Trying to make a decision on implant size and profile

Question

I’m looking for information on breasts so I can make an educated decision on what I want. The descriptions with pictures that include previous size, implant size, PROFILE size and cup size helps so much. I just want to request better/more complete info with pics. Thanks

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You CAN make an educated decision, but not by looking at photos of other people's results and knowing what implant they got. As I say over and over (and over) again on a social media site whose last syllable rhymes with 'ham', any given implant will look different in every person. There is no 'look' of a given implant; the look one gets is unique to that individual. So why do so many plastic surgeons like to give stats about the patient and the implants she received? Because we are told that's what people like you want, and every surgeon wants to be liked and followed. That's not a good enough reason for me, because I perform revision surgery on so many people that got the wrong implant based on 'information' from looking at before and after photos. There are only two validated methods for sizing: 3D photo simulation and in-office sizers. I prefer in-office sizers, because it is the only technique that truly gives the patient a sense of proportion, and it has completely eliminated wrong size surgery for me. How? By taking the guesswork out. Sizers are held against the breasts in a tight, unpadded bra, and a shirt or top is worn. The patient then looks at HERSELF in the mirror. Once she likes what she sees, then the surgeon has accurate information to select the proper implant for her. But what about the shape of the breast ('fake' versus 'natural')? After almost 24 years, my patients have taught me that although many have great concern about that, after all is said and done it's the proportion that will drive a patient back to the operating room, not whether the breast looks 'natural' or not. So, I encourage you to stop your pursuit for more pics and more information. It's all worthless. Go to reliable expert surgeons who will size you so that you can be certain you've got the right pair of implants before going to the operating room.

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

I recommend going to in person consultations with Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. 
There are different size/shape/profile implants. A board certified plastic surgeon can examine you and present the options that are best to reach your goal breasts and the differences between those options. You’ll also be able to see and feel the implants to better understand the differences. If you would like to be seen by my office, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Smith Plastic Surgery 702-838-2455

Aftab Siddiqui, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for posting this question. Implant selection is a detailed process involving a consultation , measurements  and trial of sizers. 3D simulation can be an adjunct to give you some idea. You need to try the sizers to see how they feel on your frame. Based on your expectation of size and projection, your surgeon may be able to guide you with different sizes to try. Having your partner of a friend is always helpful in such decisions.

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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Typical size would range from 300 to 400 cc’s. I like moderate plus profile with my breast augmentations. Just don’t hit over 500 cc

Marcos Lopez, MD · Answer

The Bustmob Goalfinder is a free online resource that you can use to search through thousands of pictures. You can also search based on height and weight so that you can see people with a frame similar to yours. Additionally, the pictures tend to have all the information you are requesting. I have all my patients pick out some wish pics prior to their consultation so that we can be on the same page about size and shape goals

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not ask a question. However, during your consultation, you will be examined and measured and can try on a variety of sizes that best fits your frame and tissue. Your surgeon will guide you to the best profile for your tissue based on the volume you desire and your measurements. This cannot be done over the Internet.

Kalila Steen, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! I would recommend seeking a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can discuss your wants and expectations as well as examine you in person. Each patient is an individual and a particular implant that looks great on one person may not be the best choice for another person. Remember that implant size is just a number! 
Having discussions with patients about what they hope to achieve combined with planning surgery to your particular dimensions to create a personalized plan with an experienced surgeon is the best way to achieve the results you are hoping for.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Implant selection is best during an in person consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon.  During this important meeting measurements will be taken of your breasts and your goals for surgery discussed.  You can review before after photos of the surgeon's work to identify looks that match your goals.  Many also have several before/after photos available on their websites. Many surgeons have sample implants available that you can "try on" to help you get a feel for how you may look after surgery.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Selection of breast implants regarding type shape, and size is best done during in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own way of helping patients decide the right implant for their needs.
In the hands of the right provider, you should not be left questioning the decision process.
I suggest you continue having consultations until you feel quite confident you found the right plastic surgeon for your needs. In the hands of the right provider you should be left with a very clear understanding of how the decision process is made regarding implants.
This is an important part of the consultation process, and the best plastic surgeons should be able to do this. Leaving patients feeling comfortable that they understand how implant selection should be done to meet your goals and desires.
The following are some general recommendations to help find the best provider.
To find the best provider, I suggest patient schedule multiple in person consultations with experienced plastic surgeons in their community. During each consultation, ask each provider to open up their portfolio and show you their entire collection of before and after pictures of previous patients who have similar body or facial characteristics to your own. An experienced plastic surgeon should have no difficulty showing you the before and after pictures of at least 50 previous patients. An experienced provider should in fact have hundreds or preferably thousands of before and after pictures to choose from for commonly performed procedures. 
Being shown a handful of preselected images, representing the best results of a provider’s career is insufficient to get a clear understanding of what average results will look like in the hands of each provider.
There is no correct number of consultations needed to find the best provider. The more consultations you scheduled the more likely you are to find the best provider for your needs. 
Take careful notes during each consultation, especially regarding the quantity and quality of before and after pictures. It’s not a bad idea to bring pictures of your own body/face to use as reference when reviewing before and after pictures. 
The biggest mistake patients make is scheduling only one consultation without properly vetting or comparing providers before scheduling surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Trying to make a decision on implant size and profile

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