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I appreciate your question. The size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve. If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion. Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume. These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak. During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery. Best of luck! Dr. Schwartz Board Certified Plastic Surgeon #RealSelf100Surgeon #RealSelfCORESurgeon
Thank you for sharing your question. Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon, they are in the best position to ensure that the implants the two of your decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations. It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like. Best wishes!
Hello and thank you for your question. Thebest advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation. You may do best with an augmentation and a lift based on your description. The size,profile, and shape of the implant is based on your desired breastsize/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality. This decision should be based on a detailed discussion withequal input from both you and your surgeon. Make sure youspecifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who havehad this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate theirresults. The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you arecomfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualifiedboard-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.Richard G. Reish, M.D.Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
It's impossible to recommend a size or a style of implant without an in-person examination, careful breast measurements, and a thorough discussion of your goals. I recommend you consult with several plastic surgeons in your area to discuss your options. Some even have computer simulation to allow you to "see" your new breasts (we have the Vectra).Best,Dr. Dan KrochmalMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL
The best cosmetic result in any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors, including: Your individual anatomy, desired outcome, realistic expectations, a thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper sizing is not just about the number of cc’s. The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width, height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing sit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant. There are no manufacturers' standards for cup sizing in the bra industry. The cups of a 34 DD and a 38 DD are significantly different. Cup size varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even within styles from any particular manufacturer. Nor is there a direct correlation between implant shape or size and cup size. Keep in mind that following the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would suggest that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person. Robert Singer, MD FACS La Jolla, California
One of the most frequent questions asked by women undergoing breast augmentation is, "What bra size will I be?". With so many great breast implant sizes and shapes available to use, part of the artistry of breast augmentation surgery is in matching the best implant to the woman undergoing the surgery. Using the same size and shape of implant in two women with different body and breast sizes and shapes will create different outcomes. We really cannot tell a woman what bra size she will wear after breast augmentation. However, understanding what type of look and how much of a change she wants helps us determine which implants are most likely to achieve that outcome. Visit with a surgeon who does a lot of breast augmentation surgery. Better yet, visit with two or three. You'll get different opinions and that's actually a good thing. An in-person visit will give you a lot of information, not just about the implants and the surgery but also about the surgeon and her/his staff. These things all make a difference. Breast augmentation can produce wonderful results. Arm yourself with information!
The hardest variable to predict after breast implant surgery is the bra size. The main reason is that ALL bra manufacturers vary in their bra sizes. You could be a DD in a Victoria's Secret bra and a C in a Bali bra. So, the best way to predict what you would look like after surgery is by trying on bra sizers, looking at before and after pictures of other women who look like you and talking with your plastic surgeon. Your goal should be to pick a "look" that you are striving for, if you reach that goal look, then who really cares what the bra size is!!!!!!!
Thank you for the question. It is difficult to give you good advice without viewing photographs; for example, your description of "sagging skin" makes me wonder whether you would benefit from breast lifting, as well as breast augmentation surgery. You may wish to post photographs, with your next question, for more specifics.There is no accurate/reliable/predictable correlation between size/profile breast implant utilized and cup size achieved. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical. Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of know words such as “natural” or "D or DD cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
There is no specific volume that guarantees you a certain bra size. I would suggest that you review photos of goal contours and size with your plastic surgeon and allow him/her to choose the final implant during surgery when test implants or "sizers" can be positioned. I find this is the most accurate method and places the final decision in the hands of your plastic surgeon who can see the actual outcome. Achieving a large size at the expense of a poor contour is not an appropriate goal and so balance and aesthetic judgment comes into play. Please watch the video above for useful information. Best wishes,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, CaliforniaIG: jonperlmanmd
Life would be so much easier for the plastic surgeon if we could just dial in the numbers as you suggest, but it doesn't work that way. One breast implant can create a different look and cup size on different patients. You will need a consultation and examination by a skilled and experienced surgeon and you will need to show the doctor photos of your goal look and the surgeon can then determine the implant necessary to get you there. We create looks, not bra sizes. Each bra manufacturer will have a different idea of what constitutes a 34DD.
