Introduction to D Cup Breast Implants - Expert 2024 Guide

D cup breast implants provide a dramatic increase in breast size and fullness compared to smaller B to C cup implants. They involve 350cc+ of implant volume to create an enhanced and curvy bustline.

In this guide, we’ll cover D cup sizing, compare aesthetics to smaller implants, break down implant types, and more. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of whether this implant size is right for you.

Understanding Breast Implant Sizes

When considering breast augmentation, it’s important to understand how implant sizing works. When shopping for undergarments, we reference bra cup sizes. But instead of bra size, surgeons use cubic centimeter (cc) volumes to determine the actual dimensions of the implant.

Measuring in Cup Sizes vs. Implant Volume (cc)

The projected size of a D cup implant generally ranges from 350cc to 450cc, depending on your body type. The cc volume separates D cups from smaller B and C sizes.

Ds vs. Bs

Compared to B cup implants which range from 250cc to 300cc volumes, D cup implants range from 350cc to 450cc. The major jump in cc volume creates way more fullness and cleavage.

Cs vs. Ds

While C cups max out around 350cc, D cup volumes start there and increase dramatically. Cs are better if you have an average frame size and want a natural enhancement. Ds may be suitable if you have a large frame size or want a more obvious enhancement.

Natural Look vs. Enhanced Appearance

Unlike B or C cups which look more natural, D cup implants create a distinct augmented appearance.

Why Choose D Cup Implants?

Women have several motivations for choosing D cup breast implants:

Proportional Appearance

For women with fuller figures, high profile implants can help create proportional balance and prevent looking top-heavy.

Physical Comfort

Patients with larger frames have the body to support the weight of D cup implants. So they can balance out a fuller lower body and enjoy a proportional hourglass shape.

Popularity and Aesthetics

D cup implants aren’t for everyone as they’re way larger than B and C cups. But if you naturally have a larger frame or are after the dramatic bombshell appearance, they can give you that extra ‘wow’ factor.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for D Cup Implants?

Unless you're augmenting from a C cup, D size implants involve a significant increase in breast volume.

An ideal candidate depends on several factors:

Body Proportions and D Cup Sizing

If your current breast size is a C cup, going up one cup size will provide that pronounced size boost without looking over the top. For A or B cups, jumping straight to Ds is ambitious — especially if you have a smaller frame.

For example, large implants may not look right on a woman standing around 5’5” tall and weighing 125 pounds. But they could look proportional on someone taller and weighing more.

Most patients want to enhance their chest without going overboard. This means petite ones usually choose smaller breast implants. If you desire an obvious augmented/implant look, larger implants may fulfill that goal.

Personal Aesthetic Goals

Choosing a breast implant size is personal — larger implants aren’t necessarily better than smaller ones. But patients specifically seeking a dramatic, augmented bustline often prefer D cup implants over modest options.

Health Considerations

Larger breast implants like D or DD cups weigh more, so you should be in good health without chronic conditions or injuries. Your breast skin also needs to be elastic enough to accommodate them.

Types of D Cup Breast Implants

D cup implants come in different fill types and shapes:

Saline vs. Silicone

Both saline and silicone implants are available in D cup sizes. Patients often prefer silicone gel implants for a more natural look and feel, but saline costs less.

Anatomical vs. Round

The round D cup implant shape maximizes fullness for that ultra-augmented look. Anatomical implants give that “teardrop” look that some may prefer because they look more natural.

Smooth vs. Textured Surface

Smooth shell implants look and feel more natural as they naturally hang, while textured breast implants stick to the body’s tissue. As a result, they don’t move around as much.

All teardrop shaped implants have a textured surface to prevent movement. The textured surface prevents them from moving and “flipping”. However, besides this, many surgeons recommend using smooth shell implants. In recent years, studies have linked textured surface types to a  rare lymphoma [1].

Placement Options

When it comes to breast implants, you have two placement options — under or over the muscle:

Submuscular (Under the Muscle)

The submuscular technique positions the implant beneath the muscle so the muscle lies on top and provides additional coverage.

Benefits of submuscular placement include:

• More natural shape and feel

• Muscle helps mask implant edges so they’re less visible

• Ideal for women with little natural breast tissue

• Lower risk of capsular contracture

But it can mean a longer, more painful recovery. The surgeon has to work underneath the muscle which causes more trauma and swelling afterward.

Subglandular/Submammary (Over the Muscle)

The subglandular technique involves the breast implant going behind the existing breast tissue but on top of the chest muscle. This placement tends to provide more upper pole fullness and cleavage. Recovery time may be shorter because the surgeon doesn’t have to work underneath the muscle.

On the downside, there’s less natural tissue covering the implants — so edges may be more visible. This placement may also not be best for women with little breast tissue to begin with.

Incision Techniques for D Cup Implants

Your surgeon will determine the best incision technique for inserting and positioning the breast implants:

Inframammary

An inframammary incision is made underneath the breast, in the crease where the breast meets the chest wall. It allows the surgeon to create a pocket for the implant and insert it easily.

This technique leads to less interference with breast tissue compared to others. While visible initially, the scar heals well and is hidden in the natural breast fold.

Periareolar

A periareolar incision goes around the bottom edge of the areola. This gives your surgeon access to create the implant pocket while keeping scarring to the edge of the areola where it blends in.

It’s worth noting that a periareolar incision cuts through some breast tissue, which can lead to interference with breastfeeding or changes in nipple sensation.

Transaxillary

A transaxillary incision goes in the armpit, allowing the surgeon to tunnel through to the chest to create the implant pocket. This method leaves no scars on the breasts themselves. Placing the implants in the ideal position can be challenging. Because of the distance bleeding issues are more frequent. This approach requires more skill, tools, and maneuvering to get the implants in place.

Potential Complications and Risks

Breast augmentation is a safe surgery when you choose a qualified surgeon for it.

While rare, you should know about these potential complications and risks:

Capsular Contracture

The body forms a glove of scar tissue around the implant. The glove of scar tissue can “shrink”, leading to hardening and distortion in breast shape. The risk of this happening is about 8-18%, but it’s the most common complication [2].

Implant Rupture or Leak

The shell of either a silicone or saline implant can rupture or develop a leak. Silicone implant leaks may go unnoticed because the gel leaks slowly, while saline/salt water implant leaks are immediately apparent as the breast deflates.

Aesthetic Dissatisfaction

Improperly fitted breast implants and some degree of asymmetry are possible after surgery. To maximize your chances of a beautiful outcome, select a reputable board-certified surgeon.

Choosing the Best Doctor for Your D Cup Implants

Consider the following when choosing the right breast implant surgeon:

Board Certification and Experience

Make sure any surgeon you consider is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (USA) or equivalent. This rigorous certification process ensures extensive training and expertise in plastic surgery procedures.

Also, confirm the surgeon has many years of experience performing breast enlargement with D cup implants. More experience means more refined skills and better outcomes.

Reviewing Patient Testimonials

Read through patient testimonials about the surgeon’s work online. Pay attention to patients who had similar goals as you (e.g. larger D cup implants from your current size) and their satisfaction with the results. Candid reviews can provide insights into the doctor’s bedside manner, surgical techniques, and overall care.

Analyzing Doctor's Previous Work (Before & After Photos)

See unaltered before and after photos to assess the surgeon’s aesthetic style and ability to deliver results you find attractive. Look for consistently impressive transformations in breast shape, size, symmetry, and proportions. Be wary of doctors who don’t provide enough visual examples of their work.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

You can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising as you start the recovery process. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to keep the discomfort down. Most of the acute pain subsides within the first week. But swelling can take a month to resolve.

You’ll need to wear a surgical bra for 1-2 weeks and limit activity for 3-4 weeks as the incisions heal. To ensure proper healing, follow the tailored post-op instructions from your surgeon. Full recovery and final results take around 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions About D Cup Implants

How long do D cup breast implants last?

With proper care, they can last 15-20 years or longer before you may need to change your implants.  Your surgeon will instruct you in how to monitor and perform exercises to maintain your results and maximize the longevity of your implants.

Can I still breastfeed after getting D cup implants?

Many women can breastfeed following breast augmentation, especially with the inframammary incision technique, which avoids the breast ducts. However, any breast surgery carries risks. Discuss all concerns with your surgeon before receiving breast implants.

Do D cup implants look and feel natural?

When placed by a reputable plastic surgeon, D cup implants can look and feel natural, especially once fully settled from surgery.

Cost and Financing Options

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost surgeon”s fee for breast augmentation surgery is just under $4,500 [3]. But this fee doesn’t account for other varying factors like operating facility costs, and anesthesia expenses. Some patients may also need breast lift surgery or breast revision surgery down the line. 

Since health insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic procedures, you’ll need to pay for your implants out of pocket. To make the surgery more accessible, many cosmetic surgeons offer financing options through third-party medical lenders. If you go this route, you’ll pay a set amount each month over time rather than a large lump sum upfront [4].

Conclusion: Is D Cup Right for You?

D cup breast implants can be fantastic for increasing your cup size significantly. As long as you have reasonable expectations and the right body type for it, you’ll love the enhanced feminine figure post-surgery.

Considering breast implants but still unsure whether D cups are right for you? Book a consultation with Dr. Orloff and his team at Burbank Plastic Surgery to determine the ideal implants for your body.

Sources:

1. Risk of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) in a Cohort of 3546 Women Prospectively Followed Long Term After Reconstruction with Textured Breast Implants, National Library of Medicine

2. What is capsular contracture and how can it be treated?, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

3. How much does breast augmentation cost?, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

4. Plastic Surgery Loans: How to Pay for Your Procedure, LendingTree