Breast augmentation surgery is a transformative procedure that enhances a woman’s breasts, providing a youthful and elegant appearance that celebrates femininity and creates a voluptuous figure. This procedure can help women feel more comfortable and confident in their bodies.

Choosing the appropriate breast implant size is crucial for achieving natural-looking results and ensuring that the new breasts fit well with your lifestyle and activities. The right size should complement your body shape and align with your personal goals.

 

Understanding Breast Implant Sizes

Understanding the dimensional characteristics of breast implants is essential for choosing the right option for you. Three critical measurements define the shape and size of a breast implant:

  • Diameter. This is the width of the implant.
  • Projection or Profile. This measures how far the implant extends outward from the chest wall.
  • Volume. This indicates the space the implant occupies, measured in cubic centimeters (cc).

Now, that we understand the critical measurements let’s explore the options available when choosing breast implant size.

Importance of Diameter

The diameter of a round breast implant corresponds to its width and height and can range from 7.4 cm to 17.2 cm. This measurement is crucial for determining the breast’s shape when viewed from the front. To achieve significant upper breast fullness, a wider, taller implant is recommended. Conversely, if you desire a very wide, rounded, augmented breast appearance, then a wider implant is ideal. When the implant is proportionate to your breast’s width and height, it results in a more natural breast shape.

Impact of Profile

To effectively assess the profile of your breast, stand sideways in front of a mirror. This perspective enables you to see the shape of your breast and understand how an implant will alter its projection from your chest wall and enhance fullness.

It’s important to note that implants can share the same volume—such as 400 cc—but they come in different profiles from low to high. These variations lead to distinct projections and shapes for your breasts.

Low-profile breast implants are designed to gently push the central part of the breast (areola) outward, resulting in a softer and flatter appearance. In contrast, high-profile implants push the central and lower parts the most, creating a more pronounced pointy and round breast shape. A moderate-profile implant attempts to create a more natural-looking appearance as a middle ground between low- and high-profile implants. 

Size by Volume

Breast implants are measured in volume and described by cubic centimeters (cc)  rather than by cup size. This provides an objective measurement to size the various implants. A smaller breast implant typically ranges from 150 to 200 cc. A common mid-range implant is between 300 and 350 cc. A large implant is considered to be anything over 400 cc. Being informed about these measurements is fundamental to making a confident, empowered decision for your breast augmentation surgery.

 

Different Types of Implants (Saline vs. Silicone)

Saline and silicone implants are both safe and effective options for breast augmentation, but they have distinct characteristics that must be considered when choosing the best option for you.

  • Appearance. Silicone implants are superior in softness and flexibility, effectively mimicking the feel and appearance of natural breast tissue. On the other hand, saline implants provide a firmer and rounder look, delivering a fuller appearance. However, saline implants can develop rippling or wrinkling on the periphery of the implant causing them to be more visible beneath the skin.
  • Ruptures. When a saline implant ruptures, the body absorbs the saline fluid, resulting in deflation of the implant. This situation makes it relatively straightforward to identify a rupture and determine the appropriate timing for replacement. In contrast, a ruptured silicone implant may present a diagnostic dilemma, as the silicone gel can either remain within the implant or escape into the surrounding breast tissue. It’s important for individuals to be aware of these differences and to discuss any concerns with Dr. Casas to ensure optimal safety and care.
  • Incision size. Silicone implants are pre-filled, necessitating a larger incision for their placement. Conversely, saline implants are filled after being positioned in the chest, which allows for a smaller incision.
  • Cost. Silicone implants are typically more expensive than saline options. Read our guide for more information on the cost of breast augmentation.
  • Longevity. Both types of implants are susceptible to rupture, with the risk growing over time. Saline implants are expected to last 10 to 20 years, whereas silicone implants typically endure for 20 to 40 years.

 

Factors Influencing Size Selection

Choosing breast implants that fit well with your body is crucial for achieving the natural look you desire. We understand that your unique frame—your weight, height, and breast anatomy—plays a vital role in this decision. It’s important to consider factors like the volume of your existing breast tissue, the quality of your skin, and the current shape and position of your breasts.

Breast size can play a significant role in influencing comfort levels during physical activities. It’s important to consider your specific workout style when selecting the type and size of implants. For example, some individuals may find that larger breasts can present challenges during activities like running. Making thoughtful decisions that align with their body proportions allows women to maintain an active lifestyle without compromise.

Dr. Casas is dedicated to helping you find the best option for you. During your consultation, she will carefully examine the width of your chest wall, or base width, and compare it to potential implants. If you have a narrower chest base, smaller implants that match this width might help you achieve a more harmonious appearance. Your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities, and we aim to ensure you feel confident and happy with your results, including the cleavage you desire after surgery.

 

Consultation with a Surgeon

Professional guidance regarding breast implants is vital for informed decision-making. It provides patients with a comprehensive understanding of the risks and benefits associated with the procedure, as well as essential postoperative instructions. This support is crucial for ensuring a positive surgical experience and optimal recovery.

When selecting a surgeon for a breast implant procedure, it is essential to consider several factors, including the surgeon’s years of experience, board certification, before and after photos, patient reviews, and your own level of comfort with the surgeon. Breast implant procedures should be performed by a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, such as Dr. Casas, ensuring a high standard of care and expertise.

What To Expect During the Breast Implant Consultation

During the consultation, it is important to provide a comprehensive overview of your medical history. This includes detailing any medical conditions or drug allergies you have. Be sure to discuss any prior surgeries, especially those related to the breast, and disclose all medications you are currently taking, including supplements, herbal products, and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Additionally, it is important to discuss if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, and wish to breastfeed in the future. This information will provide Dr. Casas with important insights about your background to assess the safety of the procedure for you.

If you are planning breast implant surgery for reconstruction, take the opportunity to discuss your unique circumstances with your surgeon. By sharing details about any ongoing treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you empower yourself to understand how these factors might influence your journey and the aesthetics of the reconstructed breast. Your surgeon will guide you through the amount of breast tissue that will remain after the procedure and highlight the importance of regular screenings for breast implant ruptures and breast cancer, ensuring you are well informed and supported in your recovery.

The insertion and positioning of breast implants depend on each patient’s unique anatomy. Dr. Casas will conduct a breast exam and discuss all available options. She will address any questions you have and discuss your expectations to ensure they are realistic. 

Additionally, she will show you before-and-after pictures of other women who have undergone breast augmentation in the Chicago area and provide tailored recommendations based on your specific desires for breast enhancement.

 

Try Before You Buy: Sizing Techniques

Many different methods exist for determining the ideal breast implant size for body type. 

A highly effective approach is to “try on” breast implants with a new bra you intend to wear post-surgery. This will provide you and Dr. Casas with a clear idea of the volume you desire. During your consultation and pre-operative appointments at our office, you will have ample time to “try on” implants to ensure you are comfortable with sizing.

Furthermore, you can simulate the implant experience at home by filling your new bra with various materials (rice in cut pantyhose or water in plastic bags/ballons) and evaluating your appearance in different tops. This will provide visual feedback as to the figure you may have after the surgical procedure.

Computer simulations can also be used to help patients visualize the augmentation surgery. At your consultation, a picture will be taken and using specialized computer software manipulated to give you the appearance of various implant sizes. 

Additionally, viewing before and after pictures of other patients provides important information on the appearance of the breasts using different techniques and sizes. It can also give you an idea of the effect of different body types on the overall appearance. 

However, it’s crucial to understand that breast size can look significantly different once the implants are surgically placed compared to your initial try-on. Therefore, these methods help provide approximate sizing and appearances but are not exact representations of the post-surgical size.

 

Common Myths about Breast Implants

Myth: Larger breast implants are better.

Fact: This outdated misconception has been debunked as many women are choosing subtle enhancements that provide nicely shaped breasts to complement their body type. Successful breast augmentation is achieved by providing natural-looking breast enhancement without the ultimate end goal of significantly larger breasts.  

Myth: Breast augmentation is only for women with small breasts.

Fact: Breast enhancement surgery can benefit women of all breast sizes. The use of various implants can improve the symmetry, fullness, and shape of the breast while boosting the confidence of the patient. 

Myth: Breast implants will look and feel unnatural.

Fact: Experienced breast augmentation surgeons take into consideration factors such as profile, placement, and proportions to produce natural-looking outcomes. Using more sophisticated techniques, surgeons use implant surgery to enhance a woman’s natural beauty rather than altering it. 

Myth: Women are unable to breastfeed after breast implants.

Fact: Depending on the technique used and the placement of the implant, breastfeeding is possible after breast augmentation surgery. Using incisions under the breast fold or through the armpit provides a lower risk of disrupting breast milk production and letdown. Avoiding disruption of the ducts connected to the nipple allows for breastfeeding post-surgery. Additionally, implants placed below the pectoral muscle increase the likelihood of successful breastfeeding after implants. 

Myth: Breast implants make it impossible to obtain mammograms.

Fact: When using standard techniques, implants can make it harder to fully visualize breast tissue. However, using experienced facilities and notifying the facility about the implants prior to obtaining the mammogram can ensure the necessary extra views to facilitate better visualization are performed.

Conclusion

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. However, each procedure must be customized to the patient’s body type and individual desires to achieve the ultimate results. 

Understanding the role of volume, diameter, and projection will help select the most appropriate size and provide the desired results. With the help of an experienced surgeon and various sizing techniques, women can obtain natural-looking results that boost self-esteem and give women the confidence they desire.

 

Schedule a Consultation at Casas Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Are you unhappy with the appearance, size, or contour of your breasts? Experience the dramatic transformations that can be achieved with breast augmentation and enhance your self-confidence. Schedule a consultation at Casas Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, where you will receive extraordinary care and a personalized approach to achieving the best results.

To schedule a consultation today, call our office at 847-657-6884.