Choosing breast implant sizes is personal. It’s important to have clear and comfortable communication between you and your cosmetic surgeon. Description, pictures and drawings are always helpful to accurately determine what will look and feel good for your body. Getting implants based on anyone else’s opinions is never a good idea. We get the question, “What size should I be?” in the office very often and there isn’t an easy answer.
How do you measure breast implants?
The first thing you need to know is that breast implants are not measured in terms of cup sizes like your bra, but rather measured in volume using cubic centimeters. If you’ve ever had a professional bra sizing, you know that cup sizes are actually more dependent on the bra style, and the number (36 or 38 e.g.) is more a reference to the circumference of your ribcage than your breasts themselves, so neither is a good indicator of how large you want your breasts to be. Add to that the fact that bra sizes are not standardized.The same breast may fit a C cup in one bra and a D cup in another.
How would I size you?
Often, women come to me saying they want size D breast implants or size C breast implants, thinking that that is the answer to best explain their expectations. As mentioned above, cup size is not a good indicator of actual results.
When you come for your consult, we will have a discussion, explore pictures of before and after patients, and we will use mock implants that fit over your breasts so you can decide which ones give you your desired shape.
Other things to consider….
In addition to the size of the implants, you should also consider how you want them placed. Your doctor can use implants to lift your breasts, to increase cleavage, to make your breasts project further, or a combination of those things. Depending on the look you are seeking, different implant sizes may produce better results.
You should also consider your activity level and how your breasts will impact your ability to exercise and perform other daily actions. Considering all of these factors will surely help you reach your desired expectations. Final decision is always your personal preference, so it is important you feel good about the decision prior to surgery.
