“What size breast implants should I get? – Finding Your Ideal Breast Size.
For many women, the decision to get a breast augmentation is a process that requires several different factors before reaching the final decision.
One such factor that is often quite difficult is choosing the right size for the implant — We know that breast size affects many aspects of a woman’s life, including her relationships, social interactions and overall physical well-being. The wrong size has the potential to throw your silhouette’s natural balance off entirely. In other words, proportion is key.
We want to make sure that patients of Mode Plastic Surgery have the resources and guidance to choose the perfect implant size!
Deciding to move forward with breast augmentation surgery is just the first step. When you meet with the surgeon, there are many other decisions you will need to make about the specific type of surgery, implant size calculation, and more.
Dr. Aggarwal has many years of experience and helps each patient create a personalised surgical plan to ensure optimal results for every surgery.
During your consultation, you have the opportunity to feel, see, and try on different sizes of breast implants. This breast augmentation with implant sizing consultation is designed to help you make your decision and communicate your expectations with the surgeon.
What factors help determine what size implants you should get?
Not all breast implants are the same. These enhancements are available in a range of sizes and styles, so every body type can be accommodated with a personalised approach to treatment
Here are some of the most important factors to consider and discuss with your surgeon before settling on what implant size to choose for your breast augmentation:
1. Breast Implant Volume
Surgeons measure implant sizing by cubic centimetres (CCs) instead of cup sizes. What a particular volume achieves for a patient varies from individual to individual, and one size certainly does not fit all.
- In general one cup size is increase is considered to be around 150cc but this is highly variable between individuals. If you are smaller framed and with a smaller starting breast size, a volume of 150-200cc may produce a substantial increase in size, while this may not be the case if you are larger framed, or have a larger starting breast size.
- The larger the implant, the more it will stretch the native breast tissue and skin, and more likely it is that it can descend or move out of position over time. Dr Aggarwal will also advise you during consultation what would ideally suit your chest shape and size, as it is important to respect the natural landmarks of the breast.
- During consultation Dr Aggarwal will measure the ‘footprint’ of your breast – this means the width of each breast as well as certain measurements of the skin surface. There is an ideal width of breast implant for each patient based on these measurements, and Dr Aggarwal will guide you with respect to implant size selection based on these measurements.
2. Implant Profile
The profile of breast implants is the measurement in which the breast sticks out from the flat part of your chest. You can choose from different profiles depending on how “perky” you want them to be: v low (Mini), low (demi) , moderate (full) or high (corse).
Mini Profile: Implants with a low profile have a flatter appearance and minimal projection. They are a good fit for patients who have wider chests or those who want a subtle increase in size. Sometimes this has been referred to as a ‘mini’ breast augmentation.
Demi Profile: This sticks out a little more than the mini profile. This sizing can still create a very natural appearance and is often the most common requested profile for breast augmentation
Full Profile: If you want significant projection, then full profile implants are the ideal solution. This type of profile creates breasts that are prominent with a much more pronounced increase in breast size and shape.
Corse Profile: This implant has the maximum projection and fullness of the upper pole. They have the narrowest base and these are great for petite women with a narrow chest and little breast tissue as this type of implant can help patients go up multiple cup sizes for a natural, yet dramatic look.
3. Implant Diameter
The diameter measurement is the width of the base of the implant, which affects the breast outline and shape. Body type is a big consideration when choosing the ideal diameter because you need to get the correct width to create a breast that looks natural.
This will largely be guided by Dr Aggarwal after he takes clinical measurements, and will select implants that are narrower than the existing diameter of the breast so that the new implant is ‘hidden’ or ‘camouflaged’ under the existing breast platform. A diameter that is larger than the existing breast footprint will lead to the implant being visible, or looking artificial.
4. Lifestyle factors
For active women, athletes, or women with more physically demanding jobs, larger breast implants may not be ideal. It’s simple: the larger the breasts, the more tiresome and potentially painful it will be to carry the extra weight while working, running, lifting weights or playing a sport. It’s also important for you to think about what kinds of clothing you normally like to wear, and if those items will be compatible with larger breast implant sizes.
Augmentation will certainly affect how shirts, bras, swimsuit tops, and dresses fit, and additional procedures like lifts or reconstructions will affect things even further.
Breast Implants are not lifetime devices – most implants last between 10 – 20 years. It is recommended that they are checked regularly (yearly) especially after the 10 year mark – often a deterioration is detected on imaging, and if this is detected then it would be recommended to have the implants replaced.
While it’s easy to see how the breast implants will fit your current lifestyle and preferences, also remember that you will be wearing these same implants for many years. Do you think your implants will match your lifestyle in 5 or 10 years? Think about how your lifestyle might be changing between now and then.
If you are considering breast augmentation, but have many questions you would like to have answered in person by a qualified specialist plastic surgeon, don’t wait any longer. Get in touch with the team at Mode Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation with Dr. Aggarwal..
FAQs: Clarifying Concerns About Breast Size
The thought of having to pick your ideal breast size can be overwhelming. After all, once they’re in, they’re here to stay. But rest assured, you’ll have support every step of the way. Dr. Aggarwal and his team are here to guide you, offering expert insights so you can move forward with confidence.
With that, here are some answers to our patients’ frequently asked questions about breast size and body proportions:
What is the ideal female breast size?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, one study suggests a 45:55 ratio is ideal. Meaning? 45% of the breast lies above the nipple, and the remaining 55% lies below.
Can your implants be too big?
Yes. Implants can be too big—not just aesthetically but medically. If your implants are too big, you can experience:
- Overstretched skin
- Stretch marks
- Breast sagging
- Implant displacement
- Nipple numbness
- Pain and discomfort
- Implant complications
- Capsular contracture
- How do I choose my breast implant size and shape?
- When picking implant shape and size, you’ll consider several factors like your body dimensions, preferences, and lifestyle.
Our advice?
- Do your research, experiment with different sizers, and lean into your surgeon’s expertise.
- Do breast implants look bigger over or under the muscle?
- Breast implant placement has no impact on the actual size of your implants. It’s the visual effect and contour that varies. Your surgeon will help you determine which placement suits your needs and desired look.