How to Choose the Right Size Breast Implants for You

Posted August 30, 2022 in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant

4 Minute Read: 

If you are thinking about increasing your breast size, choosing the size of your implant is probably the most crucial element (after choosing your plastic surgeon) when it comes to achieving your goals.

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgeons, the most common complaint and reason for breast implant revision is dissatisfaction with the size increase. 

Many women wish they had chosen a larger implant; however, some women find themselves in the opposite boat.

Several key factors will determine the best size, shape, and placement that’s right for you.

Using Your Breast Augmentation Consultation to Your Best Advantage

Before you schedule your breast implant consultation, research the doctor and be sure they are a reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon, and check to see if they are equipped with a 3D imaging system that can simulate your potential results. 

This advanced technology can help you and your surgeon choose the best options for your breast augmentation procedure.

Breast Implant Options to Look For

Your cosmetic surgeon should offer a range of breast implant options, including:

• Implant material: Saline or silicone
• Implant shape: Round 
• Implant profile:
  • Low profile: implants with a wide implant base that do not project as much (best for women with broader shoulders)
  • Moderate profile: implants with a more narrow base (compared to low profile implants) that project further from the chest
  • High profile: implants with a narrow base that project even further from the chest (best for petite women)

• Implant placement:
  • Subglandular: under the breast tissue and on top of the pectoral muscle
  • Submuscular: under both the breast tissue and pectoral muscle
  • Subfascial: under the muscle covering, known as the fascia (between the gland and the muscle)
  • Dual-plane: half under the muscle and half under the breast tissue

All of the above options can contribute to the size and profile of your enhanced breasts. 

With a 3D imaging system like The VECTRA® XT, your surgeon can show you how all of your options will change the appearance of your breast implants.

Consider Your Body Type

Your chest, shoulder, and hip width, along with your height and weight, matter when choosing the size of your implants. A thin woman increasing breast size will likely achieve far more dramatic results than a larger patient with the same increase. 

Petite women must also consider the weight of their implants as too big of an increase can lead to back and shoulder pain.

Consider Your Wardrobe 

If your favorite clothes feature low-cut necklines and you want to fill them out with plenty of cleavage, a more significant increase with a round implant may be right for you. 

But if you prefer a more conservative wardrobe and want to avoid too much unwanted attention, a more subtle increase might be best.

Consider Your Lifestyle

If you are an athlete, dancer, or lead a highly physically active lifestyle, very large breasts can interfere with your routine and performance. If this describes you, talk to your surgeon about the best implant placement as well.

Are you planning to start or expand your family any time soon? If so, your results are likely to be affected, and the larger the implant, the more stretching and sagging you can expect.

Consider Your Natural Breast Size

You will need enough breast tissue and skin to accommodate the implants. Choosing a breast implant that is too large for the breast tissue and skin to contain can significantly increase your risk of complications. 

These kinds of complications commonly include:

• Implant sagging
• Rippling of the skin 
• Thinning tissue 
• Premature breast aging 

Too much weight can also cause a “double bubble” or “bottoming out” complication, in which one or both breast implants fall below the natural breast crease to create an indentation that causes a “four breast” appearance.

Rely on the Simulation and Not the Cup Size

Your 3D breast augmentation simulation will provide a better understanding of how big your breasts will look after the procedure than relying on the desired cup size, as these are subjective measurements that vary among manufacturers.

Breast Augmentation in Buffalo, NY

Dr. Todd B. Koch is an experienced and highly-skilled board-certified plastic surgeon who provides breast implant services in the Williamsville and Buffalo, New York, areas. 

You can trust Dr. Koch to create a customized surgical treatment plan that can deliver the results you desire. He offers breast augmentation simulation with our VECTRA® XT 3D imaging system. 

Schedule your consultation today by calling (716) 631-1220 or filling out our online contact form.