Are silicone sizers accurate?

Silicone sizers are used in many plastic surgeons offices to try to help you understand implant volume and what it can do for you. There are different styles and shapes of these sizers and none is perfectly accurate. I think if you try them on with a sports bra and a tighter fitting shirt that you get a relatively good idea of what different sizes can make you look like, but none are going to be precise. If your plastic surgeon has the Vectra imaging system or another similar software system, that can be helpful with planning your surgery and viewing your proposed results from a different perspective, too. There is a little difference of perceived volume if the implant is placed above vs below the muscle, but again we cannot predict exactly how much change in volume you will appreciate. All you can really do is find what you like with your available means (sizers, imaging, etc.) and then stop worrying – you’ve done all you can to ensure your happiness from the procedure.

Silicone sizers help but I believe that since the sizers are sitting on top of your skin and under your bra, there is some air in the "result".  When implants are placed surgically within the chest, it is compacted up against the body and there are no air pockets.  Therefore, your actual size after surgery may appear slightly smaller then what you choose during  your consultation with the silicone sizers.  I take this into account so that if a patient, for example, likes a 350cc sizer, I know that I will fill her saline implants to at least 375cc.  I typically err on going slightly bigger as the most common complaint is "I love my breasts now but I wish I was bigger.  This is most commonly heard from the  same patients who say "I don't want to be too big" during their initial consult. )

Thanks for your question.  Sizers give an idea of the postop appearance in clothing but they are not a perfectly accurate representation of the final result.  Sizers placed on top of the breast do not have the exact same effect as implants placed within the breast tissue; when you try on sizers you will notice that there is quite a bit of an air gap around them.  Each surgeon will have their own suggestions to help their patients pick their final implants based on what they see when they are trying on sizers.  I usually tell my patients that what they see when they try on sizers will probably be a little bigger than their final result, so often they will choose slightly different final implants.  Check with your own PS about their recommendations.

Hello,Patients often report that breast implants seem slightly smaller after surgery. Some of this is due to the perceived shrinkage when swelling goes down and some due to compression under your tissues. Many people will also underestimate how quickly they become accustomed to the new breast volume.  The sizers will give you a good idea however if my patient is undecided between two similar implants, I recommend that they choose the slightly larger one, knowing that they may seem smaller later. I recommend that you discuss this with your Plastic Surgeon and let them advise you.All the best

Sizers are simply meant to give you a rough estimate of the implant size...your implants will look different. Best to ask your operating surgeon what he or she recommends and balance that against your own wishes for the optimal size for you! Good luck!

Sizers in the bra are used to ensure the patient and plastic surgeon are on the same page.  They give a rough estimate for size and are very helpful. The actual shape is usually different when the implant goes under the muscle.  You our should feel comfortable with your selection even if it takes several visits with your plastic surgeon.

They are NOT accurate.Placing a breast implant in a bra may give you a very rough idea on how you may look in clothes but they usually exaggerate the augmentation associated with the particular implant. Why? because the final appearance of the augmented breast depends on how much forward elevation the implant places on the overlying pectoralis muscle, the breast tissue and its ability to fill any looseness in the breast skin.. when a silicone implant is placed ABOVE the breast inside a bra in a surgeon's office there is no compression of the implant and the "augmentation" is exaggerated.Tp make things more confusing, each of the implanrt companies has at least 3 different styles of implants such as moderate, high and ultra high profiles, all intended for different body builds, but I know of no office which has and uses all of these implants. As a result, women are being restricted in their choices. In my opinion, THE BEST way to see what you may look like with EVERY implant in the US is by having a 3D computer imaging with the VECTRA device. It is not cheap and that is why many surgeons choose not to offer it to their patients. I believe a woman should be able to make up her mind on which of the hundreds of breast implants is right for her after she has SEEN what she may look like with every implant which applies to her, not with a selected few which are put in her bra and which misrepresent her future dimensions.  We are the only Plastic surgeons in Memphis, TN who invested in this technology because we believe our patients deserve the best available technology to help them makethis important decision. Look in your area who offers Vectra 3D imaging.Peter Aldea, MDMemphis, TN

Generally speaking, I consider two
factors when selecting implants for my patients:1. Dimensional planning2. Gel Implant Sizing systemDimensional
planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the
breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of
each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these
measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a
unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there
are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some
implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can
review this with you during the consultation.Gel Implant Sizing
system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will
be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and
sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery
which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you
longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a
range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural
fuller look. Hope this helps.Dr.BasuHouston, TX

Silicone sizers are a common tool and very helpful in allowing patients to be invasion the general size of an implant and to get a good desk as what might look like after the operation.  You are correct that this is obviously not perfectly accurate, because in implant in the body will not look exactly like what an implant looks exiting on top of the chest.  However, in my experience, this is a much better tool then digital imaging and three-dimensional planning tools that are currently available on the market and I think it gives patient is a much better personal idea then computer modeling tools.

Hi Jessica,As you have already heard, silicone sizers can give a rough idea of your appearance after surgery.  I advise my patients that the final result will look about 10% smaller so if they are on the fence about 2 sizes they should go with the larger since it will look a little smaller once implanted.   Good Luck,  DR Bev