To be honest, the best way to determine which implant would look appropriate for you requires an in-person examination with several measurements, in conjunction with the consultation where you can express what "proportionate" means to you. For some, that is 300cc; for others, that is 500cc. And that doesn't take into account the projection of the implant or the base width. Please make a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation and recommendation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

To answer your question you need to take into account what's known as your base width diameter.

Imagine lying on your back and drawing a circle around your breast. If you were to draw a line across that circle, it will be a given length. Your plastic surgeon will measure this length, which is called ‘’base width diameter’’ or BWD for short. 

A smooth breast implant is circular, and has the same measurement as your BWD. So if your BWD is 12 cm, that tells us that your implant cannot be more than 12 cm. It won’t fit. So the BWD determines the max size of the implant, length-wise.
 
For women, the base width diameter can go from 9.5 cm to 16.5 cm, or 3.75 to 6.5 inches. As you can see, there is a very wide range which is why the size selection process requires a detailed consultation.

You might also want to research your options for breast implants. Choosing the right implant is the number one concern among women considering breast augmentation. Did you know, there’s actually a way to select a implant shape, size, and profile that is perfect for you?

A term that I use with my patients for the perfect implant is the “Pony Implant”.

So what do I mean by “perfect”? Well, a Pony Implant has three qualities to it. First, the implant meets your beauty goals. For example, you want to your breasts to look fuller while still appearing natural.

Second, when you choose your Pony Implant, you walk out of your consultation 100% confident that you’ve chosen the right shape and size for you. In other words, you won’t be second guessing your decision, and you won’t be afraid of having gone too big or too small.

And third, after your procedure, you are thrilled with your results, and say, "I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted!"

That’s the Pony Implant. And the great news is that there is a simple process to go about finding yours.

This issue of selecting the right implant is so important when it comes to patient satisfaction or dissatisfaction that, again, I really encourage you to learn more about it.

Thank you for reading and best of luck on your journey!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. There are a number of factors to be considered when deciding what cc of implant should be used to make you more proportionate. My best advise would be to visit a PS who is going to take the time to listen to your concerns and help you in the decision-making process by showing you your options and allowing you to try on a range of implants. That way you will be better informed to pick the right cc based on your opinion once you look in the mirror and have had a face-to-face discussion with the doctor.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. An in-person exam would be necessary to properly advise you as to what the best implant option in both size, shape and profile would be best for your specific anatomy. I always recommend that implants be placed below the chest muscle, in the subpectoral position, as this allows for the most natural look and feel (especially in thin patients).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. When choosing an appropriate size breast implant for your body there are several factors you need to consider. Firstly, the base width of your breast, the measurement from the inner to outer width of you breast tissue, then the height of your breast, the soft tissue stretch, and the tissue thickness. You have a small frame. I would agree silicone gel implants would look and feel more natural, and definitely sub muscular. It is difficult to determine an exact volume in cc without those measurements. In general, if your width is around 12 cm, you could consider a 300 cc moderate or moderate plus profile implant. You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine which implant would be appropriate for you. All the best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I do not recommend a size to my patients but listen to what they want and have them show me in our books what they want and then decide together. I would always recommend going a little larger for they do lose about 1/2 to 1 cup size esp under muscle over about a year!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest, their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins").

A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.

When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:

-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)

-Breast sizers (rice bags)

-Goal photos

I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.

The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD. This will ensure that you avoid the dreaded "fake" look. Without measures or photos, any advice beyond this will be limited.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012