Choosing the Best Breast Implant Sizes for Your Frame
Updated
By Dr. Fan
Choosing the best implant size can be challenging for many patients. Women generally think of size based on the cup size of their bra. Understanding how that translates to implant size can be a bit confusing at first, as it has nothing to do with cup size - which changes with each bra manufacturer. Still, choosing an implant size shouldn't have to be stressful.
Clear communication with your surgeon about your desired results is necessary. Knowing how to communicate what you want will help relieve some of the stress surrounding your upcoming procedure. Your plastic surgeon will be able to walk you through matching your desired results tot he right implant size.
In this article, we'll talk about the different methods you can use to find that perfect implant size. This way, you'll have a better idea what to expect, and the questions you need to ask, before your n
Choosing a Breast Implant Size
Most women are after natural looking results from their breast augmentation. However, what may be considered natural results to one woman may differ entirely from another. Visual aids are a great way for you define what you believe to be natural looking breasts, or to identify that certain 'look' you want. There are several different visual aid options that you can use.
Photos
Photos are a great way to show your doctor what you like and don't like. You can bring in your own photos to share with your doctor, and you can ask to look through your doctor's photo gallery. Individual results will vary because each body is different and each woman will have differences in breast tissue.
Bra Cup Size
Referencing a bra cup size can be helpful, but there is no universal correlation between your desired cup size and implant size. Cup size can vary quite a bit depending on the manufacturer, and the result you're after may not even be the cup size you were expecting it to be.
In fact, cup size is dependent on several factors:
- Current amount of breast volume
- The shape of your chest wall
- The type, profile, and size of the breast implant
- The degree to which the breast fills the bra
- The bra vendor.
Coming in with an idea of the cup size you'd like to be is great, but you don't want to put too much focus on this and fail to use better determining factors.
Breast Implant Sizers
Sizers are available in many offices, including Dr. Fan's, and are an excellent way to visualize how different implant sizes would alter your appearance or fit under your clothes. Most patients find this to be the more helpful aid, and the visual results are about 80-85% accurate. The fit of the implants inside your body will be slightly different than on the outside of your body.
3D Computer Simulations
Dr. Fan offers Crisalix 3D simulations to help you visualize your results. The use of this modern technology is very popular with the majority of patients. The simulations provide a visual image of your body with the different implant sizes you'd like to see. As with the sizers, visual results are about 80-85% accurate. The computer cannot measure or account for differences in the elasticity of your breast tissue.
The Best Implant Size For You
Dr. Fan uses a formula for measuring your body that will help you determine your ideal implant size. It's important that you don't choose an implant size that's too big or too small.
If you choose an implant that is too large for your breast tissue, you may be putting yourself at a significantly increased risk of a poor cosmetic outcome. Implants that are larger than your ideal size will look less natural and rounder. The extra weight may also produce the need for a breast lift procedure down the road.
If you choose an implant that is smaller than your ideal size, your results may be less than satisfactory. The shape and size will not properly fill out your breast pocket, being empty on the top, and you may be left with residual sagging.
Other factors, like current breast tissue, will also impact the size of implant you need. According to Dr. Fan, most women are very happy with the size of their implants. However, the most common regret is wishing you had gone a little bit bigger.
Making the Right Choice
Just like there's an ideal shoe size that perfectly fits your foot, there's an ideal breast size for your body type that will give you a well-proportioned figure.
Be sure to get an idea of what you want your results to be like, then have a conversation with your doctor about your ideal breast implant size. Use all of the aids available to you so you can proceed with your surgery with confidence in your decisions.
If you have more questions you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Fan. You can also take our online self-assessment to see if you are a good candidate for breast implants.
