What Are Breast Implants?

A breast implant is a prosthesis which adjusts the size, shape and contours of the breasts. They are commonly used in a variety of procedures, including:

Cosmetic breast surgery, such as Breast Augmentation or Augmented Mastopexy
Breast Reconstruction to correct genetic conditions, following injury or after breast cancer surgery

Breast implants can be inserted in pairs or individually, depending on the procedure being performed. Over 5,000 Breast Augmentations, including breast implants, were performed in the UK throughout 2024 by BAAPS surgeons alone. Breast Enlargement is the most popular cosmetic procedure in the UK.

Breast Implant Size Comparison

Breast implants are available in a wide range of sizes to suit individual patient requirements. Although we typically think about breast size in cups, breast implants are measured in cubic centimetres (cc’s). This is because there are often inconsistencies in cup sizes between different brands, whereas cubic centimetres are a standard measurement used by all breast implant brands.

The breast implant size selection typically ranges from around 100cc to 800cc, with the most common breast implant size being 300 to 500cc. It is important to remember that breast implant sizes are relative to your natural breast size. Larger cc breast implants will result in a more dramatic-looking increase in breast size on someone with natural A or B-cup breasts than on someone who is a D-cup, for example.

Your surgeon will discuss several breast implant sizes with you to show you an extensive breast implant size comparison. They will use tools called breast implant sizers, which closely resemble breast implants and can be placed inside your bra to show you how each size would look. Slight variations in breast implant sizes can have a significant effect on the final result, so it is important to look at different sizes and types of breast implants. Your surgeon will also show you a range of before and after images to show you how different-sized implants settle and their final results.

Which is the Right Breast Implant Size for Me?

Your surgeon will have an in-depth discussion with you about the right size breast implants to achieve your desired outcomes. There are several factors which will influence this conversation and contribute to your final decision:

Your Desired Outcomes

The result you are hoping to achieve is arguably the most important factor when choosing your breast implant size. Whether you are looking for a subtle change or a more dramatic increase in your breast volume will influence the breast implant sizes that are suitable for you. It is essential that you discuss your desired outcomes clearly with your surgeon during your consultation so they are able to provide the best advice on the size and type of breast implants that are right for you.

It may help you to bring in photos of how you would like your breasts to look post-surgery to demonstrate your goals. Your surgeon will explain what is achievable based on your anatomy and concerns, and therefore which size breast implants are most appropriate for you.

Body Proportions

It is crucial to take the shape and size of your body into account when deciding on the size of your breast implants. Your surgeon will take several measurements, including your height, shoulder width, chest width, and torso-to-hip ratio, to determine what the most flattering size for your body’s proportions may be.

Although there are no hard and fast rules, generally speaking, your surgeon will advise:

Smaller breast implants will likely suit a slighter frame, whereas larger implants are suited to taller and broader frame
Rib cage size doesn’t necessarily correlate to your overall frame. A wider rib cage may accommodate larger breast implants, even on a smaller body size. However, a slender rib cage may look overwhelmed and require smaller breast implants
Individuals who have an athletic build with few curves typically suit larger implants to enhance the contours of the chest
An hourglass shape is often the most versatile, suiting a range of breast implant sizes

It is important to try several breast implant sizes in order to see which matches your desired outcomes in relation to your body’s size and shape.

Lifestyle

As well as your aesthetic goals, it is essential that the breast implant size you choose suits your lifestyle and regular activities. For example, larger breast implants may affect your comfort when exercising or mobility when caring for young children. Larger breast implants are also more likely to affect clothing choices, and it is important to consider whether a dramatic change in size may make you feel self-conscious.

Breast Implant Shape and Profile

Size is not the only factor in choosing breast implants. The two other variables which affect the available types of breast implants are:

Shape: Breast implants are available in round and teardrop shapes. Teardrop breast implants typically create a more natural appearance with more fullness at the bottom of the breast. Round implants are the most popular choice and create more even volume across the breasts.
Profile: Implant profile describes the breast implant dimensions and projection, ranging from low to ultra-high. Breast implants on the lower end of the scale have a broad base and project less from the chest. As the profile increases, the implant base narrows, making the breasts more prominent. Larger breast implants with a higher profile will create a more dramatic result than smaller breast implants with the same profile.

What Does Our Surgeon Think?

Mr Will Sarakbi, Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon, explains how patients should choose their breast implant size and what they will discuss with their surgeon.

Cadogan Clinic has brought together the best consultant breast surgeons in the UK, all highly experienced in performing Breast Augmentation to the highest standard.

Our Breast Surgeons

Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

It is important to take your time deciding on your final breast implant size. All surgical patients at Cadogan Clinic have the opportunity to have two consultations with their surgeon. While some patients are certain about their breast implant size, many patients choose to use the time between their consultations to compare their options and settle on the implant size they like the most.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to take the breast implant sizers that your surgeon has used in your consultation away with you. There are at-home tests and resources which can help you make your decision. You will also be able to contact your dedicated surgical patient advisor at any time with any questions you have.

Breast Implant Size Calculator

The breast implant size chart below illustrates the breast implant size typically needed to achieve the most popular increases in cup size. It is important to remember that breast implant sizes are relative to the size of your breasts, and other factors such as shape and profile will also impact the final results.

Cup Size Increase	Breast Implant Volume
Cup size A to B	250-300 cc
Cup size A to C	300-350 cc
Cup size A to D	370-430 cc
Cup size B to C	250-350 cc
Cup size B to D	350-400 cc
Cup size B to DD	400-450 cc
Cup size C to D	300-350 cc
Cup size C to DD	370-450 cc
Cup size C to E	450-550 cc
Cup size D to DD	300-400 cc
Cup size D to E	450-600 cc

One of Cadogan Clinic's expert breast surgeons will advise whether other factors mean that you may expect different results compared to our breast implant size chart.

Breast Implant Rice Test

The breast implant rice test is a straightforward way of visualising different Breast Augmentation sizes at home. This allows you to try different breast implant sizes with various outfits and gives you a sense of the breast implant weight you can expect from each size.

The breast implant rice test isn’t able to achieve the exact shape and profile of breast implants, but it will provide a reasonable breast implant size comparison at-home.

How to do the Breast Implant Rice Test

You will need:

A pair of tights or two tie handle freezer bags
Uncooked rice
Kitchen scales
Sports bra or unpadded bra

Creating your breast implant rice sizers

Weigh your rice: To get the correct amount of rice, convert the cc amount into grams. For example, to create a 400cc sizer, use 400g of rice per side.
Fill your sizers: Pour your rice into each foot of the tights, or into your freezer bags. Tie the tights or the freezer bags to make the rice into firm balls. If you’re using tights, cut the legs of the tights a few inches above the knot to make two breast implant sizers. Mould the sizers into rounded implant shapes.
Try on your breast implant sizers: Put on a sports bra or unpadded bra and place the breast implant rice sizers inside the bra, over the top of your natural breasts. You may need to manipulate the positioning slightly for the best visualisation.
Try different clothing: Try different outfits to understand how the breast implant size may look. As well as trying your favourite clothing, make sure to try exercise and swimwear. Taking photos of each size can be beneficial for your follow-up consultation. You may also wish to speak to friends and family to get their opinions.

The breast implant rice test is a great way to visualise a breast implant size comparison. Although there may not be dramatic variations in the sizes you try, they may have significant differences in how they appear in relation to your body’s proportions and clothing choices.

Words From Our Founder

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Choosing your breast implant size is an exciting part of your surgical journey. Choosing a size that achieves your desired aesthetic outcomes but also aligns with your lifestyle and flatters your body’s shape and proportions is crucial. Choosing an expert consultant breast surgeon to perform your procedure will offer you the best aesthetic and functional advice on the differences in breast implant sizes.

Mr. Bryan Mayou

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is a breast implant size calculator?

Any breast implant size calculator or breast implant size chart is only an illustration of the breast surgery sizes that can be achieved and is based on average breast implant size. Other factors, such as your bodily proportions, breast implant shape and profile, and your desired outcomes, will all influence the silicone implant sizes that may be suitable for you.

However, considering a boob job size chart can be useful to understand how average breast implant size corresponds to cup size, which is the measurement most people comfortable with when thinking about breast size.

How accurate is the rice test for Breast Augmentation?

Similar to a breast size implant calculator, breast implant rice sizers only provide an illustration of the results you may achieve. As well as having a different texture to breast implants, rice is less malleable, meaning that it is hard to exactly match the shape and projection of the breast implant sizers that surgeons have access to. Although it is important to bear this in mind, the breast implant rice test is a highly effective way of visualising how different boob job sizes may appear in your day-to-day life, in different outfits, which can be challenging in a surgical consultation.

Are silicone implant sizes different to saline implant sizes?

Saline and silicone implant sizes are measured in the same way, using cubic centimetres, and the implants are the same size. However, as medical-grade silicone is slightly denser than saline, the implants may weigh slightly more. It is possible to use a silicone implant size chart when considering saline implants.

How much do breast implants weigh?

Breast implant weight isn’t always something patients prioritise in their decision about breast implant size, but it is an important consideration. As with large natural breasts, overly large breast implants may cause discomfort, including shoulder and back pain. It is possible to test breast implant weight using the rice test. A 400 cc breast implant will weigh roughly the same as 400g of uncooked rice. Especially if you are considering larger breast enhancement sizes, try keeping the breast implant rice sizers in your bra for a little while to get a sense of the weight as well as the appearance.

What are the largest breast implants?

The largest breast implants available from most breast implant brands are 800 cc. For most patients, using 800 cc or the largest breast implants would achieve an increase of three or more cup sizes. The largest breast implants are not used regularly as the size increase is very dramatic. They aren’t suited to most people’s body proportions, and due to their size and weight, they don’t work with most people’s lifestyles.

What is the smallest breast implant size?

Typically, the smallest breast implant size is around 100 cc. Similar to the largest breast implants, they aren’t commonly used, but this is because their effect would be too subtle for the majority of patients. Smallest breast implant size is often more suitable for patients who have uneven size breasts and who wish to have one breast implant to balance their breast sizes.

What is the most common breast implant size?

The most common breast implant size used is 300-500 cc. This size range suits a large number of people’s body shapes and sizes, and also achieves a balanced and proportionate appearance. Although 300-500 cc is the average breast implant size, it is not guaranteed that this will suit your concerns and desired outcomes, so it is crucial to discuss the full range of breast implant sizes with your surgeon.

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