Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right implant size is one of the most important and emotionally significant decisions in the breast augmentation process, and should not be rushed.
- The size of your natural breasts and the thickness of your chest and breast skin affect which implant sizes are technically viable without creating visible rippling or an unnatural appearance.
- Simply placing implants in your bra to preview the look is not representative of your post-surgical result, as the implants flatten natural tissue rather than adding to it.
- Bringing reference photos to your consultation helps your surgeon understand your aesthetic vision and recommend the implant profile and size most likely to achieve it.
- NOVA uses the Crisalix 3D simulator to help patients visualize their actual post-operative appearance with different implant sizes before making a final decision.
Once you decide to get a breast augmentation, you face a series of important decisions: saline implants or silicone? What incision type do you want? When is the best time to get the surgery? But perhaps the most important decision- and the one that causes patients loads of concern- is what size implants do I get in the first place?
For one, the size of your natural breasts will play a role in determining your appropriate implant size. Patients with very small natural breasts might not have enough tissue to accommodate implants of very large sizes. If the skin of your chest and breasts is very thin, this can also be a barrier to getting larger implant sizes because you wont want to stretch the skin too harshly. If you do select an implant size thats too large, you face a number of risks: tissue thinning, bottoming out of the implants (where the implant slips out of place and moves lower down the chest), stretch mark development, visible rippling, and even the need for corrective surgery.
Youll also want to consider the projection of the implant, which is how far out from the chest wall the implants go. For example, implants with minimal projection dont stick out far from the chest wall, which can be a good look for women with a wider chest wall. Moderate profile implants stick out a bit further, and have a slightly tapered end, which is flattering on women with a more narrow chest wall. High profile implants have a small base, are narrower, and project further than the other implants, and can create a more pronounced cleavage look (though these can also tend to look unnatural). Your surgeon will help you decide which projection is best for you based on your desired outcome and the width of your chest wall.
The implants themselves are sized using the cc measurement, and NOVA Plastic Surgerys sizers range from 150cc to 650cc (with sizers in smaller increments between them). Our state-of-the-art sizing system fits snugly against the breast tissue, contouring to your natural breast shape (instead of flattening the tissue). The sizers and filler sizers allow you and your surgeon to look at up to 24 implants sizes during your consultation, so you can narrow down the size youre looking for.
The sizing system is used in conjunction with our 3D simulator so you can see what your look will be post-operatively, from all angles. Working with your surgeon using the most up-to-date tools and making decisions based on your frame and existing breast size will ensure you dont make a mistake in selecting your implant size.
If you work with the sizers and simulator and are still having trouble selecting a size, NOVA Plastic Surgery will even let you take home various implant sizes for up to two weeks. You can try them on with all your clothes, show the different sizes to your family and get their opinion, or simple go about your day trying one size or another until you find the one thats most comfortable and makes you feel the most confident.
When you come in for your first consultation, its a good idea to bring in pictures of women you know who have your same general build and have the same breast size you want. That will help your surgeon narrow down the general size youre looking for. Youll also want to tell your surgeon about your lifestyle (whether youre very active in athletics, for example) because the size of your breasts can affect that are of your life, as well. While its a good idea to know about what cup size youd like, keep in mind that implants dont always accurately reflect cup sizes (especially since implants tend to be wider than natural breasts, meaning you might have to wear a cup size larger than what you think you want).
If you have any questions about breast augmentation in Northern Virginia, or would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your options, please call our Northern Virginia office at (703) 574-2588.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is choosing the right breast implant size so important?
The implant size determines the final shape, proportion, and overall aesthetic of the result. Choosing a size that is too large for your frame can look unnatural, increase complication risks, and cause long-term issues with skin stretching. Choosing a size that is too small may leave you feeling the result does not meet your goals. Getting it right requires careful consideration of your anatomy and a thorough consultation.
Can I just try implants in my bra to see what size looks right?
Placing implants in your bra gives a rough visual reference but does not accurately represent your post-surgical result. Implants in a bra simply flatten natural breast tissue rather than sitting behind it, resulting in a more exaggerated and less natural-looking preview than what surgery actually produces. A 3D simulation is a far more accurate planning tool.
How does skin thickness affect implant size choice?
Patients with thinner chest and breast skin may not have sufficient tissue coverage to accommodate very large implants without the implant edges or rippling becoming visible through the skin. Your surgeon will assess skin thickness and tissue quality during your consultation to determine which size ranges are technically appropriate for your body.
Should I bring photos to my breast augmentation consultation?
Yes. Bringing reference photos of results that you find appealing helps your surgeon understand the specific look you are after. This makes communication more efficient and helps the surgeon recommend the implant size, profile, and placement most likely to achieve a similar result for your individual anatomy.
How does NOVA help patients visualize their implant size options?
NOVA uses the Crisalix e-Stetix 3D simulator to create a personalized digital simulation of your post-operative appearance with different implant sizes applied to a model of your own body. This allows you to see a realistic preview of your results before making any final decisions, significantly reducing uncertainty and improving satisfaction with the chosen size.