Choosing the right size IDEAL implant for BWD 14cm - is bigger better? Or will it increase complication risk? (photos)

Selecting the correct size implant depends on many factors in addition to the width of your chest.  As an example, smaller breasted women who have had kids and breast fed are more likely than those who have not, to manage a fuller implant.  The tightness of the skin and muscle tissue are big factors.Although initially after surgery the implants may seem smaller, that will change as the tissue adjusts to the implant- it will stretch.  Over time the implants may even look fuller than you imagined.  I've had implants for 14 year and they look larger now than initially.Women who see me try on sizers to help guide their decision making.  We spend quite a lot of time on sizing because it is such an important issue.  Keep in mind that your choice of  an implant will be with you a long, long time.   What looks good at your age now may not be the one that you want 10 years from now...and they do drop.  Try to select a size that is proportionate to your figure and will never make you look matronly, no matter what your age.The IDEAL Implant has many advantages over the competitors.  It has the best of saline and gel, all in one.  To understand more about IDEAL, click on the link below.  One advantage for you is that the fill volume can be adjusted which is "ideal" for women who are undecided between 2 sizes.  Keep in mind, that overfilling any saline implant will make it more firm, you may want to stay in the midrange to get the best result.In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Thank you for the question.  Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to diameter of breast implant versus diameter of breast (band width). In other words, these measurements are useful but are only one of the many factors come into play when it comes to selection of appropriate breast implant size/profile.





***Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.



Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:



1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.



2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 



In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of know words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.



Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.



3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.



I hope this (and the attached link/video, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.