In our previous installment of Breast Implants 101, we discussed breast implant fillers. We discussed the differences and weighed the pros and cons of saline- and silicone-filled breast implants. The appearance, shape and size of the breasts can be significantly improved with a Breast Augmentation. The final result of your procedure not only depends on the skill and expertise of your board-certified plastic surgeon, but also on which implants you choose and how they're implanted. Your plastic surgeon will discuss all of the options, benefits and risks associated with Breast Augmentation surgery.
Today, we'll be discussing size and volume.
Choosing the desired size of your breasts after surgery can be the most exciting and most difficult decision to make. It's a very personal decision that's influenced by your unique anatomy as well as your goals. A breast size that works for one woman, may not work for another. And bigger may or may not always be better. Choosing the right sized implant is one of the most important discussions you can have between you and your surgeon.
Bra Size and CCs
Describing your desired results to your surgeon in terms of cup sizes is not the same as discussing an implant’s size or volume. The size and volume of a breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters, not cup sizes, with implant sizes ranging from 120 to 850 cc’s. When it comes to bras, cup sizes can vary slightly across the board, and just like a bra size, the number of cc’s in a breast implant is not the defining measure of a breast augmentation’s desired result. Individual characteristics such as a woman's body type and the amount of natural breast tissue she already has plays a key role in balancing out the size and volume of a breast implant.
Discussing Size with Your Surgeon
During your initial consultation, you should express your goals as best you can with your surgeon and talk about what your idea of the ideal breast size is. Bringing things to the consultation such as photos of women with breasts you feel are close to the look and size you are considering can help your surgeon to understand what you’re looking for in a successful breast augmentation surgery, and more importantly, whether your goals are realistic and attainable.
Your Surgeon's Recommendation
During your consultation, your surgeon will take accurate measurements of your body, including how broad your chest is, the distance between your breasts, the symmetry of your breasts and the base width of your breasts. Your plastic surgeon will also look at the quality of the skin on your breasts and assess how much natural breast tissue you have to begin with.
You should trust your surgeon and carefully consider what he or she recommends. If your surgeon thinks the implant size you’re considering is too big for your body type or frame you may want to consider going smaller. Remember, bigger is not always better when it comes to a well-proportioned and natural looking bust line. Having the right proportions and a natural look for your frame or body type can look more impressive than simply going for size alone.
Most Plastic Surgeons will recommend the smallest breast implants that will give you the noticeable difference in size you're looking for while offering a well-proportioned and natural looking appearance. There are several advantages to using a smaller breast implant. The changes in your body contour will be more subtle and your breasts will be less prone to sagging or other complications such as excessive stretching and thinning of the skin and tissue around your breasts. In addition, adjusting to a new size is often easier when a smaller implant is used.
To help make sure you get the desired aesthetic result, your surgeon will also discuss the many options available in breast implants, including profile, shape and texture. The profile, base width and shape of a breast implant can greatly influence just how much size or volume is needed for the best look.
Testing Sizes
Your breast augmentation surgeon may have breast implants on hand for you to touch and feel during your consultation. Most surgeons also have implants in different sizes that you can “try on” with a sports bra to give you with an idea of what you might look like with various implants. As you try on the various sizes, the doctor or the doctor’s staff may take photos for you to look at later to help you make your final decision. Some breast augmentation surgeons use imaging software to help visualize what your final results may be.
Natrelle, a collection of implants manufactured by Allergan Inc., offers a pre-consultation kit that includes sample implants and a profile bra to help women choose their new breast size.You may also want to try the Rice Test. The Rice Test is a good way to begin experimenting with breast sizes and it helps you prepare for your consultation with a plastic surgeon. By trying out the Rice Test, you can get a better idea of what to discuss when you meet with your surgeon.
The Rice Test involves taking a knee-high-stocking and filling it with - you guessed it, rice. Comparing rice to implant filler is fairly easy. Just remember, there are 30 cc's to an ounce. That means 10 oz of rice would equal a breast implant measuring 300 cc's. You should use a kitchen scale or measuring cup for accuracy. Once you’ve filled the stocking to the desired amount, you’ll need to flatten out the rice in the hose and place it inside of a non-padded bra. Once you’re close to the size you’re thinking of, you can add or subtract rice to see how it looks.
The Decision
Remember, your Plastic Surgeon can help guide you through the decision making process and you’re your family and friends can offer valuable opinions, but choosing the breast size you would like to have is ultimately your decision. After surgery, you will not see your final result of your surgery for at least several weeks as swelling subsides and the breast tissues take their new shape as the implants to settle into position. You should be patient before you judge your results or begin to question your decision.