Cubic centimeters (cc) are the standard unit for measuring breast implant volume, but translating this volume into a traditional bra cup size is not a simple conversion. The final cup size achieved with an 800cc implant depends on the implant’s design and the patient’s unique physical structure. Since bra sizing lacks uniformity, the cup letter represents the difference between the chest wall and bust circumference. Understanding the factors that influence how 800cc of volume settles on the body is necessary to form realistic expectations of the final breast size.
Typical Cup Size Range for 800cc
An 800cc breast implant represents a substantial volume, often resulting in a dramatic change in size and projection. For most women, 800cc is considered to be in the range of a G or H cup, depending on the specific bra sizing system used. This volume falls into the category of larger implant sizes, frequently leading to an increase of three or more cup sizes from the starting point.
The exact cup letter is an estimate because the relationship between cubic centimeters and cup size is not linear. Generally, an increase of about 150cc to 200cc of implant volume is needed to achieve a single cup size increase. Given this ratio, 800cc signifies a profound augmentation, placing the final size at the higher end of the standard cup size spectrum.
Anatomical Variables That Change the Outcome
The final cup size is primarily determined by the patient’s existing chest wall and breast anatomy. The volume of the patient’s natural breast tissue must be added to the implant volume to calculate the total size of the augmented breast. A person starting with more natural tissue will achieve a greater final cup size than a person with minimal existing tissue receiving the same 800cc implant.
The width of the chest, measured by the bra band size, influences how the 800cc implant is dispersed. A patient with a narrower chest concentrates the volume over a smaller area, causing the breast to project further forward and likely resulting in a larger cup letter, such as an H cup. Conversely, a patient with a wider chest distributes the 800cc volume across a broader base, which may lead to less forward projection and potentially a smaller cup letter, like a G cup. Skin and tissue elasticity are also important, as the capacity of the existing skin envelope determines how much the tissue can stretch to accommodate the 800cc volume.
How Implant Profile Influences Projection and Size
Beyond the patient’s anatomy, the physical design of the implant, specifically its profile, directly affects the final size appearance. The implant profile refers to the ratio between the base diameter and its projection (how far it extends forward from the chest wall). All 800cc implants contain the same volume but are manufactured in different profiles, such as low, moderate, or high.
A high-profile implant has a narrower base diameter, forcing the volume to project outward significantly, creating a rounder and more prominent shape. This increased forward projection contributes to a larger difference between the band and bust measurement, often translating to the largest possible cup letter. Conversely, a moderate-profile implant has a wider base and less forward projection, spreading the volume across the chest wall. The reduced projection may result in a slightly smaller final cup size, even though the volume is identical.