When it comes to implants, size matters – and bigger isn’t always better. Following these tips will help you and your surgeon select the best implant size for your body, ensuring you’ll have the best results from your breast augmentation surgery.
Do: Measure Carefully
To determine implant size, it’s important to know your chest and breast dimensions. Measure the breast width in centimeters starting from the inside (cleavage area) in a straight line out to the outside edge of the breast. Breast width is important because implants that are slightly narrower than your natural breasts typically provide the best fit.
Don’t: Stuff Your Bra to Determine Implant Size
The Internet is full of guides on how to use baggies or pantyhose filled with rice or birdseed to figure out how large you’d like your implants. Since implants are filled with silicone gel or saline, not birdseed, this doesn’t give a very helpful idea of what your implants would actually look like! Many surgeons do have sample implants you can insert into your bra to get a rough idea of how big you’d like to go, but this is often misleading and the look and feel of the implant can be drastically different when it is actually inside the breast, rather than stuffed into a bra.
Do: Use 3D Imaging to See What Your New Breasts Will Look Like
Playing “dress-up” with implant samples can fun to get an idea of what you’ll look like after implants, but for a more accurate picture of your new look, find a surgeon that uses 3D imaging to show you what you’ll look like post-surgery.
Vectra 3D Imaging cameras take multiple photos from different views to build a three-dimensional model of your body. Your surgeon will be able to manipulate the model view to adjust the size and shape of the implants to fit your specifications. You’ll be able to see your future breasts from all angles, ensuring that you and your surgeon are on the same page about your desired results.
Don’t: Leave it to Implant Sizers
Some surgeons use single-use disposable sterile sizers during surgery to help guide implant selection, but to guarantee the results you want, decide on your size with your surgeon before surgery. This is called tissue based dimensional planning. Dr. Adams is internationally known for his many presentations and publications on this topic.
New 3D Imaging software allows surgeons to adjust sizing and show you in advance what your results will look like using different types and shapes of implants. Relying on those advanced tools, along with accurate measurements and markings, is a better way to ensure you’re satisfied with your implant size. Spending a little extra time before surgery to settle on a size and shape, rather than letting the surgeon rely on sizers in the OR, may also cut down on the surgery time and cost.
Don’t: Get What Your Friend Has
Sure, she looks great! But every woman is different, and the size and shape that looks phenomenal on her might not be as flattering on you.
There are many factors that determine implant size: your desired results, breast tissue density, breast size, chest size, height, weight, even exercise habits! Talk to your surgeon about your lifestyle and your ideal post-surgery breasts, measure accurately, and use 3D imaging to select implants that will look amazing on you. Dr. Adams uses all f this information to customize your implant type and size for you.
You might need a different size and shape than your friend, but with proper planning and consultation, you can have breasts that make you look and feel just as confident!
During consultation, Dr. Adams will walk you through the best steps to determine which implant will fit your breasts the best. Our office offers all types of implants including cohesive breast implants, saline and silicone breast implants, 3D imaging and the 24 hour fast track recovery. Learn more about our breast augmentation surgery here or feel free to contact us with any questions.