Measuring Bra Size
AFTER IMPLANTS
Measuring for Proper Fit With Implants
You and your doctor may have agreed on the size you want to be, but different factors can affect what bra size will actually fit you properly. Implants tend to run wider than a natural breast, and your existing breast tissue prior to surgery also needs to be accounted for. Therefore, even if you feel like you are a C cup, you may need to go up to a D cup to get the right size underwire and fit. Also, doctors will claim you as a "full" cup, which means that you now have an additional 1/2 cup size increase. This can push you to a larger cup size, as well. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (ccs). 175 to 200 ccs is the equivalent to a one-cup size increase. Knowing the size of your implants will also help you determine your new cup size.
Band Size with Breast Implants
Cup Size with Breast Implants
Breast Measurement (See measurement instructions above) |
32" band (27-28" ribcage) |
34" band (29-30" ribcage) |
36" band (31-32" ribcage) |
38" band (33-34" ribcage) |
---|---|---|---|---|
6" | A | Â | Â | Â |
6.5" | FULL A | Â | Â | Â |
7" | B | A | Â | Â |
7.5" | FULL B | FULL A | Â | Â |
8" | C | B | A | Â |
8.5" | FULL C | FULL B | FULL A | Â |
9" | D | C | B | A |
9.5" | FULL D | FULL C | FULL B | FULL A |
10" | DD | D | C | B |
10.5" | FULL DD | FULL D | FULL C | FULL B |
11" | DDD | DD | D | C |
11.5" | FULL DDD | FULL DD | FULL D | FULL C |
12" | Â | DDD | DD | D |
12.5" | Â | FULL DDD | FULL DD | FULL D |
13" | Â | Â | DDD | DD |
13.5" | Â | Â | FULL DDD | FULL DD |
ADDITIONAL NOTES
One possible side effect of implants can be permanently erect nipples. HerRoom has several products known as nipple covers to provide a more modest and rounded breast profile. Additionally, contour bras where there is a thin layer of foam in the cups can have enough padding to eliminate this look as well.
Bra Tips for Implants
Start with a soft-cup or wire-free bra until you're completely healed and have your doctor's OK to wear underwire bras.
It may take you a few tries to get the right cup size. After surgery, it may be somewhat different, usually larger than what your doctor originally told you.
Plunge bras are a good choice after implants. They have shorter underwires than full-coverage cups and will fit more easily around implants. Also, with your new firmness and fullness, your breasts will look great in this style.
As we mentioned before, permanently erect nipples are sometimes a by-product of the surgery. Consider a contour bra or t-shirt bra - its light padding is your best option for modesty.