The Importance of Choosing the Right Breast Implant Size
When contemplating breast augmentation, the topic of “size” is often at the forefront of the conversation. However, choosing the right breast implant size is not merely about volume or measurements. It’s about selecting an implant that harmonises with your body type, lifestyle, and personal aesthetic goals. The importance of choosing the right size cannot be overstated, as it can significantly impact your satisfaction with the results and overall health.
The quest for the “perfect” breast implant size can be daunting. You’re likely inundated with images of idealised bodies, making it easy to lose sight of what’s best for you. Keep in mind that what might be suitable for one person may not be for another. You’re unique, and your breast implants should reflect that individuality.
Thus, it’s crucial to approach your breast implant selection with care, patience, and professional guidance. Consider your decision as an investment in your self-confidence, wellbeing, and body image. Remember, a well-chosen breast implant size can enhance your figure, boost your self-esteem, and improve your quality of life.
Anca Breahna is a highly regarded consultant plastic surgeon specialising in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. She can assist you in making the correct decision regarding the best breast size for your body frame.
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Breast Implants: What You Need to Know
Before beginning the task of selecting the right implant size, it is important to grasp what breast implants are and the different choices available to you. Breast implants are medical prosthetics placed under the breast tissue or chest muscle to augment the breast size or to regain the breast volume that may have been lost due to weight fluctuation or pregnancy.
You have two primary options for breast implants: saline and silicone. Saline implants contain sterile salt water, and silicone implants are filled with a silicone gel. Both come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, with your choice depending heavily on your personal preferences regarding appearance and feel, among other factors.
Selecting the most suitable breast implant size is a multifaceted decision involving not only the size but also the shape, projection, and texture of the implants, all of which contribute to the ultimate aesthetic result. Thus, finding the “right for me” size extends beyond mere dimensions, encapsulating the comprehensive effect the implant has on your body’s look and feel.
The first step in determining the optimal breast implant size involves an in-depth initial investigation phase where you acquaint yourself with the critical aspects of breast implants — including the various types, shapes, and profiles — to formulate a clear blueprint of your expectations.
The Basics of Breast Implants
Before you start selecting the appropriate implant size, it is essential to get to know the basic factors that are important when thinking about breast augmentation.
Implant Types
- Saline Implants: These are filled with sterile salt water. They are filled at the time of surgery, allowing for smaller incisions and adjustments in size. If a saline implant ruptures, the body safely absorbs the saline
- Silicone Implants: These come pre-filled with silicone gel, a thick fluid that closely mimics the feel of human fat. Many women feel that silicone breast implants feel more like natural breast tissue
- Gummy Bear Implants: These are a type of silicone implants that maintain their shape even if the implant shell breaks. They are known to give a more firm and stable shape but might require a slightly larger incision
Shapes
- Round: Round implants are symmetrical and can offer a fuller look on the upper part of the breast
- Teardrop (Anatomical): These are designed to mimic the natural slope of the breast and are fuller at the bottom and tapered towards the top
Profiles
- Low Profile: These are wider and provide lesser projection, suitable for women with a wider chest frame
- Moderate Profile: They offer a natural look with a moderate projection and are the most commonly chosen profile
- High Profile: These implants provide the most projection relative to their base width and are suitable for women with a narrower chest frame
What Does “Right for Me” Mean for Breast Implant Selection?
When it comes to selecting the right breast implant size, the phrase “right for me” pertains to finding an implant that not only enhances your bust size but also complements your overall body proportions, aligns with your aesthetic goals, and fits into your lifestyle.
A “right for me” breast implant should make you feel confident and comfortable in your body. It should not hinder your daily activities or cause physical discomfort. The implant should also be proportionate to your body frame, maintaining a natural and balanced look.
The “right for me” concept also involves longevity. The ideal breast implant size should be one that you’ll be happy with not just in the immediate aftermath of the surgery but in the long-term. Remember, the decision you make today will impact your body and health for years to come.
Tips to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size for Your Body Type
Selecting the best breast implant size for your body type involves a careful consideration of several factors.
Understanding Your Body Shape
To choose the best implant size, first, get to know your own body shape. Different body shapes might complement different implant sizes and shapes.
- Hourglass figure: Typically characterised by a balanced bust and hip with a narrower waist. With this shape, you have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of implant sizes, as your balanced proportions can harmonise well with various augmentations
- Apple-shaped body: Here, most of the weight is carried in the upper body. You might want to opt for moderate-sized implants to achieve a balanced look, adding fullness without overwhelming your frame
- Pear-shaped body: This body type has more weight distributed at the lower half. To balance this, you might choose a slightly larger implant size to bring symmetry between your upper and lower body
- Athletic body: Often characterised by a lean build with fewer curves. You might opt for implants that add curves, bringing a fuller look to the upper body
Lifestyle Considerations
Your lifestyle can significantly influence the best choice of breast implant size. Considering your daily activities and hobbies can guide your decision:
- Physical activity: If you are active and involved in sports or fitness, extremely large implants might impede your ability to engage fully in these activities
- Professional environment: Depending on your work setting, you might want to consider how your implant size will be perceived and choose a size that you feel is appropriate and comfortable for your professional life
- Clothing preference: Think about your wardrobe and the kind of clothes you like to wear. Different implant sizes can alter the fit and look of your clothes, influencing your style
Projected Look and Feel
When it comes to the projected look and feel, personal preference plays a vital role. It is important to have a clear vision of how you want to look post-surgery:
- Natural appearance: If your goal is to achieve a more natural look, then opting for an implant size that smoothly integrates with your body type would be ideal
- Dramatic change: In case you are looking for a more noticeable change, you might lean towards larger implants that make a bold statement
Breast Implant Size is NOT the Same as Bra Cup Size
Many people mistakenly equate breast implant size with bra cup size. It’s crucial to understand that implant size is not the same as cup size. They are different measurement systems. Implant size is typically measured in cubic centimetres (cc), reflecting the volume of the implant. Cup size, on the other hand, is a non-standardised measurement used by bra manufacturers and can vary significantly between brands.
Moreover, the same implant size can result in different cup sizes on different individuals, depending on factors like chest width, existing breast tissue, and body shape. Hence, when choosing your implant size, focus on the look you desire and how it complements your body proportions rather than a specific cup size.
The Most Common Breast Implant Sizes
There is a wide range of breast implant sizes available, typically ranging from 100cc to 800cc. The most common breast implant sizes tend to be between 300cc and 400cc. However, the “most common” does not necessarily mean it’s the “right” size for you.
Remember, each body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for you. The best size for you is one that aligns with your body type, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. Comparing common sizes can be a useful starting point, but your final decision should be guided by professional advice and a clear understanding of what you want to achieve.
Risks and Complications of Improper Breast Implant Size
Choosing an improper breast implant size can lead to a host of problems. Too large implants can cause physical discomfort, distort the natural breast shape, and lead to complications like implant rippling or displacement. On the other hand, too small implants might not give you the desired aesthetic result.
Moreover, selecting an inappropriate size can result in dissatisfaction with the results, leading to additional surgeries for size correction, which carry their own risks and costs. Therefore, it’s crucial to select the right size initially to avoid potential complications and dissatisfaction.
FAQs about How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size
How can I visualise what different implant sizes will look like on me?
- Many clinics offer 3D imaging technology, allowing you to visualise how various implant sizes and shapes will look on your body. You can also try the “rice test” at home, where you fill a plastic bag with a measured amount of rice and place it in your bra to get a rough idea of how different sizes will appear.
How do I choose a size that will look natural on my body?
- Choosing a size that looks natural involves considering your body frame, existing breast tissue, and the elasticity of your skin. Anca can help you decide on a size that harmonises with your natural proportions, taking into account your personal preferences and lifestyle.
Can I choose any implant size I desire?
- While you have a wide range of options, there are limits to how large or small implants can be while still achieving safe and aesthetically pleasing results. Your body measurements, skin quality, and existing breast tissue will play a significant role in determining the suitable range of implant sizes for you.
What are the implications of choosing an implant size that is too large or too small?
- Selecting an improper implant size can lead to a series of complications, including physical discomfort, aesthetic dissatisfaction, and potentially higher financial costs due to a higher likelihood of needing revision surgeries in the future. Hence, it is important to work closely with your plastic surgeon to choose a size that is both safe and aligned with your aesthetic goals.
How will my lifestyle and daily activities influence the best implant size for me?
- Your lifestyle and daily activities are vital factors to consider when choosing an implant size. For instance, if you are highly active and engaged in physical activities, extremely large implants might not be suitable. Additionally, your work environment and clothing preferences can influence the best choice for implant size. It’s essential to discuss your lifestyle in detail with Anca to make an informed decision.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read more about Breast Augmentation
- Read more about What Is the Best Breast Implant Shape
- Read more about How to Get Firmer Breasts
- Read more about Breasts after Weight Loss
- Read more about How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Profile and Projection
- Read more about Waterfall Breast Deformity after Breast Implant Surgery
- Read more about What is Drop and Fluff Process after Breast Implants
- Read more about I have Lost Weight and I don’t Like How My Breast Look – Should I Get a Boob Job?
- Read more about How to Get a Natural Looking Breast Augmentation Using Smaller Implants
- Read more about Breast Implant Incisions – Inframammary, Periareolar, Transaxiliary
- Read more about Breast Augmentation Size Chart – Implant Sizes and UK Bra Cup Sizes
Medical References about Breast Implants Sizes
- What Is the Standard Volume to Increase a Cup Size – PubMed
- Options in Cosmetic Surgery for Breasts – WebMD
- Breast implants: Saline vs. Silicone – Mayo Clinic
- Breast Implants – WebMD
- Breast Augmentation – Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of 
