Breast size is typically classified by “cup” size, which in the most general terms follows a linear alphabet scale: A, B, C, D, DD…..This refers to the bra size that a woman wears with an extra measurement around the rib cage at the base of the breast. An example would be 34C. This scale tends to be rather arbitrary and largely depends on what bra manufacturer a woman uses. For example, Victoria's Secret is a popular brand that typically runs small, so a D cup in Victoria's Secret might be a B cup in another brand. For this reason, it can be somewhat confusing to use this scale but it remains the most widely used method of classifying breast size.

In terms of size, a C cup represents a common and popular goal size for many women. According to industry reports and surveys, the most commonly sold bra sizes in the United States tend to fall within the range of 36C to 34DD. This would make a C cup the smaller size of the average range in the US.

Breast size also varies according to a woman’s height and weight ratio, more commonly referred to as Body Mass Index or BMI. The average BMI for adult women in the United States was around 29.6. Heavier women tend to have larger breasts, which is largely why the C cup would fall towards the lower side of the average scale.

To understand why C cup breasts are popular, we need to first review BMI and its relation to breast volume.

Underweight:
BMI less than 18.5

Normal weight:
BMI between 18.5 and 24.9

Overweight:
BMI between 25 and 29.9

Obesity:
Class I-(Moderate Obesity): BMI between 30 and 34.9 
Class II (Severe Obesity): BMI between 35 and 39.9
Class III (Very Severe or Morbid Obesity): BMI of 40 or greater

Most women with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 likely have cup sizes in the A to B range, whereas women in the heavier categories likely have breasts in the DD or higher range. While smaller breasts lack volume, larger breasts tend to be uncomfortable and droopy.

For women with a normal BMI, adding volume via breast implants or with fat can make them appear more feminine with more roundness, upper pole volume, and cleavage. For women who battle larger breast volume, reducing the size of the breast tissue gives them a more comfortable size and a perkier shape.

Breast Aesthetics

Breast aesthetics vary widely among cultures and individual women. In the US, large voluptuous breasts were popular in the 1980s and remained so for some time. Many women wanted breast sizes larger than their body type would typically support. Today, a smaller, more athletic augmentation that fits the frame and functions with a woman's active lifestyle is generally the most common request we get.

A “perfect” size measures accordingly: an equilateral triangle measured from the central collar bone (sternal notch) to each nipple and between the nipples. The nipple should rest opposite to or just above the inframammary fold or crease. Breasts are typically tear-dropped shaped with enough fullness to make them rounder with some cleavage and some upper pole fullness.

Learn More: Mini Breast Augmentation
Learn More: Teardrop Breast Augmentation

Volume & Projection

Volume varies based on the height and weight of each patient. Larger volumes are more susceptible to gravity and tend to droop more. The projection refers to how far the breast projects from the chest. Most natural breasts have a somewhat limited projection, as gravity tends to pull the tissue down when upright. Breast implants are solid structures and can increase projection by pushing out from the chest wall. A breast lift will also increase projection by lifting the breasts and placing the lifted breast tissue in a tighter skin envelope.

C Cup Breasts Fill Out Clothing Beautifully 

A “C” cup is so popular because it tends to be extremely versatile and looks great in clothes. Most clothing manufacturers design clothes to fit a “full B or small C” cup. This breast size gives a feminine shape, a beautiful curve, and just the right amount of volume. Larger breasts can get tricky with fitted shirts, tops, and jackets whereas smaller breasts tend to under-fill bras and swimsuit tops.

Reduced Physical Discomfort Long-term

For larger breasted women, the breast can cause neck and back pain, postural changes, headaches, and numbness in the arms. Reducing the size of the breasts gives much needed relief and also functions to lift and shape the breasts.

Factors Influencing the Determination of Breast Size

Breast size is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Here are some of the key factors that contribute to determining breast size:

• Genetics: The primary factor influencing breast size is genetics. Your genes inherited from your parents play a significant role in determining your body's overall shape and characteristics, including breast size.
• Hormones: Hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, play a crucial role in breast development. During puberty, increased levels of these hormones stimulate the growth of glandular tissue and fat deposits in the breasts.
• Weight: Body weight and distribution of fat can affect breast size. Breasts contain fatty tissue, and changes in weight can influence the amount of fat stored in the breasts.
• Age: With aging, the skin loses elasticity, and the ligaments supporting the breasts may stretch, leading to a change in breast shape and firmness. Post-menopausal hormonal changes can also affect breast tissue.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: During pregnancy, hormonal changes prepare the breasts for milk production. This can result in an increase in breast size. Breastfeeding further stimulates the mammary glands and may affect the size and shape of the breasts.
• Nutrition: Adequate nutrition is essential for overall health and development, including breast development. A well-balanced diet supports hormonal balance and general growth.
• Birth Control and Hormone Replacement Therapy: Hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can influence breast size. Some individuals may experience changes in breast size as a side effect of these medications.
• Exercise and Muscle Tone: While exercise itself does not directly change breast size, it can affect the underlying chest muscles. Building or toning chest muscles may influence the overall appearance and support of the breasts.

Different Procedures For Getting a C Cup

Saline Breast Augmentation

Saline breast implants have a silicone shell but are placed empty into the breast before filling with IV saline during a breast augmentation. Saline implants are less popular than silicone but are still preferred by many patients. The primary reason women choose saline implants is that they feel more comfortable with the more “natural” saline fill. If these implants rupture the body simply absorbs the saline and the implant can be replaced in a relatively simple procedure.

View Breast Augmentation Results by Dr. Burns Here

Silicone Breast Augmentation

Silicone implants are filled with a “cohesive” gel and resemble the gummy bear candy in terms of their ability to hold the gel within the shell if there is any compromise in the shell. These implants are more popular as they have a natural feel that more closely mimics breast tissue. They generally have less rippling, and may be more durable than their saline counterparts. Because the gel is not liquid these implants don’t deflate if there is a leak. A radiographic study such as an ultrasound or MRI are usually necessary to diagnose a leak in these implants.

View Before and After Breast Implant Results Here

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Some women desire more volume but don’t want an implant. For these women, a fat transfer is the best choice. Using liposuction, fat is harvested from the body; usually the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. The fat is purified and then re-injected to fill and shape the tissue on top of the pecs. Fat transfer produces a much more modest outcome with an average of about a cup size increase.

View Fat Grafting To Breasts- Results by Dr. Burns in Dallas, Texas

How to size your breast implants:

Breast implants are made with 2 variables that control volume: base width and projection. The base width is the diameter of the implant and should correspond to the base width of a woman’s breasts. The projection refers to how far the implants project from the chest wall. Common projections are low, low plus, moderate, full, and extra full projections.

For a given base width, the low or low plus give about a cup size increase; the moderate gives about a two -cup size increase, and the full or extra full projection gives about a three -cup size increase.

Dr. Burns also uses a 3D breast implant imaging system to show each patient exactly what a particular size implant would look like. Before surgery, you can view any implant size, shape or projection on your body frame in photos.

Other Ways To Get A “C Cup” without Implants

Breast Lift

A breast lift is designed to lift and shape the breasts by removing excess skin. An incision is made around the areola to lift the nipple/areolar complex. A vertical incision is made to help centralize the breast tissue and excess skin is removed via a transverse incision hidden in the breast crease. The lift places the breast tissue in a tighter skin envelope holding the breast in a lifted position. Many women prefer to supplement volume and add extra perk using breast implants.

Research Breast Lift Surgery by Dr. John Burns MD

Breast Reduction

A breast reduction is very similar to a breast lift except that excess breast tissue is removed. This gives a much smaller breast with the desired perkiness and shape. 

Research Breast Reduction Surgery by Dr. John Burns In Dallas, Texas

Start By Consulting A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

If you're thinking a C Cup is your ideal size, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. John Burns. Dr. John Burns is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with 20+ experience creating natural plastic surgery outcomes for the face, breasts, and body. Empower yourself with knowledge, make informed choices, and begin the conversation with a trusted expert. Your personalized path to a confident you starts now.

Dr. John Burns in Dallas, TX, employs both artistry and skill in using advanced techniques that go beyond mere surgery – we specialize in creating results that are natural yet transforming.

Our team is curated to provide you with passionate and compassionate care throughout your journey. We are your advocates for a beautiful outcome that you will enjoy for years. Click the button below to get started with Dr. Burns and his team.