What breast implant size is right for me?
Wrestling with how big to go? Here are a few deciding factors to consider.
Making the decision to have breast enhancement surgery can feel a little bit like running around a track, jumping over a series of hurdles. There’s wading through before and after photos, learning about the various procedures, deciding on a type of surgery and a type of implant, and finding a qualified surgeon with whom you feel comfortable. But the good news is: it’s not a race! These are all extremely important parts of the process, and it’s a good idea to take your time (and clear those hurdles!)
So, if you’ve done your homework and made the decision to invest in yourself, congrats! You’re on your way to a new you, and it will be an exciting journey. However, after you make the initial decision, you’ve got another big question to tackle: How do I decide what my optimal breast size should be?
We Asked the Question...
Most women wrestle with this, no matter what their current size. If you ask surgeons the number one thing they hear from patients after the fact, it’s almost always along the lines of: “I wish I had gone just a little bigger.” With this anecdotal evidence in mind, BreastImplants411.com decided to conduct a survey on the homepage asking the question: "If you could change one thing about your breast augmentation, what would it be?" Here are the results:
- 48 percent hadn’t had the procedure yet
- 38 percent wish they would have gone "bigger"
- 9 percent wished they would have done it "sooner"
- 5 percent wished they would have gone "smaller"
Of those who had already had implant surgery, the largest percentage echoed the “bigger” sentiment. It doesn’t mean that you should automatically go bigger than what your instinct is telling you, but it is something to think about.
Is Bigger Always Better?
It’s good to have an idea in mind first, such as a photo that shows the look you’re going for. But the person who can best help you figure out the appropriate size is your surgeon. Not only do they have experience to draw from, they can also assess your particular anatomy — from your bone structure to your build.
It is, of course, possible to go too big, but a good surgeon shouldn’t let this happen (since there can be real complications and medical issues). When thinking about the ideal cup size (remember cup size varies by bra manufacturer for the same breasts), you’ll want to keep several things in mind. First, do you want your new breasts to look natural? Do you want them to look like breasts that someone of your size and build would naturally have? Or, are you less concerned about them looking natural, and more concerned with making a statement, even if your breasts have a “fake” look to them? (Some women definitely don’t want the fake look, while others are completely accepting of it.) It really depends on why you’re getting breast implants, and only you know the answer.
Secondly, think about your lifestyle. If you’re extremely active (such as a runner), very large breasts could be a hindrance to you. The size of your breasts can impact your day-to-day activities. Fitness models, for example, sometimes get breast implants. Their end goal is to create a pleasing aesthetic that complements their physique, but doesn’t get in the way of their workouts.
Lastly, keep in mind that breast implants ¬— like real breasts — will sag with time. A breast implant is not the same thing as a breast lift. The bigger your implants, the more chance you have of sagging. Of course, some women choose to have a lift along with their implant; your surgeon can help you decide if that’s the right option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions Reviewed by Dr. Richard Baxter in Seattle, WA. To learn more about Dr. Baxter, please go to www.aboutplasticsurgery.com/doctor-profile/richard-a-baxter-md-facs-227.
