How accurate are the sizers during consult for Breast Augmentation? (photos)

Always make your decision based on how comfortable you feel with the size. The difference between 300, 325 and 350 is minimal 25cc - 50cc throughout you entire breast. Best of Luck.

The best way to pick your implant size is through four different methods and then they will confirm each otherTry on sizers. This works the best if you have very little tissue to start withMeasurements of the width of your breast, chest, and nipple position.  All used by your plastic surgeon to give you a range of options3-d renderings of your post operative appearance based on your implant selection through a computerized camera system called vectra.  We have one in our office. (Who wouldn't want to see what they will look like before it happens)Look at pictures and bring in examples of what you think you want to look like.  ( try to find before and afters where you already look similar to the before)

you have some very erudite answers on this page. i am going to keep it simple.  if you are really 5' 11"  go for the 350cc.  i  think you will be disappointed if you go smaller. let us all know how it goes

Breast sizers used in the office setting are the best way for you to get a good idea of your future look with breast augmentation. You can get a very good approximation of your postoperative look with a session using sizers. Don't let yourself be rushed. Perhaps most importantly, is that you realize when you talk to friends, similar volumes are often not comparable. Even if you have about the same amount of breast volume to start with, other variables like chest wall with and quality of the skin envelope can change the final look quite a bit. Remember, a 25 mL difference is less than 2 tablespoons, and may not be appreciated in the final results!

I have always been a big fan of using sizers during breast augmentation consultations to simulate the breast enhancement. In general, I think they do a very good job and are still better even, in my opinion, than some of the 3D computer simulated imaging that has come out.  I don't think you can really discriminate 25 cc differences (i.e. the difference between a 300 high profile and a 325 high profile implant) in trying them on. It is also important to know that whichever implant size you choose will typically look around one size smaller when it is placed surgically than it looks trying it on "externally".  I think they are most useful to get an idea about size, rather than absolutely selecting the implant size trying them on before surgery.  I hope this is helpful. 

Thank you for the question. Although useful as rough guidelines and as communication tools, all the modalities currently used to predict what breast implant size/profile will best achieve a patient's goals with breast augmentation are not very accurate, in my opinion. The use of the rice test, sizers placed beneath a patient's bra, goal pictures, computer imaging technology… are all useful, but not necessarily as accurate as one would hope.In my opinion, nothing will replace careful verbal preoperative communication with your plastic surgeon, preferably in front of a full-length mirror along with the use of as many "communication" tools” listed above.In my practice, I use all of the above modalities and then use intraoperative temporary sizers to help determine the best breast implant size/profile to achieve a patient's specific goals as closely as possible. For this reason, I think it is helpful to have the entire range of breast implant  sizes/profiles available in the upper room.Achieving realistic expectations prior to proceeding to the operating room is also an important part of the preoperative communication process. Patients should be aware that the results of their breast augmentation will not necessarily match exactly what they are visualizing with anyone of the above-mentioned communication tools.Given your questions and concerns, and given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you schedule additional time to spend with your plastic surgeon. This additional time spent will be helpful in the communication process and in alleviating some of your anxiety.Best wishes; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the planned procedure.

I would suggest going back to your surgeon and rediscussing sizes. There is not much volume difference between 325 and 350 cc's. If you are placing the implant behind the muscle, choose the larger size. Your surgeon should be able to help you make the decision. Do listen to what your surgeon says would be the best range of sizes for your body.

Sizers are important but only a part of the formula.   The patient's skin, muscle tone, age and expectations all have to come into play.   I like to say I am a contractor and can build your home on this lot, depending on the lot size.... I have been "lucky" estimating the size the patient wants to be and the size she can carry.   This comes with years of experience and sorry to say no 3D imaging system does that.  Best of luck and I hope this makes sense.   Alan Weiss, M.D. 

Thanks for writing,Size is always a concern. Sizers have been vey helpful to me throughout the years. I however have carried it to another level. I have patients get the very thin vegetable bags at the grocery store and fill them rice. Use a measuring cup, cc's and ml's are the same. Fill the bags appropriately, tie them or twist tie them and place them in your bra. This is important. Try on multi-seasonal closes, sweater, swim suits etc., as you don't always wear that bra and that shirt every day. Wear them around and this will help seal the size issue.Typically implants 350cc and larger have a higher complication rate. We have patients sign a separate consent form acknowledging that. There are 30cc in an ounce so the difference between 300 and 325 is less than on ounce. You also need to consider the base width of the implant and does it match the base width of your breast. Unless you want the implant to stick out from the side of your breast. Then there is the issue of projection (push), is there enough room for the implant to fit and give adequate projection. Will the muscle have to be divided ( dual plane)?The larger implants have more weight, 325 grams or approximately 3/4 of a pound. Do you want 1.5 pounds of extra weight on your chest throughout out the day and night and especially when running or exercising? These thing are some of the issues to consider on top of implant size. Ask your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and he / she will be happy to help you make the correct choice. Good Luck, I hope this helps.Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

I find using sizers to be very helpful in choosing the  implants to use in surgery.How accurate?--it is far from an exact science, but I find very little dissatisfaction with size.  In general, the implants look a bit larger sitting on top of the breast as compared with the same size inserted surgically, usually by about 5-10%. I usually, therefore, choose the next larger size in silicone, or add 10% for saline. So a woman who likes the 300 cc sizer, who will be getting a high profile implant, would get a 325 at surgery. All the best.