking like’ on your overall physique.
What are the drawbacks of implants that are ‘too large’?
Implants that are “too large” in breast augmentation can have potential drawbacks, including:
- Disproportionate Appearance: Oversized implants can lead to a disproportionate appearance. The breasts may appear overly round, firm, or out of proportion with the rest of the body.
- Increased Risk of Complications: Larger implants may increase the risk of complications such as implant malposition, bottoming out (implants settling too low on the chest), and symmastia (breasts merging in the center).
- Skin Stretching: Large implants can stretch the breast skin excessively, leading to skin thinning.
- Back and Neck Pain: The additional weight of larger implants can contribute to back, neck, and shoulder pain, potentially affecting one’s overall comfort.
- Exercise Limitations: High-impact or strenuous physical activities may become more difficult with large breast implants.
- Difficulty in Finding a Bra: Finding bras that provide proper support and comfort may be challenging.
- Potential for Implant Rupture: Large implants may have a higher risk of rupture or leakage, although modern implants are designed to minimise this risk.
- Higher Risk of Capsular Contracture: The risk of capsular contracture (scar tissue tightening around the implant) may be higher.
- Higher Cost of Surgery: Larger implants may require more extensive surgical procedures, resulting in higher costs.
It’s important for individuals considering breast augmentation to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can provide guidance on choosing an appropriate implant size that aligns with their body proportions, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle.
How to avoid this problem with your Breast Implants
- So choosing a Surgeon who brings ‘balance’ and ‘proportion’ to the breast implant surgery equation is vital for a successful operation.
- Computerised 3D technology is an excellent way to visualise the way the different Breast Implant CC sizes might look on your physique; but for larger sized implants, it’s imperative you also wear the fillers – and feel what that extra weight is like to carry on your upper torso.
- 3D technology such as VECTRA is only a ‘sample’ and is not predictive.
Three methods for making this decision
- Choosing the right Surgeon for Breast Augmentation: A Plastic Surgeon may have much more experience than a “cosmetic surgeon”. This means they could be a General Practitioner or Dermatologist, not an accredited Surgeon who passed the very serious and extensive Surgical exams.
- Using 3D technology such as VECTRA
- Wearing different size fillers for several days in a row; and in different outfits; as well as at the gym, cycling, walking, running or your other daily activities – feel their average “weight” (volume) as well as projection (outward proportions, height).
How many CC’s in a Breast Implant equate to an extra bra cup size?
When we are talking about Breast Implant CC the cc stands for cubic centimetres of volume – this is NOT a ‘bra cup’ measurement or cup size. CC’s of volume are a standard, precise measurement – there is no variance. Whereas, bra cup sizes have tremendous variances between brands. The number of cubic centimeters (ccs) in a breast implant that equates to an increase in bra cup size can vary from person to person. Cup size is not solely determined by the volume of the implant. It’s also influenced by factors such as the individual’s natural breast tissue, chest dimensions, and the style of the bra.
A rough guideline – Breast Implant CC and Bra Cup Sizing
- An increase of approximately 150 to 200 ccs may result in an increase of one cup size for some individuals.
- An increase of 200 to 300 ccs might lead to a two-cup size increase.
However, it’s crucial to understand that these are general estimates, and the relationship between implant size and cup size can be quite variable. Achieving the desired cup size also depends on the individual’s body and their specific goals. This is why a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential. A surgeon can assess the patient’s unique characteristics and help them choose the Breast Implant size (CC) that aligns with their desired outcome. They will consider not only the implant volume but also the overall breast dimensions and proportions to achieve a balanced result. There are no real means to provide a consistent answer. The fact is that everybody is different, and every body is different. What a certain sized implant will do your physique can vary, based on numerous factors.
Factors that have an impact on your appearance before and after augmentation include:
- The skin envelope and dermal tissue strength
- Existing breast tissue composition (muscle vs fat)
- Areola location, nipple size and distance between them
- Surgical placement decisions – under or over muscle
- Differences in existing breast tissues (anatomical variances between the left and right side)
Always Choose a Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Selecting a Specialist Plastic Surgeon for your cosmetic procedure is a decision that significantly impacts the outcome of the surgery. Specialist Plastic Surgeons are highly trained medical professionals who have undergone rigorous education and training. The term “Specialist Plastic Surgeon” is a regulated title, ensuring that practitioners meet specific educational and professional standards. By choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, you access their extensive experience, commitment to safety, and dedication to achieving optimal results. They often have privileges to perform surgeries at accredited hospitals, indicating their capability to handle complex surgical cases. Their qualifications are standardised and verified. Specialisation in the field of plastic surgery means that they offer the highest standard of care. It’s crucial to prioritise safety and quality in any surgical procedure, making the selection of a Specialist Plastic Surgeon a paramount consideration. Their training, experience, and commitment to patient care are key factors that ensure you receive optimal results and minimise risks. Always remember to verify the credentials and experience of your chosen plastic surgeon to ensure you’re in the hands of a specialist who can help you achieve your cosmetic or reconstructive goals. Check education and AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency) registration, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) accreditation and memberships.
Summary About Choosing The Best Breast Implant Size for you
Selecting the ideal breast implant size for you is a crucial aspect of breast augmentation. The right size is highly individual and should align with your aesthetic goals, body proportions, and lifestyle. A professional consultation, during which you can discuss your goals and receive recommendations from your surgeon, is vital in determining the best implant size for you. Key considerations include your body type, chest dimensions, and skin elasticity, as well as your comfort level with the size. It’s important to remember that bigger is not always better, and achieving a balanced result is often the primary goal. Your choice should prioritise a proportionate look that reshapes your overall physique, rather than focusing solely on size. Communicating openly with your surgeon and thoroughly reviewing before-and-after photos can aid in your decision-making process. Ultimately, achieving a balance between your aesthetic desires and what suits your unique body characteristics is the key to selecting the best breast implant size for you. Call our Specialist Plastic Surgeons today for a no-obligation breast augmentation consultation, including 3D Vectra sizing choice assistance.
