Breast Augmentation - What is the right size for me? (photos)

Hello Modest651440, there are several important factors to consider when determining how a certain implant volume or profile will look on a given patient. Height and build are very important, as is breast width diameter. Other breast measurements, existing breast volume, chest wall slant, skin thickness, and whether you are planning to have them deep (more natural-appearing upper pole) or superficial to the pectoralis muscle all play a role as well. My initial thought is that 359 cc may be a nice fit for your body, but impossible to be sure without an exam. I do not have extensive experience with Motiva implants, and generally I try to avoid shaped implants in my practice (avoid possibility of malrotation and still tend to get natural appearing results). You can trial the volumes using equivalent volumes of rice in a panty hose and try on your bras/clothes in front of the mirror to get a better idea. Many plastic surgeons will also have sizers in the office, and some may offer virtual imaging. It is also helpful if you can bring goal pictures with you. If you haven't already, I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss all of these matters. Finally, you do appear to have some breast droop, which may improve with implant alone or alternatively may require a lift as well. There are several strategies to address this, and this should be another discussion point between yourself and your surgeon. Hope this helps. All the best! Brian Biggerstaff, MD

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for breast augmentation. The specific type, size and characteristics of the implant is best decided together with your plastic surgeon after an in person evaluation. I hope this helps.

Good afternoon,
That size sounds reasonable for your body- I am unsure of the differences in the Motiva styles you mentioned because they are not FDA approved for use in the U.S.

Your breasts are too low on the chest wall and the nipples are pointing outward laterally. The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers or small implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

it looks that you will need breast lift and augmentation? This can be done as a single procedure by an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, or it may be divided in two separate surgeries, depending of the patient and surgeon's comfort. Augmentation in the range of 350 ml would be a good choice providing that you want to be 1.5-2 bra cup sizes up. Good luck.

Thank you for your question and photos. Unfortunately, the question is far simpler than the answer, which can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. The Motiva implants you mentioned specifically are perfectly good implants but the specific implant manufacturer, size, round versus anatomic shaped, and texture type is best determined after examining you and obtaining direct measurements, and most importantly, understanding your ultimate aesthetic and size goals.

Because all of these options to consider can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion to be sure and feel confident. Make sure that you share with your surgeon photographs of your "favorites" or ideal. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Dear Modest651440,
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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Implant selection is best done in person with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. At a consultation your surgeon will take measurements of your breasts (this is different than bra sizing) and discuss your surgical goals with you. Then this information will be used to suggest various implants for you to consider. I've included a video on this process that I hope you find helpful.