Getting Augmentation: How Do I Choose The Best Breast Implant Size For My Frame?

Does Breast Implant Size Matter?

Breast augmentation can be a liberating decision for women. The thousands of women who choose breast implants every year experience new levels of confidence. Breast augmentation is ideal for women who want a more symmetrical look, especially after weight loss or breastfeeding. Others want breast implants to improve aesthetics, which translates to more social and even professional opportunities. Breast augmentation is not solely about installing larger implants. To achieve an amazing look, breast implants must complement the patient’s frame and body type. A consultation with an experienced surgeon ensures women choose the best size and type to achieve desired results.

Let’s get measuring

During initial consultations, the surgeon will guide the potential patient through multiple steps and measurements to achieve an amazing transformation. Women need not only the optimal size but also the profile, which determines how far the implants will stand out from the chest wall. The first step involves measuring the width of the woman’s chest wall. This measurement considers an implant diameter that matches the patient’s size and ensures the result looks proportional. An implant that is too wide may extend too far toward the armpit, creating discomfort or an unwanted look in clothing. One that is too narrow may fail to create the desired contour. Surgeons will ensure that the ideal balance is achieved.

Skin elasticity matters

The surgeon and patient will choose between silicone or saline breast implants. Implant selection affects how the results appear on the patient’s frame. The patient’s existing breast tissue and skin elasticity limit the size, type, and natural appearance. Patients with thinner skin may be more susceptible to rippling and may choose silicone implants. Elasticity and tissue also limit implant size and profile. The surgeon will perform simple tests to determine the maximum volume the patient can support. This may mean going with a smaller implant with a more pronounced profile or swapping to a newer gummy bear option instead.

Measuring body proportions

Everyone is different, and this uniqueness must be considered when selecting breast implants. Measuring the patient’s height, shoulder width, and overall frame structure determines selection and how the results appear after healing. The surgeon will provide implant dimensions in cubic centimeters (cc), which help build a picture of how the implants will look on a particular frame. Some high-volume implants look modest on taller women with broader shoulders. These same implants appear too large on women with a smaller, petite frame. This is where profile matters. These measurements help surgeons choose a moderate, high, or extra-high-profile implant. This selection ensures the right size produces that natural-looking result.

Work with your surgeon

Getting breast augmentation involves more steps than choosing a large implant. Women who want to move up even 1-2 cup sizes must take multiple factors into mind. During initial consultations, the surgeon helps the patient choose the right implant. Factors considered include height, chest width, shoulder width, breast tissue, and skin elasticity. The surgeon will use external sizers, sample implants, and past examples of women with similar frames. Potential patients have an opportunity to see how different sizes, profiles, and types, influence body shapes. Taking the extra time to determine the right size leads to desirable results and higher satisfaction rates.