Having some information about the factors affecting the choice of breast implant size will help you to have your ideal and desired breast implant procedure. In this blog post, in addition to explaining these key factors, we will explore a few methods and tips regarding how to make the final decision about the right breast implant size. By taking these factors into consideration, you will have a more clear understanding of the results of your surgery.
Key factors determining breast implant dimensions and sizes
1. The size of breast tissue
The thickness of the breast tissue is one of the important factors in determining breast implant size and dimension. A small breast tissue reduces the viability of using larger breast implants. After the implant is placed, there should be enough tissue to cover it. Getting large breast implants by those who have not much breast tissue left, will cause complications in the future.
The thickness of the breast tissue can also impact your choice regarding the shape of the breast implant. If you have thin breast tissue, you may be advised to have teardrop implants rather than round traditional ones. Your cosmetic surgeon will further consult you about this matter and the options that will yield the most satisfactory results depending on your specific circumstances and preferences.
2. Breast anatomy and body frame
There is no such thing as a perfect-for-all breast implant size or dimension. The right breast implant size varies depending on the specific breast anatomy and body frame of every individual. The patient’s breast width is a key factor in determining the size of the breast implant. The width of the implant should be slightly narrower than the natural breast. Your surgeon will measure the breast width in a straight line (he doesn’t curve the measuring tape around the breast’s arc) from the point near your arm to the point near the cleavage.
Not everything is about sizes and dimensions. Balance is the other important factor that your surgeon will take into consideration. Your final breast implant should be in harmony with the rest of your body. Metrics such as weight, height, and ribcage width, are crucial for maintaining this balance.
3. Volume and profile
Women usually tend to talk about their preferred breast implant size in terms of bra’s cup sizes. For instance, someone with an ‘A’ or ‘B’ cup size, talks with her surgeon about a full ‘C’ size breast implant as her preference. This measurement is not accurate, because there is no universal standard for these cup sizes and they will have differences in size based on the manufacturer producing them. The volume of the breast implant is measured in cubic centimeters or ‘cc’ for a more accurate result. This measurement can be somewhere between 80-800 cc for the final breast implant, but most women go for 300-400 cc.
The profile is another important factor regarding a breast implant’s final size and dimension. The profile is divided into three subcategories: low-profile, moderate-profile (and moderate plus), and high profile. The higher the profile, the more forward projection the breast will have. The final choice depends on the patient’s preference and will be determined in the pre-operative consultation sessions. If you prefer a more natural look, the low or moderate profile would be better choices and if you prefer a more augmented look, you can go for the higher profile. There is a tendency among women toward using a moderate plus profile which has elements from both high and moderate profiles.
How to choose the right breast implant size?
By paying enough attention to your preferred breast implant size before arranging a surgery, you can avoid potential breast revision surgeries and further complications and pain. In the following sections, we will introduce a few methods that can be of help to choose your ideal breast implant size.
1. Choosing breast implant size with the rice test
For this method, you will need a pair of pantyhose or a nylon stocking and some uncooked rice. Cut from the pantyhose a portion of the leg part (it is better to not use the foot part), tie a small knot on one end of it, then fill it with the measured rice. One cup of rice equals 236 cc (you should bring your measures in ‘cubic centimeters’ to your surgeon). Put the pantyhose which is filled with rice in your ‘goal bra’ (the bra that has the size you would like to fit) and wear it. Do your everyday activities as you have this bra on you. If you did not feel satisfied with its appearance or anything else, remeasure the rice and go through the aforementioned steps again.
2. Choosing breast implant size with the water test
The water test is similar to the rice test with this difference that you will need a plastic bag filled with water instead of rice and pantyhose. 1 ml of water equals 1 cc.
3. Choosing breast implant size with sizers
Wearing sizers (sample breast implants that are used in clinics in order to get an idea of the final result) is the most effective method for getting an idea about the best breast implant size. You simply need to put the sample breast implant in your ‘goal bra’ and wear the bra. As you do this in the presence of your surgeon, you will be able to talk about your preferences with him/her on the spot and make him/her aware of your desired breast implant shape and size. It would also be a good idea to take a loved one or a friend with you to the clinic to know his/her opinion about your appearance.
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