Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

From the breast-enhancing exercises practiced by tween girls, to the buxom cover girls and actresses plastered all over magazines, television and the Internet. It is no wonder why so many women and men are obsessed with breast size.

With that in mind, it makes sense that so many women opt for breast augmentation surgery each year. But once you have decided on this plastic surgery procedure, the next decision is choosing the right breast implant size. So, how do you decide what size implant is best for you? Is bigger always better?

Size or volume of your implants is the most important questions to answer before your breast augmentation surgery, (also called augmentation mammaplasty). The answers vary based on your anatomy and goals, but having a clear idea of how big you want to go before your surgery will go a long way toward your satisfaction with the results.

Deciding on breast size is a personal decision. Just because your neighbor went from an A cup to a full C cup doesn’t mean you can or should do the same. There are some important factors to keep in mind when choosing the right breast implant size for you.

Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size

With breast implants, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. There are different types of implants and sizes can be adjusted down to the CC for saline implants, and specific sizes for silicone and shaped gel implants.

In general, breast implants can be saline (salt water), silicone gel and shaped gel. Each are readily available and each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Some things to consider: Some say that saline breast implants feel a little like a water balloon and that silicone implants feel more like natural breasts. But with saline implants, it is easy to find leaks. Silicone implants require magnetic resonance imaging, (MRI) exams three years after breast surgery to check for leaks, and every other year after that because leaks are usually not palpable or visible upon clinical exam.

Size up Your Anatomy First

Each woman brings her own unique anatomy to the table.

There is no substitute for accurate measurements. During your consultation, I will determine how broad your chest is, the base width of your breasts and the distance between your breasts. All factors that go into my recommendations.

Another important factor is skin laxity or looseness. To achieve successful augmentation, you must have enough tissue to cover the new breast implants. It is also important to make sure your breasts are even (symmetrical). If your natural breasts are not symmetrical, (the same size), this can actually be addressed with different sized implants so that they are more balanced after your breast augmentation.

Discuss Your Goals

I’ll be interested in your your preferences regarding breast size. Bring in pictures of breasts that you find appealing. Tell me what you like about the breasts in the photos. These specific details go a long way in helping you achieve your goals and in determining if your goals are feasible.

Forget About Bra Size

Not all bras fit the same. A Victoria’s Secret C is different than at Warner’s C. Unfortunately, there is no real standard in bra sizes. As a result, your bra size or the bra size you would like to be is of little importance. These are relative terms that can start a discussion, but are by no means the final word in choosing the right breast implant size for you and achieving your goals.

Breast implant volume or size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc). Breast implant sizes run the gamut from 120 cc’s to 850 cc’s. A lot of women may get hung up on cc’s without giving thought to such individual variables as body and tissue type. When considering how many cc’s you want, remember that the difference between a 300 cc implant and a 360 cc implant is really only two ounces.

If Cleavage is Important, Let Me Know.

Larger breasts don’t necessarily equate to more cleavage.

Cleavage is related to the natural space between your breasts and the size of the breasts. As the breasts get larger the amount of cleavage usually increases, but the wider the space between your breasts, the less the implants will effect your cleavage.

The Rice Test

You will never know what size is right unless you experiment. There are certain ways to determine what looks best on your frame before surgery. One popular method is referred to as the rice test.

Take a knee-high-stocking and fill it with rice. For starters, try 300 cc’s or 350 cc’s. 30 cc’s is equal to one ounce. So, 10 ounces is equal to 300 cc’s. Use a measuring cup for accuracy. Flatten out the rice in the hose and place each on top of your breasts, inside of your non-padded bra. What do you think? Add or subtract rice based on how it looks and the size you are trying to achieve.

Some women may prefer to use water in a Ziploc bag to get an idea of breast implant sizes. Natrelle, a collection of implants manufactured by Allergan Inc., offers a pre-consultation kit. The kit includes sample implants and a profile bra to help women make these important choices about breast size before surgery.

These are all ways to communicate your desires and expectations during your initial consultation. Once I clearly understand your goals and you anatomy, I will recommend the breast implants types and sizes that are the best options for achieving your goals.

Remember that volume refers solely to size, not breast shape. If you are not happy or are interested in changing the shape of your breasts, a breast lift in conjunction with breast implants can help raise and firm your breasts.

Host Your Own Fashion Show

Once you have identified a volume that you think you like, try it on under a tailored shirt or jacket to make sure it will button without puckering. Also, try your faux implants on under something that is oversized like a sweatshirt or a heavy winter sweater. Some women, especially shorter women may find that the size they like in a blouse makes them look like they gained weight when wearing a sweatshirt or sweater.

Establish Limitations: What is too Big?

Once you think you have found the right size, go a little bigger as a test to see how bigger looks and feels. The majority of women who undergo breast implant revision surgeries do so because they wish they went bigger with their first breast augmentation. This exercise can help you eliminate any doubts and potentially avoid another surgery in the future.

Listen to Your Surgeon

Once you have made your decision on volume and type, discuss it with me during your consultation. After examining your skin condition, frame and other physical aspects, I will let you know if going a little smaller will look more natural and proportionate to your size. Plus, implants that are too big for your body can cause excessive stretching and thinning of the skin and tissue of your breasts, and even back problems

Also, after deciding on the volume and type of implant, we will discuss placement which will effect projection and profile of the implant. In other words, how far the implants protrude from your chest. Implants can be placed high, moderate or low profile. High profile implants can allow you to have more volume in a narrower width. Like implant volume, this decision is based on your anatomy. If you prefer a 350 cc implant, a high profile implant placement will offer a lot of projection, but if you have a broad chest, the 350 cc implant will not be wide enough. I will explain this in greater detail and help guide you through these decisions and make sure you get the desired aesthetic result.

Texture is another thing to make a decision on. Implants can be smooth or textured. Initially, textured implants were thought reduce the risk of capsular contracture, (thick scar tissue forming around the implant) but in recent years, surgeons are finding that the rate of capsular contracture is comparable between the smooth and textured implants. Most implant recipients agree that textured implants, whether saline or gel, does make the breast feel more natural.

And lastly, you will also be able to consider shaped gel breast implants. While these implants are a little more expensive than round saline or gel implants. Most patients agree that the tear-drop shaped implants look more anatomically correct. Shaped gel implants are only available as textured. The textured surface helps prevent the implant from rotating. The textured surface creates an adherence between the implant and your breast tissues which helps it stay in place.

If you are interested in the breast augmentation procedure and feel like you are ready to take the first step, schedule and initial consultation so we can discuss your goals. I will explain all aspects of the breast augmentation procedure and answer all of your questions.