Cosmetic Question: How do I choose the right size implant for a breast augmentation?
Cosmetic Answer:
Every woman worries she will choose the wrong implant size and regret it. What if I go too big and look ridiculous? What if I go too small? Will it be the cup size that I want?
Our job is to help you find the best possible size for you. First, we start with discussing your goals as well as the different implant shapes, textures and where it will be placed. We will remind you that implants look smaller once placed inside. We suggest about 30 ccs larger than what looks right if the implant goes under the muscle and about 15 ccs more if it goes over the muscle.
Next, we consider the look you want, determining whether you want something natural, something dramatic or something minimal. If your goal is dramatic, we discuss how to get the maximum volume for you, discussing the trade-offs involved. We also consider your height, weight, chest circumference, chest measurements, skin looseness and how much breast tissue you have.
For a natural look, when you have little or no breast tissue, the size may be smaller than your ideal. We will discuss whether natural is really your goal. Or perhaps maybe a shaped implant over the muscle would be best.
Then, there is the always the difficult question of “ What bra size will I be?” This is a problem because bra sizes have no predictable meaning. You might wear a B, C or D cup bra, depending on bra style and manufacturer. However, an A is smaller than average, a B is on the small-side of average, a C is average, a D is larger than average, and a DD much larger than average. That is a more helpful guide. For a D cup, depending on all the other variables, the implant might be 275 cc or 500! We will help you figure that out. Then you will try on various sizes of implants to see how they look under a top.
By the time you leave, you will be confident you have the implant range that is right for you. The final choice often depends on if you would rather end up a little larger or a little smaller than your ideal. Most patients almost always call or come back to consider this again.
It is well worth it to take your time, because choosing the right size is essential to your being happy with your new implants! Our goal is your happiness, and we will help you along the way.