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Which Breast Implant Size and Placement is Ideal for Me?

asked 3 years ago by Angela Guillory
Latest answer by Allan J. Parungao, MD
Question viewed 2,329 times
Tags: breast size, Virtual consultation

I'm 40 years old, 155 lbs, 5'8" tall, currently an A cup, and I want to go to a full C or small D with silicone implants. Which size and implant placement (over or under the muscle) would be ideal for me and why?

18 answers to Which Breast Implant Size and Placement is Ideal for Me?

Sizing and Implant Placement

A generalization about cup sizing is 225-250cc will increase one cup size. However, there is no direct correlation or measurement to guarantee a cup size. Try putting dry rice in a zip-lock bag and place this in yoour bra. Add volume until you get the look you like. Bring this to your plastic surgeon who can measure the amount and use this as a guide in determining a desireable size for you. I offer 3-dimensional imaging which can produce a simulation of yoou with different... more

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

www.pzwiebel.com

The size and implant type are determined by soft tissue characteristics and body habitus

The size and implant type are determined by soft tissue characteristics and body habitus. It is important to understand there are two types of breast surgeons - size surgeons and shape surgeons. It is my opinion that those who favor an ideal shape are better surgeons who serve patients' best interest, as they value long-term results over short, fleeting results. Remember that saline and silicone implants often look exactly alike when a fair amount of breast tissue is present to cover the... more

John Milam Shamoun, MD FACS
Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon

There is no single correct answer

This is a very good question without a simple answer. First, the choice of size is entirely subjective, so everyone has their own idea about what is right. There isn't any formula based on height and weight. It is not uncommon for us to see a patient a week after surgery who feels that they made the wrong choice because the implants look too big; then after the swelling subsides and the implants settle a bit, they look just right. But a year later they might feel that they should have gone a... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Measure, then pick the size; don't focus on cup size.

While there are charts as to implant size and expected cup size that you are no doubtr familiar with, this does not tell the whole story. We try to place implants below the muscle, because the blood supply between the muscle and the skin above is preserved. Also, there is a much lower chance of scar formation requiring reoperation when the implants are placed below the muscle. We measure the diameter of the breast first, and then discuss which implants will fit into that diameter, rather... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Ideal Breast implants

No doubt you have already been told that your first step is consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Ideally, you will get a referral from someone you know who has had a good experience with her breast augmentation. From there, interview a couple of surgeons. By the time you finish, you will be comfortable in knowing that you've picked a size and a type of implant that fits your goals and lifestyle. It would be presumptuous of me to tell you that... more

Allan J. Parungao, MD
Oak Brook Plastic Surgeon

Sizing Breast Implants

These are fantastic questions and ones I hear every day. Unless a special circumstance, as in revision breast surgery, I place most breast implants under the muscle. I feel this gives a softer, more natural appearance and a gentler slop from the shoulder blade down through the nipple... We perform in office sizing with silicone sizers and an experienced nurse who helps consult with you and determine a range of sizes that will fit best on your frame. This range is initially fine-tuned by m more

John Philip Connors III, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Determining breast implants to achieve the best results

Depending on the look you would like to achieve, I would recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. The most important part of having surgery is finding a well qualified surgeon to perform it for you safely to achieve the best results possible. During your examination, your plastic surgeon will let you know whether you are a good candidate for either saline or silicone gel implants. Determining breast implants size and shape can be done using sizers. I... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant size and placement best discussed with your doctor

Your question is a very common one, but is best addressed by a careful exam with your doctor, and an appreciation for the actual size you want to be. My preference for most implants in a very thin, small breasted woman is to place the implant in a submuscular pocket. In terms of size, it would have to depend upon the base diameter of your breast and the projection that you want.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Size and Postion

I believe that the most important question for a prospective patient to ask themselves is this: Am I seeking a natural-appearing result? When the goal of this operation is a natural breast enhancement, the results can be absolutely beautiful. However, if the goal is to create a breast profile which is out of proportion to a woman's body, the results (by definition) never appear natural, and these patients not infrequently end up having a series of operations to address problems... more

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

Impossible to determine ideal breast implant size and placement without examination

It is impossible to say what implant size or style will make you happy given your height and weight and current bra size. You need to be seen and examined. The person with your same measurements who has very tight skin and breast tissue will look very different than a person with loose skin and loose breast tissue due to pregnancy and breast-feeding or weight loss/weight gain. The consistency and the elasticity of the breast is just as important as your current bra size in determining... more

Ralph R. Garramone, MD
Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon

Breast implant size and placement is an individual decision with your surgeon

There are many variables involved here, and more than one way to get a good result. Your surgeon can decide with you after his exam defines your particular anatomic situation and desires. I would echo the cautions of others who advise against going too big... you are asking for trouble in the long run. Don't push the envelope of the operation too much.

Bruce K. Barach, MD
Schenectady Plastic Surgeon

drbarach.com

Don't go so big; they won't look natural.

To Angela Guillory, Hi! I always use temporary implant sizers during surgery to determine the actual final implant size that we will use. Otherwise, it's just educated guess work. To achieve the look you want, you will probably need at least 400 cc implants. But I don't recommend this. You will overstretch the tissues and get an overly round fake look. About 300 cc will give you a nice enhancement and still look natural. I would place the implants partially under the muscle if you... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Try The Rice Test

The best way to determine what implant size will give you your desired result is to see a plastic surgeon and be evaluated in person. However, there is a way to try to figure out what implant size you like at home. The rice test: Fill knee high hose or cut off panty hose with dry rice to make an "implant" to stuff in a sports bra. Adjust the amount of rice until you get the desired effect. Once you know what looks good to you, measure the amount of rice. One cup rice is... more

Christopher W. Chase, MD
Chattanooga Plastic Surgeon

www.aprs.md

Your friendly neighborhood board certified plastic surgeon...

Can better answer your questions after a full consultation. My breast augmentation consultation with a patient generally takes 45-60 minutes. During this time many issues are discussed and addressed, a physical examination is performed and measurements are taken. All of the information gleaned from this process is then consolidated into a chosen implant size and type, incision type, and plane of placement (above or below muscle). In this economic climate it is easy to obtain a free... more

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

www.francisnyplasticsurgery.com

Choices are very individual

Hi there- In general, implants placed under the muscle will be less likely to show visible rippling through the skin and be felt as implants through the skin (although these risks are mitigated a bit if the implants are silicone filled). Mammograms will be easier and better quality of they are under the muscle as well, and there is believed to be a lower risk of capsular contracture in this position too. The potential down sides are that the recovery can be a bit more painful for a week or... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Don't get hung up on cup sizes

Cup sizes are only a vague way of communicating to your doctor what you want from breast augmentation. There are no industry standards for cup sizing in bras so we can't use this as any determinant of implant size for each patient. The best way to choose an implant is to work closely with an expert plastic surgeon whose photos you like and spend time with him or her, not an assistant, in discussing your goals and desires. Determine the "look" you want, whether it is natural in... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Talk with patients and especially with your doctor about size

Hi Angela The end result we want as plastic surgeons is asatisfied, happy patient. Having said that, there are many roads to get to that end. Patients in our Sonoma/Marin breast augmentation practice have chosen below the muscle, above the muscle, saline, silicone, high profile, moderate profile and they are all happy. Mainly, your goals and physical characteristics will determine what is best for you. Our preference is for a partial submuscular placement (also known as over-under, dual... more