Many women are unhappy with their breasts. Whether it is the size, shape, or the ravages of time, there are a variety of reasons to want a little (or a lot of) change. With plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation becoming increasingly safe and affordable, there is no reason to live with insecurities or unhappiness about your body.
When you are planning a breast augmentation surgery, one of the most important decisions is the size. Breast implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes, made to complement a variety of body types. Because there are a lot of choices, it can be overwhelming to decide on the implant size that is best for you. The following six tips will help you to make the best decision for your body and your goals. read about Curt E. Liebman MD
1. Try on implants in your surgery office.
Reputable surgeons have sample implants in their offices for patients to examine. This allows you to consider different options in materials and shapes, but most especially to think about sizing. You can put these sample implants under your clothing to get a feeling of what looks best on you.
It is important to be realistic about what size of breasts will be best for you. A recent study found that wanting a different size, particularly a larger size, is the most common reason for women to get a breast augmentation revision surgery. Choosing the right size is one of the most effective ways to ensure you are happy with your final result.
2. Wear an implant sizer bra.
If you want to give new breast sizes a real-life test drive, there are special bras that can help you to get an idea of how different breast implant sizes feel and look in real life. These bras usually include a stretchy yet supportive bra similar to a sports bra with different sizes of implants that can be worn under them.
These have several advantages, the most obvious being that they allow you to see how different breast sizes look under a variety of outfits and in different settings. However, because the implants are worn over your skin, you still will not have a completely accurate picture of how they will look after surgery.
3. Experiment at home with the rice test.
If you do not want to purchase a special bra and attachments to evaluate different sizes, you can also use a “home test” using uncooked rice. In this test, you measure different weights of rice that correspond to different implant sizes and wear them in your bra similarly to an implant sizing bra.
This option is cheap and easy, making it a favorite way to try different sizes. To perform your own rice test, follow these instructions:
- Choose two nylon stockings, cut to be no more than 18 inches long
- Measure uncooked white rice into the stocking and tie the end securely
- Place each rice-filled stocking into an appropriately sized bra and wear under your favorite clothes
- Try different sizes as desired
When measuring rice, keep in mind that every one-third cup of rice corresponds to roughly 30 ccs in an implant. While this method is cheap and easy, it has a few drawbacks. Like implant sizing bras, this technique for trying out size has the advantage of not letting you experiment with different shapes or see how implants actually look under your skin.
4. Talk to women who have had the procedure.
One of the best ways to determine how an implant will look on you is to talk to women who have had the surgery, particularly if they have a similar body shape and size. You can also talk to women with the shape you desire to ask about their bra size. Although these questions may seem awkward, most people will be happy to have these private conversations once they understand why you are asking.
Talking to people with your ideal shape will give you a rough idea of how different implant sizes will look on your body. Also, you can begin to develop insight into different implant shapes and materials.
5. Consider different shapes.
If you are trying different implant shapes and cannot seem to find the perfect look, the shape may be the issue. Some implants are very “high profile” in shape and designed to give dramatic cleavage. Others are designed to have a more natural shape. Several options in implant shape will have a very different finished look, so explore all of your possibilities.
6. Talk to your plastic surgeon.
Breast surgeon Jason I. Altman says patients should expect to consult extensively with their patients about the type and size of implant that is best for them as well as other personalized considerations in the procedure. While most patients who have this surgery have great outcomes, it is important to work with a surgeon who considers your satisfaction the top priority.
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for a reason. Over 99% of women who have had this procedure say that they would choose to have it again. Although there are a lot of decisions to be made, the result is more than worth the time and consideration.
