Each year, tens of thousands of women in the United States have breast augmentation surgery to enhance the size and shape of their breasts and elevate their body confidence. Breast implants continuously rank in the top five of the most popular plastic surgeries performed worldwide. With a satisfaction rate of over 98% and thousands of women commenting that their surgical outcomes actually exceeded their expectations, it’s no wonder that breast augmentation is also one of the most popular procedures at Edina Plastic Surgery. However, breast implants are not one-size-fits-all. Here are Dr. Nathan Leigh’s top tips for choosing the best breast implant size for YOU.
“There are a lot of decisions to be made with your plastic surgeon once you’ve decided to have breast augmentation surgery,” emphasizes Dr. Nathan Leigh, a highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at Edina Plastic Surgery. “We’ll need to consider the specific type of surgery you’ll have, what type of implant, the size and shape of the implant, and what fits your lifestyle and aesthetic goals. It sometimes surprises patients to learn what a highly customized surgery a breast augmentation is!”
The Breast Augmentation Consultation Process at Edina Plastic Surgery
During a breast augmentation consultation, you will discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon and have the opportunity to see, feel, and even try on different sizes of breast implants.
“Our breast augmentation consultations at Edina Plastic Surgery are unique because we can show a patient a preview of their results with our Vectra XT® 3-D Imaging technology,” explains Dr. Leigh. “This allows your surgeon to create 3-D simulations of what your body may look like with different-sized breast implants and different profiles or shapes of implants. Showing a patient what her body may look like with a specific implant also lets me ensure we are on the same wavelength about her aesthetic goals.”
Factors That Influence Your Ideal Breast Implant Size Calculation
Beyond saline versus silicone, most patients are not aware of how many different features breast implants can have.
#1 – The Volume of the Breast Implants
Breast implants are not measured in cup sizes like a bra. Their volume is measured in cubic centimeters (CCs). A smaller implant generally ranges between 150-200cc, while a larger implant would be 400cc and above.
#2 – The Profile of the Breast Implants
“The term ‘profile’ is frequently new to patients in relation to breast implants,” says Dr. Leigh. “The profile of an implant is basically how far the implants project out from the flat part of your chest. A low profile implant has minimal projection and may be better for patients with a wider chest wall. A moderate profile implant will project out a little further and yield very natural-looking results, especially for patients with narrow or smaller chests. A high profile implant is for patients looking for significant projection and who desire breasts that are rounder and more prominent. An ultra-high profile implant has maximum projection and gives fullness to the upper portion of the breasts. Don’t worry! Your surgeon will help determine which profile best suits your body’s shape and help achieve your goals.”
#3 – The Diameter of the Breast Implants
The diameter of a breast implant refers to the width of its base. This measurement influences the shape and outline of the implant. Choosing the ideal diameter for your body type will significantly impact how natural-looking your final results will be.
Can My Plastic Surgeon Guarantee What My Bra Size Will Be After Breast Augmentation Surgery?
“No, but we sure can get close,” shares Dr. Leigh! “The best way to achieve your aesthetic goals with breast augmentation surgery is to over-communicate with your plastic surgeon during your consultation. Bring pictures, discuss what you do and don’t want, and describe how you want your breasts to look in clothing. The more you share, the more I, as your surgeon, can mirror your desires with my skill and the implants we select. Patients also need to keep in mind that every body is different, and that includes how breast implants will settle into your body over time. Rest assured, we will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you are well-informed and confident in your decision.”
Top Tips for Choosing the Best Breast Implant Size for YOU
#1 – Consider Your Lifestyle
It’s essential to choose an implant size that matches your lifestyle. If you are an avid runner or athlete, a larger implant may literally get in the way of your performance and even make the activities you love uncomfortable. The ideal implant size will enhance the appearance of your breasts without interfering with the activities you love.
#2 – Evaluate Your Wardrobe and Personal Style
“Your personal style and fashion sense should play a role in deciding what size breast implant is right for you,” advises Dr. Leigh. “If you love bralettes and strappy summer dresses that look best without a bra, then a smaller implant may be ideal. On the other hand, if your wardrobe is full of form-fitting tops that look best when filled out, you may like larger implants that create a beautiful profile in this clothing style. Regardless, anticipate that you’ll need to update your wardrobe a little after surgery because clothing will fit differently!”
#3 – Analyze Your Body Type
Your unique body type is a key factor in determining the ideal breast implant size, especially if you desire a very natural-looking outcome. As with many aspects of life, bigger isn’t always better. Generally, a woman with a larger frame will need a larger implant size to look natural, and vice versa for a more petite woman. And it’s not just about aesthetics. An implant that is too large on a more petite frame can actually cause discomfort, especially for the back and shoulders.
#4 – Get to Know the Skin You’re In
“For some patients, there are limitations with how large we can go with an implant due to the quality of their skin and its capacity to hold volume,” explains Dr. Leigh. “If you are a very petite or lean woman, your skin may not have enough stretch or even space to hold a larger implant. It’s important to be realistic about the implant size that will work with your body and on your frame.”
#5 – Consider Your Age
Your age may influence what size breast implant is best for you. Younger patients tend to have more skin elasticity, allowing it to accommodate a larger implant and more pronounced profiles. On the other hand, older patients may have sagging skin in their breasts, requiring breast lift surgery in addition to breast augmentation surgery to position implants in their ideal location and truly meet their aesthetic goals.
#6 – Everyone Will Notice VS. Keep Them Guessing
“It may sound strange, but your personality is a factor in what size breast implant may be best for you,” says Dr. Leigh. “I work with some patients who want to totally fly under the radar and not have anyone notice that they had a breast augmentation. But I also work with an equal number of patients who want their breasts to be very noticeable after surgery. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it is possible to achieve incredibly natural-looking outcomes either way. The most important thing to your surgeon is that YOU love your breasts and feel confident and comfortable in your new body.”
Have you been considering breast augmentation surgery and would like to discuss your goals with Dr. Nathan Leigh or another board-certified plastic surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery? Get started by calling (952) 592-5871, texting (952) 925-1765, or CLICKING HERE!
