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 is the right breast implants size for you? Deciding on breast size for you 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 and Type

With breast implants, there are different types of implants and sizes can be adjusted down to the cc for saline implants, and specific cc 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.

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 saline implants have some significant advantages. First, they can be adjusted to the cc. This is advantageous in achieving symmetry. And if they are placed below the muscle, the breast tissue is over the implant. Additionally, if a saline implant does leak, it is more easily identified and if a leak does happen, saline is simply absorbed by the body.

Silicone implants, while preferred by some due to their very natural feel, have some requirements you need to be aware of. Because leaks a very difficult to identify, magnetic resonance imaging, (MRI) exams possibly coupled with ultrasound is necessary three years after breast breast augmentation surgery to check for leaks, and every other year there after. This can become expensive as the average cost of MRIs range between $600 and $2,000 depending on geographic location, symptom presence and technology used.

Size up Your Anatomy First

Each woman brings her own unique anatomy to the table.

There is no substitute for accurate measurements when choosing the right breast implant size. 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 I consider when making 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 With Images

I’ll be interested in your your preferences in choosing the right breast implant size. Bring images of breasts that you find appealing so we can discuss the aspects you feel would be right for you. You can even download a virtual 3D simulation of yourself using the “Breast Visualizer” at Natrelle.com These specific details go a long way in my ability to help you achieve your goals and in determining if your goals are feasible.

Forget About Bra Size

It’s no secret to most women that bra sizes and fit vary from brand to brand. A Victoria’s Secret C cup fit is different than at Warner’s C cup. Unfortunately, there is no real recognized 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 To You, Let Me Know.

Larger breast Implants 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. This will be an important factor in choosing the right breast implant size for you.

The Rice Test

Experimenting is the best way to get an idea of the right breast implant size for you. There are ways to determine what looks best on your frame before surgery. One popular method is referred to as the rice test.

Use 2 knee-high stockings and fill them with equal amounts of dry rice. One ounce of rice is equal to 30cc’s. Use a food scale to measure equal amounts of rice. Start with 5 ounces / 150 cc’s in each stocking. Flatten out the rice in the hose and place each on top of your breasts, inside of your non-padded bra. Simply add or subtract ounces of rice until you

Some women may prefer to use water in a Ziploc bag to help them choose the right breast implant size. You can also use a food scale to measure and find the perfect cc size for you. 1 US fluid ounce is equal to about 30 cc’s, (technically 29.57 cc’s). So like rice, 5 ounces of water is equal to about 150 cc’s. Remember to use a non-padded bra and just add ounces of water until you achieve the appearance you seek.

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 suited to 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 augmentation allows for some reshaping and lifting of the over all 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. 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: How Big 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 breast revision surgery in the future.

Listen to Your Surgeon

Once you have an idea of the right breast implant size for you, share your thoughts with me during your consultation. After examining your skin condition, frame and other physical aspects, I will let you know if adjustments to your ideas are likely to look more natural and proportionate. Implants that exceed your physical limitations can cause excessive stretching and thinning of the skin and the tissue of your breasts, and even cause 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.

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.

You can learn much more about the benefits of the different types, textures and shapes of the implants we use and even use their “Breast Visualizer” to see your own 3D virtual simulation. Visit Natrelle’s  Breast Augmentation Patient page.

If you are interested in the breast augmentation procedure and would like to hear my professional recommendations about the the right breast implant size for you and you anatomy, schedule and initial consultation so we can discuss your goals and all of the options that are available to you.