Five Tips in Selecting the Right Size of Breast Implants

For breast augmentation patients, there are many factors that should go into deciding on the type of breast implants that will be used, including filler material, placement, and size. Many women think “bigger is always better” when it comes to breast implants. However, that statement is not always necessarily true. It is less about how big the actual implants are, and more about how natural they will look and feel. Properly sized breast implants should enhance the natural shape of the body without actually looking as though too much work has been done. What are some of the things to keep in mind when deciding on the right size of breast implants?

1. Finding the Right Profile

Breast implants are available in different profiles. The profile is determined by the ratio between the circumference of the implant and its height. An implant with a low profile will be wider than it will be tall. Conversely, an implant with a high profile will have more height than circumference.

Implant profiles become important when considering the width of the chest. Women who have a narrow chest will most likely want to select a breast implant with a high profile. This will prevent the implants from appearing to be too close together, creating the “uniboob” effect. Those women with a wide chest will want to opt for breast implants with a low profile, to avoid the effect of the implants being spaced too far apart on the chest wall.

2. How High to Go?

In addition to breast implant profile, which is places a focus on horizontal placement, the actual vertical location should also be considered. Breast implants that sit too high on the chest may make the chest look too short. Implants that sit too low on the chest wall may appear to be sagging. Choosing a skilled surgeon to place the implants in the correctly positioned implant pocket will result in more natural looking results.

3. Forget about Cup Size

One of the biggest misconceptions women have is that bra cup size has any actual meaning when it comes to breast implants. Cup sizes for bras were invented back in the 1930s, when social convention did not allow for any accurate measurements of the breasts. The truth is that cup sizes can vary, depending upon bra manufacturer, style, or fabric. Women should not think of implants in terms of cup sizes, but instead in terms of what size implant actually best suits their frame.

4. Sizers Matter

Implant sizers are the best way to determine the right size of breast implants. Your cosmetic surgeon will have a variety of implant sizers to try out. This is far more accurate than any home methods involving water balloons or bags filled with rice. Wear two tight fitted sports bras, which will give the most accurate look to the sizers.

5. Pictures Help

While verbally communicating your needs to the surgeon is important, pictures can help your surgeon understand your desires. View before and after photos of breast augmentation patients, and show your surgeon after photos of cases that depict the results you want.

It is a delicate balance between implants that are so large as to make the augmented breasts look artificial and those are so small that it does not look as though any change was made. Understanding your body’s individual proportions and trying a variety of implant sizers will help you find the implants that best suit your features.

Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.