Breast implant sizing

Great question! Many women are concerned about looking large enough, but not looking like a stripper. The technique used for your surgery can help achieve a more natural look.

It is very important that you get a size implant that you are comfortable with. In the office, you can place implants in a bra to determine that your surgery will result in a size that you like. I find that whichever bra size the implant and your breast fill appropriately in the office is the bra size that you will be after surgery.

Before and after pictures can help some in choosing between implant size and shape. But, I think nothing is better than trying the implant in a bra. Your height and frame size  effect the overall appearance of the implants to assure they are proportional. That being said, there is a limit to how large an implant that will look good. There are measurements such as breast base and tissue stretch which help determine the range of sizes your body can accommodate.

Once these have been determined, a range of implants can be placed in the bra to estimate what it will look like. In general larger breasts sag more with time. Most patients prefer a size that is full, natural, and will not sag with time. For example, C size breasts usually maintain shape better with time while DD size breasts are extremely likely to sag.

Breast implant size in augmentation can be quite a challenge for many patients. There are some patients who have done a good bit of homework ahead of time and have a good understanding about implant choices available and what they feel they are looking for, and there are some that don't.

I recommend that you start to think about what is right for you before the actual consultation. It is best at this point not to focus on the actual implant. You can begin to search on the web as there  hundreds of available examples of breast augmentation in all forms. Keep in mind that you are looking at another individuals choice. The web often contains very full augmentations as they "show" well, yet this may not be right for you. If you feel like a B cup inside, stick with your instincts and insights. Print pictures of what you like, from the web, magazines, catalogs, etc. and bring them along when you schedule your appointment.

The size and projection of the implant can be determined by your surgeon at the time of your procedure, but you together with the surgeon must decide how you will look. It really does not matter what size the implant is so long and it looks and feels how you would like it to, how you have envisioned your result, what you feel inside.

A careful consultation with pictures, and trial bra, will help you and your surgeon "get it right". If you clearly don't know, as some of my patients may confess, I spend plenty of time with them to get to know them and how they live in order to get the best result possible.

Take your time, explore your inner self, and you will have a look as unique as you are, a look for life.

Best of luck.

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This is a highly personal decision that requires that you relay your desires to your plastic surgeon so that they may help make suggestions for a breast implant size that will best fit your needs.

However, I have had some insight form taking over a practice that has been around for well over 40 years.

THERE IS NO CORRECT BREAST SIZE FOR ALL SEASONS!

Remember that as you age, a variety of factors will affect the size and shape of your breasts. This means what works for you now may not work for you in the future.

This includes:

• Aging,
• sagging,
• number of preganancies,
• nursing/lactation,
• weight gain/loss,
• birth control pills,
• menopause,
• etc.

So although you  may agonize over selecting the "right" breast implant size, please realize that this may change significantly with time and necessitate additional surgery at a later date. For example, I have treated two patients with conservatively sized breast implants (275cc) placed in their 30's who then both requested downsizing because they became self conscious when they became grandmothers and their natural breasts had become larger through menopause and the associated weight gain.

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Go to an experienced Board certified plastic surgeon (by the American Board of Plastic Surgery) and have a full consultation with evaluation. It is important to pick the correct size implant based on what fits your body best.

• The width of your chest, and the original size of breast are two large factors.
  • If you have a small chest and a minimal amount of skin and breast tissue to work with, then the augmentation should not be so drastic that your body cannot physically accommodate it.
• It is much easier to decide all of this with the help of your surgeon, and also a range of different implants to “try on.” I always have my patients “try on” implants with a bra and fitted shirt to get a better idea of what works best for them.

The best way that I know of (and one I use for my patients) is to try the implants on during a consultation.  There is nothing like seeing the implant on your body. Everybody is different and has a different breast /chest size. You cannot rely on the pictures and other people's experience.

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Sizing tops the list of concerns for patients before surgery. It is very indiviualized and relies not only on preferences but on your physical exam. What ever implant you choose should match your chest size. There are different profiles of implants to allow you more volume if you have a narrower chest or looser skin.

However, in the end your body habitus - chest size, ht, wt, skin tone, breast dimensions -  will play as big a role in your ultimate implant size as your desires do.

Going beyond what your body and skin can tolerate will significantly increase your chance of having a less than ideal outcome. Staying within your body's limitations and addressing your own desires about size will ultimately lead to a happier outcome.

Your surgeon will take measurements during your intial exam which set the boundries of what is possible for your body type. That is a great way to get a good result. Make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

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