What Implant Size is the Best for My Breast Augmentation?
Whether you have already decided on breast augmentation surgery or are still gathering information about the procedure, a critical step in the pre-operative process is determining what implant size would be best for you. Your plastic surgeon should be your main point of contact when weighing the potential benefits and considerations for this decision. Still, there are some things you will need to decide on your own depending on your personal goals for breast augmentation.
There are many medical and cosmetic reasons for breast augmentation, including changes in your breast size following pregnancy, medical procedures, or weight loss. Asymmetrical or small breast size may affect your confidence or clothing options. Regardless of your reason for pursuing breast augmentation, the appearance and feel of breasts can significantly impact a women’s confidence and self-image. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a trusted professional to guide you through the breast augmentation procedure.
Factors to Consider
Breast augmentation, also called augmentation mammoplasty, involves a plastic surgeon making an incision in the skin and placing an implant underneath the breast area to create the appearance of a larger breast. When choosing the right implant size for your breast augmentation, some factors to consider include body type, body shape, and lifestyle goals.
Body Type
Your body type and size can significantly impact the outcome of your breast augmentation. For example, if you are a petite woman with smaller natural breasts, the skin surrounding your breasts may not fully cover the area if your surgeon inserts very large implants. One adverse effect of this is implant rippling, which can create the appearance of ridges, wrinkling, or scalloping on the implant and potentially through the skin.
Body size and shape can also impact a woman’s ability to carry breasts of a specific size without adverse health effects. For example, a woman who has a more robust build will be able to support larger breasts than a woman who has a leaner physique. If implants are too large relative to a woman’s body shape, it could lead to neck, back, or shoulder pain due to increased weight of breasts following augmentation.
Lifestyle Goals
Lifestyle goals may affect the implant size you wish to choose. For example, if are uncomfortable with increased attention in social settings due to larger breast size, then dramatically large implants may not be the right choice for you. Additionally, during pregnancy, many women may experience swelling of the breasts and increased breast size due to breastfeeding. If you are unsure of how your implants may be affected during this process or how they will look, it is best to consult your board-certified plastic surgeon.
Discuss Your Implant Size with a Breast Augmentation Surgeon
If you are considering breast augmentation but are unsure of which size implants may be best for you, consider having consultations with a few plastic surgeons in your area to find the right fit. If you already have a plastic surgeon, bring pictures to your consultation of what you are looking for regarding desired implant size and shape. At The Centre, P.C. we employ 3 dimensional imaging to assist in managing expectations.
In addition to discussing your body type, body shape, and lifestyle goals, it may also be beneficial to ask your surgeon about the available types of procedures, as well as any risks and recovery time. These steps will help you feel more confident making an informed decision about your breast augmentation.
