Why cup size is the wrong starting point
Patients arrive asking for a 'C cup' or a 'small D'. The problem is that cup size is not standardised — it depends on chest circumference, brand and fitter. Two women with identical implants can wear different cups.
Plastic surgeons think in measurements: base width of your natural breast, chest width, soft tissue thickness, skin elasticity. The implant must match your chest dimensions first; the cup is the consequence, not the goal.
How implants are described
| Term | Meaning | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Base width | Diameter at the implant base (cm) | Must be ≤ your breast base width or implant edges show |
| Projection | How far the implant projects forward | Determines cleavage and side profile |
| Profile | Low / moderate / high / extra-high | Same volume can look very different by profile |
| Volume (cc) | Internal fill volume in millilitres | Roughly 150–200cc per cup size, with caveats |
How to think about your own choice
Bring three reference photographs of breasts you find aspirational on a body similar to yours. Avoid photos with a different body shape — what looks balanced on one frame distorts on another.
Use a 3D simulation (Vectra or Crisalix) at consultation. Simulations are not perfect but they communicate volume far better than guessing in cc.
Sizing bras with rice-filled bags worn for a day under clothing reveal practical considerations — does sport bra coverage feel right? Does this volume slow you down at work?
Choose the smaller of two options you are torn between. Patient surveys consistently show that more women regret going too large than too small.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many cc equal one cup size?+
Roughly 150–200cc, but it depends on chest width and existing breast tissue. A narrow chest sees more change per cc than a broad chest.
Will a high-profile implant look fake?+
Not inherently — high profile suits narrow chests and small starting volumes. Moderate profile usually looks most natural on average proportions.
Can I go larger later?+
Yes, but additional surgery has the same recovery as the original. Better to choose carefully the first time.
Does implant size affect sensation?+
Larger implants and sub-glandular placement are associated with slightly higher rates of altered nipple sensation. Discuss this risk explicitly at consultation.
Explore further
Continue your research on the clinic site
Next step
Interested in learning whether this procedure is right for you?
Schedule a personalised consultation with Dr. Ümmü Gülsüm Barutcu in Istanbul to discuss your goals and receive a tailored treatment plan.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Gülsüm Barutcu
Dr. Ümmü Gülsüm Barutcu
Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon · Istanbul, Turkey
Dr. Barutcu cares for international patients with an emphasis on personalised planning, ethical decision-making and natural-looking outcomes. Her practice is built on patient safety, informed consent and an unhurried approach to every consultation.
Last reviewed: 30 May 2026
