Why do the same size implants look different on different people?

This is an excellent question.  When choosing an implant there are several key factors to consider.  The size of the chest wall, the size of the breast and amount of existing breast tissue as well as the height and weight of the patient.  As patients obviously vary in size, height, weight and the amount of breast tissue they have, the implants will appear different on patients of different size.  Best of luck,

There is no way to guarantee a particular bra size. Bra sizing varies greatly between bra manufacturers and a C in one bra will be a D in another. What matters more than the assigned bra size is the way the implant looks on you. The best option for your body and aesthetic goals can be determined in a thorough implant sizing session.Implant sizing depends on several factors. One of the most important factors is your breast width. Generally, your surgeon will measure your breast width, and then provide you with a range of implant sizes appropriate for your native breast size. There are more nuances to it than just what I've described, but this approach works for most women.I usually have my patients bring in a large bra and a tight t-shirt to do sizing. I'll then choose 3-4 implants that I feel are appropriate, and have my patients place them in the bra under the tight t-shirt. My patients can then look in the mirror and get a good sense of what they will look like with the provided implant sizes. My patients like this approach and get a great idea of how they will look.By using this technique, your surgeon can outline a range of appropriate implant sizes that will be aesthetically pleasing, and you make the final decision.I hope this helps. Good luck!

This is a great question and you are very astute for asking it.  The answer is.....everyone's body is different.  Women have different bony structure for their chest wall, different amounts of fat, different chest widths, different amounts of breast tissue, different skin quality, different nipple positions, etc.  So if every woman is different, then the same implant will look different in each woman.  If an implant is put into a gal that weighs 125 pounds and the same implant is put into another gal that weighs 250 pounds, the result will be entirely different.  The implant may barely be visible in the heavier set gal and more visible in the very thin gal.  It is a very complicated analysis and equation that also includes experience and artistic license to evaluate a women for breast augmentation.  Make sure to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon for a comprehensive evaluation.  Good luck!

The reason that different people look different with the same size implant is because the chest wall and skin envelopes are different on different patients. The smaller the chest wall frame, the larger the implant will look on the frame. The same is true for the skin envelope. If the skin is dense and tight, even a small implant might appear round and fake. Someone that has more skin laxity will be able to handle a slightly bigger implant without the implant appearing big or "too big".

This is a great question.  The fact is that no two women (even sisters!) are exactly alike and have the exact same breast characteristics (size, shape, nipple position, tissue thickness, etc).  So it's possible that the same implant could look different just because the women and their breasts differ.  The other possible explanation is the actual surgeon.  Some surgeons create a small pocket for the implant while others opt for a large pocket.  This could also affect the way an implant looks.  In my office we use the Vectra 3D system that generates an "after" photo simulation with different size implants and patients really like this tool.  Even without this system, however, your surgeon should have enough experience with breast implants to be able to guide you in choosing a volume/shape that is appropriate for your body type and desired look.  Best of luck to you,Ruth Celestin, MD

The best way to pick the best implant size for you is to try them on.  See what you like on your body, don't worry about the number of cc's because it doesn't matter as much as how they look on you.  The reason the same size implants look different on every person is because everyone is different.  No woman as identical breasts.  Height, breast tissue, body frame, chest diameter, etc all make a difference and are the reasons why one size looks different on each person.  So, try them on to get an idea of how they may feel on you, and go with the size that you like the best on you.  Good luck!  ac

The results of breast augmentation can look different because they were performed by different doctors!This is an excellent observation. Size of the  breast implant is only one of many steps in making breast implants look natural and beautiful. The shape of the implant, the placement of the implant and the position of the breast implant all are important components to a successful and natural looking result from breast augmentation surgery.Not all surgeons have the same training, talent or aesthetic vision. Look at lots and lots of before and after images to be sure that a plastic surgeon you choose has multiple images of women who look like you do now, with a result that looks like you'd like to look. No plastic surgeon is right for everyone. For women looking for extra large, fake cooking breast implants, you won't see any of those kinds of images on my website or in my office. I am not the right doctor for that patient.After viewing photos, check the training and philosophy of a plastic surgeon. If  you have a consultation,  it is important to address the following*Cohesive silicone gel vs. saline breast implants vs. shaped, form stable silicone breast implants*How many cc's? - deciding on implant volume, and shape of implant*Incision locations *Subpectoral vs prepectoral vs subfascial  implant position  * Position of Implant nad creating appropriate pocket so implants are not too far apart, too close together, too high or too low* Repositioning of inframammary fold - is this right for you?*Breast augmentation after pregnancy* Augmentation alone vs. Augmentation plus mastopexy (breast lift)* Protecting Breast Implant position after breast augmentation surgery What precautions does your surgeon take to avoid the double bubble and bottoming out?*Special considerations: asymmetry, tuberous/constricted breasts, etc*Avoiding capsular contractureMost women want to have the fullest breast profile that still looks natural on their body. The limiting factor for implant size is almost always the appearance of the upper pole. At some implant volume, the upper pole of the breast begins to look excessively rounded or convex, and that is a look that says "look at my breast implants"Regardless of implant type, there is really only one ideal position for breast implants with respect to the pectoralis major muscle. Subpectoral placement provides additional coverage of the implants in the cleavage area, which results in both a more natural appearance and more natural feel. This is especially true for slender, small-breasted patients, as the pec major helps to flatten the upper pole of the implant and prevents the upper edge of the implant from being visually obvious. That excessively round appearance in the upper pole is to be avoided at all costs.

You need to find photos of patients with your ht, wt, and breast appearance then see what they got to look the way you like.

First, congratulations on understanding that all patients are different and some will look huge with small implants and some will look small with huge implants. It all depends on what your body brings to the table - you need to "own" your starting point in other words.That being said, YOU should not be choosing your breast implant. Rather, the choice should be made mutually with your surgeon, not their nurse.  After lengthy discussion about the "look" you want and then taking your starting point into consideration, the proper implant can be selected. A very experienced plastic surgeon has much more knowledge from years of following patients to help you with the best choice for you and the look you want to achieve.