How many ‘cc is which cup size?

Cup sizes and cubic centimeters (“cc”) are two terms that often go together when it comes to breast augmentation and your bra size. Many people wonder how many cc’s it takes to reach a certain cup size, and this is a topic that can generate both curiosity and confusion. Our plastic surgeons are often asked how many ‘cc it takes to go from A to C cup or from B to D cup. In this blog and interview with plastic surgeon Marleen Meesters, we take a closer look at the relationship between “cc” and cup sizes. But we start by asking what is cup size anyway and how is it calculated?

What is the cup size and how is it calculated?

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and to find the appropriate support for your breasts, the bra cup size was devised, a European sizing system. Cup size refers to the size of the cups that cover and support the breasts. Cup sizes are usually indicated by letters, such as A, B, C, D, and so on, with A being the smallest cup size and the cup size increasing with the letters. The second component that makes up the cup size is actually the band size, or your circumference under your breasts. For example, if it is 79 cm, then take tire size 80. So you end up with 70/75/80/85 etc.

To measure your complete cup size, take a tape measure and first measure your “band size”: your circumference directly under your breasts. Then measure your chest circumference again but from the thickest point of your breasts. Often it is at the nipple. The difference in circumference determines your cup size. There are also more convenient tables online for this.

What is the relationship between the number of “cc” of a breast implant and the final cup size?

This relationship is quite complex. It is not the case that the number ‘cc X represents cup size X. It is important to understand that there is no exact one-to-one correspondence between ‘cc’ and cup size because cup sizes depend on multiple factors, including the patient’s physique, existing breast size and shape, and the proportions of the breasts to the rest of the body.

With breast implants, not only the number of ‘cc plays a role in the final cup size, but also the “profile” of the implant. The profile is the distance of the implant from the chest wall and determines the fullness of the breast. The profiles can be low, medium, high or extra high. An average profile prosthesis of 300′ cc with a diameter of, say, 11.5 cm has a height of 3.9 cm, while the same amount of filling of 300′ cc in at a high profile has a height or projection of 4.9 cm. That height, of course, greatly affects your bra size.

Read all about breast implants here!

Can you tell the plastic surgeon your desired cup size?

Determining the desired cup size in ‘cc for breast augmentation is an important aspect of the consultation with a plastic surgeon:

During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will discuss with you your expectations and goals for breast augmentation. This is the time to share your needs and preferences.
Fitting prostheses: The surgeon may ask you to try on fitting prostheses. These are temporary implants that you wear in your bra to see what different sizes look and feel like. This can help you get an idea of the desired size.
CC measurements: The desired cup size is usually not measured directly in ‘cc because it is difficult to make an exact correlation between ‘cc and cup size. However, the plastic surgeon will use the information you provided about your desired size and physique to determine which implants are appropriate.
Surgical Plan: Based on your consultation and fitting prostheses, the surgeon will create a surgical plan, including the choice of implants in ‘cc.

It is important to have realistic expectations and open communication with your surgeon about what you want to achieve. The amount of ‘cc needed to reach a certain cup size varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including your existing breast size and physique. There is no set conversion from cc to cup size because bra sizes and cup sizes can vary between brands and styles. It is best to rely on the advice of your plastic surgeon to choose the right implants to suit your needs.