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.

Breast implant surgery should not change your band size. So, calculating your band size with implants is performed exactly the same way described in Step 1 of our Bra Size Calculator, where we explain how to measure for your bra’s band size.


Measuring for your new cup size with implants is not the same method as the measuring system for normal breast tissue. With your tape measure parallel to the floor, measure your breast from where your breast begins in your cleavage, across your breast apex, then over to where your breast ends near the armpit. With this measurement, and your band measurement, use the table below to determine your cup size: