What Size Breast Implant is Right for You?
There are many reasons why women choose to get breast implants. Some may want to balance out unevenness in their breasts or correct any reduction that occurred during pregnancy or aging, while others may simply want to increase their breast size to improve their self-confidence and enhance their appearance. Regardless of the reasons why women choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery, some may find themselves wondering, what size implants should I get?
Below, we’ve provided a guide to help you determine how to pick a breast implant size that is right for you. While we offer recommendations for finding the best breast implant size for your body, at the end of the day, it is a personal choice. Explore our advice on breast implant sizes to help you narrow down your options before booking a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Your Goal Size
The first step in our guide on how to pick a breast implant size involves determining your goals and expectations. Do you want a slight boost or do you want to go as big as you can go? Do you want a discrete enhancement or do you want everyone to notice the change? Are you looking for an implant so you can return to your pre-pregnancy state? Or do you want one to help make your breasts look more proportional to your body? Once you have a better understanding of your goals, the easier it will be to begin finding the best breast implant size for your body.
Understanding Sizes
Understanding implant sizing can help you on your journey to finding your perfect match. Contrary to popular belief, breast implant sizes are not associated with cup sizes. Cup sizes often differ between bra manufacturers and from country to country, so instead, implant sizes are measured in cubic centimeters (CC). As a rough estimate, every 150-200 CC may result in an increase of one half to one full cup size. Implant sizes usually range from 80 CC to 800 CC—the higher the number, the bigger the implant size.
At-Home Sizing
If you are still in the experimentation phase, you can familiarize yourself with breast implant sizes and volumes at home using dry rice. Begin by filling up a ziplock bag with one cup of rice, which is the rough equivalent of 240 CC. A cup and a half of dry rice is around 360 CC, while two cups of rice bring you to the 480 CC range. Doing this will help you get a feel for what size range may look best on your body.
Additional Implant Features
Keep in mind, there is more to implants than just their size. You will want to consider the width, shape, and profile, too. Breast implant sizes vary in width, which refers to the measurement of the implant’s base. As for the shape, there are round and natural, tear-shaped implants. While the choice is ultimately yours, Dr. Leo Lapuerta often prefers and recommends the round shape for his patients.
When it comes to profiles, you can choose between low, moderate, high, and extra high profiles. The profile determines how far the implant will protrude from the chest wall. To get a feel for what the profile will look like, turn to the side and view your body sideways in the mirror. Low profiles are usually flatter while the higher profiles create a rounder, pointier look.
Your Body Measurements
While it’s a good idea to get to know how different sizes and shapes may look on your body, it’s pertinent that you consider the exact dimensions of your own body before deciding on a breast implant size. After all, your measurements will determine how the implants will lay on your chest and the level of comfort. You do not want them to be too wide, too narrow, or too heavy for your body. For example, choosing implants that are too big for your frame may not look their best and they could even cause complications.
When you schedule a consultation, your plastic surgeon will measure your dimensions. Knowing your specific body measurements can help the surgeon suggest which size and shape may be best for you. The surgeon will measure the width of your breasts, shoulders, and ribcage, determine your height and weight, and assess your breast thickness and chest muscle anatomy. It is important to take your body measurements into account because, for example, a 240 CC size implant may look drastically different on two women who have differing weights and heights.
Consultation Sizing
Once your surgeon has determined your body measurements, you can begin experimenting with breast implant sizes. Some plastic surgeons like to provide implants, or sizers, that you can slip into your bra and test out. In doing so, you may want to bring along several different sized bras to help you get a better feel for how different sizers may look.
Computer imaging technology is another way your surgeon can help you pinpoint the best breast implant size for your body. This technology provides you with a digital image of what your body may look like with different sized implants. You can see yourself on the screen and digitally experiment with a wide range of sizes.
While your surgeon may offer suggestions and recommendations on sizing, the decision is ultimately yours.
Book a Consultation with Dr. Lapuerta Today
If you are considering getting breast implants or want to know more about the process, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta is a trusted, triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience in the plastic surgery industry. Based in Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Dr. Lapuerta has performed more than 20,000 plastic surgery procedures and non-invasive cosmetic treatments. Contact him today to learn more about achieving the best breast implant size for your body.