What size and which method of implant?

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements. 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

Right away when a patient tells us that they work out a lot or live a very active lifestyle, we will always recommend that breast implants be placed on top of the muscle. This is due to the fact that when implants are placed sub muscularly there is a heightened risk of them falling out of the pocket or being displaced in other ways. You should meet with a plastic surgeon in person to determine what the best size and style implants would be for you and your body type.

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to meet with you in person to discuss your surgical options and assist you in choosing the right implant. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself to help you reach your goals and create a surgical plan.

Selecting an implant size that will leave the patient satisfied requires sizing or photo morphing technology. My preference is sizing, which involves the use of purpose built sizers of known volume held against the breasts with a tight, unpadded bra. The patient views herself in the mirror with clothes on. This method has reduced reoperation rate to virtually zero. What doesn't work is crowdsourcing plastic surgeons or pictures of another person with a particular implant size.

From your photographs, you appear very thin and it does not look like you have much thickness of your breast tissue above the nipple-areola complex. If implants are placed in front of the muscle then they may be very palpable and may ripple. If implants are placed behind the muscle, weightlifting will often dislocate them inferiorly and laterally. It may be better to do a circumareola lift and place small implants through a circumareola incision. This will lift the breasts slightly higher. Another alternative for you is if you have any fat then consider fat transfers to the upper part of your breast to give you more fullness. This can be done at the same time as the implant and will help mask the rippling that may occur from pre-pectoral implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Since you have little upper breast fullness, I would suggest placing the implants behind the muscle for best upper breast fullness and coverage of the implant. I suggest meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon, being examined and measured, and trying on the range of sizes that best fits your frame and tissue. Then, you can actually see what you like.

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. or the type of implant. 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 suit at a preoperative visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

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

Since you work out regularly and focus on weightlifting, it’s important to choose breast implants that will suit your active lifestyle while achieving the shape you desire under bikinis and clothes. Here are key considerations for implant size and method. Summary of Recommendations:- Moderate size (200cc–300cc), depending on your body frame.- Silicone implants for a more natural feel and less rippling.- Submuscular (under the muscle) to protect the implant during workouts and create a natural look.- Moderate or high profile for a balanced, proportionate shape.
Always consult with a plastic surgeon to tailor the size and placement to your body shape and fitness goals. They can help you try on sizers to get a better sense of what works best for your lifestyle and appearance goals.-

The best place to begin is visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you. During this visit you will discuss your goals for surgery and measurements will be taken of your breasts. This is different than bra size. Your surgeon will then recommend a range of possible implants for you to consider based on this information. I've included a video on this process that I hope you find helpful.

Dear summergurl,
I believe we addressed your breast augmentation issues in your mommy makeover question. Specific breast implant sizing recommendations are difficult to make here without examining you, taking measurements, knowing your goals more specifically. Since you are a weight lifter, an option for above muscle, anatomic (teardrop), textured implants should be given, along with the advantages and disadvantages. Size range could be anywhere from 275-375cc. Good luck!