Are implant sizers accurate?

Question

I am 5ft7, 125 lbs. My BA is Friday and love the look of 345cc sizers but am afraid they will look smaller once under the muscle. Should I go up to 365cc's to achieve the 345cc sizer look?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
I suggest reaching out to your surgeon and trying on the different implants to choose the size best for you. Best wishes!

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

If you are trying these sizers in the office (like my patients do) I recommend using the next size up from what looks good in the mirror.  Good luck and best Wishes!!!  Both will look great!!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear nikki53856,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Sizers are fairly accurate since that is the volume used. Going under the muscle helps give more upper breast fullness.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

The difference is only 20cc which is less than the 30cc of a medicine cup so the volume is a small increment but the dimensions of the implant changes. I would rely on your surgeon to make this final decision between these two implants as they will be the one to see the dimensions of the pocket and determine which one fits and looks the best. You will be happy either way as the volumes are so close.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Sizers are helpful in giving you an idea of how you may look after surgery.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon since you are so close to your surgical date.  She/He has examined you and discussed your goals with you.  Together you can decide on the implant that will best match your body and your desired results.

Kamil Manav, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are a thin person according to your body measurements. However, it is difficult to evaluate without your photo. Because, depending on the breast tissue you have, the decision is made to place the silicone implant under or over the muscle. Additionally, there may be size differences between silicone brands. For this reason, I recommend that you do not focus too much on cc. Also, as you said, if the implant is placed under the muscle, it is natural that the projection will decrease slightly.

Cedric Hunter, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The sizers are decently accurate. Some practices use sizers, some use virtual reality technology to simulate a breast augmentation. Each has its pros and cons. I will say that there isn't much difference between 345 and 365. If you think you may like the 365 a little more, lean that way and then you decrease the chances of wishing you had gone larger after the surgery. Good luck!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Stuffing incisors in your bra is not a good way to determine implant size.
Using sizers during surgery to get the appropriate look is an excellent technique.
Each Surgeon will have their own way of determining the appropriate shape and size of implants to use.
I found using pictures to be the most accurate way of communicating final outcomes with patients. Ask your provider to open up their portfolio of before, and after pictures of previous patients who had similar breast characteristics to your own.
Your consultation should’ve reviewed, implant sizing to the point where you’re comfortable with the decisions made. Some providers ask patients to make the decision and other providers make the decision based on input from the patient.
My personal preference is to use sizers during surgery to get the desired shape and size discussed by reviewing before and after pictures. I typically bring a large variety of implants available during surgery to pick the size that matches the patient’s wishes during consultation.
Each provider will have their own way of doing this.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Are implant sizers accurate?

Answers (10)