Breast augmentation is surgery performed to increase the size of your breasts using implants. There is no one-size-fits-all approach with this type of surgery, so it requires careful thinking to ensure you choose the best implant size for your body. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, read the following guide to help ensure you make the right choice.
Breast Augmentation Surgery – What Is Involved?
Breast augmentation surgery involves placing implants behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle to increase the size or enhance the shape of the breasts. It is the most popular type of cosmetic procedure, with approximately 300,000 people reported to have breast augmentation surgery each year in the United States. This type of surgery may be used for a number of reasons, including:
- To enlarge small breasts
- To correct asymmetry in the breasts
- To regain fullness after weight loss or pregnancy
- To correct issues such as unevenness following other types of breast surgery
Breast augmentation surgery can be carried out in a number of ways. An inframammary incision is the most common approach to breast augmentation surgery. This involves using an incision along the bottom crease of the breast, which is then hidden by the natural fold of the breast. Endoscopic transaxillary breast augmentation is a technique used to avoid visible breast scars. It involves placing the implants through a small incision in the armpit, with the assistance of an endoscope.
What Size Breast Implant Should I Choose?
Choosing the best implant size for your body is an important decision. According to FDA statistics, an estimated 41% of breast revision surgeries are performed on women who regret their chosen implant size. So, ensuring you make the right choice can reduce the chances of costly procedures in the future.
In most cases, an experienced surgeon will offer their own suggestions on the size best suited to you based on your build, frame size, chest measurement, and your desired results. There are some other factors you may also want to think about before making any firm decisions.
- Goals should not be based on bra size
Breast implants are measured by cubic centimeters (CC) of volume, not on cup size. This is because bra sizes can vary dramatically between different brands and styles, and cannot provide an accurate measurement when choosing implant size.
At your consultation with your surgeon, you will be able to see, feel, and try on different implant sizes and shapes to help you decide which implant size is best for you. It is best to experiment with a variety of implant sizes and profiles, so you can see what works and looks best for your body shape. Don’t be afraid to make another appointment to come back and try on different implant sizes to ensure you choose the size that is right for you.
- Think about the shape you are after
Breast implants come in two different shapes, round or teardrop, and both can come in a variety of profiles (levels of projection). Round implants tend to create well-proportioned breasts and are the most popular type used, whereas teardrop implants are considered more anatomically correct and natural in appearance. Do your research and discuss the different options with your surgeon to ensure you choose the shape that is best for you.
- Consider your body shape and size
Measurements such as your height, weight, shoulder width, body frame and current breast volume should be considered when it comes to choosing the implant size that is right for you. The ‘best’ implant size will vary from person to person, and the size of implant that suits a person with a petite frame will likely be different from what works for a person with a medium-sized frame. Your surgeon will be able to advise you on which implant size is most suited to your size and body shape.
- Think about your hobbies and lifestyle
Having breast implants shouldn’t prevent you from carrying out any of your normal activities, but it should be a consideration when choosing the size of the implants. If you are very physically active or play contact sports, you may want to consider whether your implant size could have an influence on your comfort level or ability to perform an activity.
- Try the rice test
A simple experiment, known as the rice test, may help you in deciding which size breast implants are the best fit for you. Put on a sports bra that fits your chest size but that is your desired cup size. Then, pour different volumes of uncooked rice into nylon stockings or freezer bags (1 ounce of rice = 30cc). Your surgeon should be able to advise you on the best sizes to try, in order to get the desired results. Place the rice bags in the sports bra to help simulate the size of your desired breasts. Ensure there is no air trapped in the bags and that the rice isn’t too tightly packed. Wear your bra with different clothes to see what looks and feels best.
Breast Augmentation Surgery in Atlanta, GA
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, contact board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Mackay, MD to help you achieve the results you are looking for. Dr. Mackay has more than 30 years of experience and offers a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic enhancements for your face and body.
To find out more about breast augmentation surgery or to book a consultation, call us at (404) 777-9791 or you can request an appointment online.
