How to Choose the Right-Size Implants for Your Shape and Body Size
Defining your goals, taking measurements, and working hand-in-hand with your surgeon will help you decide
The decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is one filled with questions – from whether or not to have the procedure to choosing the type of implant, to deciding the right-size implant. It’s the last item that can often be the most confusing. As with many medical issues, the best offense is to do your homework and to maintain an open, detailed dialogue with your physician.
An honest discussion with yourself
The best place to begin is, well, at the beginning – by having an honest conversation with yourself. You may want to keep a journal or at least jot some notes to answer a few questions:
- What are you hoping to achieve with your new implants? Confidence? Sex appeal? Self-esteem? New look, new you?
- With your new appearance, are your prepared for the possible changes it could mean for you? How the rest of the world will see you?
- What size do I want to be?
It’s okay if your answers to these questions change, but they will help you process this decision –
especially when you meet with your surgeon.
Measuring your anatomy
As we all know, body shapes and sizes vary widely. Your surgeon can help provide a better understanding of your anatomy through a series of measurements to determine:
- How broad your chest is, the base width of your breasts, the distance between your breasts, and their symmetry.
- Your skin laxity, or looseness; how much tissue is available to cover the breast implant.
- Are your breasts sagging? In addition to the augmentation, it may be necessary for a lift to help achieve your desired result.
- Do your breasts have any asymmetry?
Your body shape and type
Understanding your body shape and size is key to helping you choose the right implant size for you. Again, honesty with yourself and your surgeon is the best policy – because what looks natural and great on one woman may look completely different on another.
For example, a “C” cup on a lean woman may be lost on a larger woman, so a “D” or “DD” may be more appropriate. Similarly, if a lean woman opts for a size too large for her frame, there may be further complications, such as an unnatural appearance, tight skin, or back pain.
Do your homework
When you go for your consultation, bring pictures of breasts that you think look pretty. They do not have to be the “perfect” breasts but simply something that appeals to you. Pictures of breasts that you find less appealing are also very helpful. Also be sure to bring pictures both in clothes and out of clothes. This is very important, as many breasts can look good in clothes but actually do not look as good naked.
A surgeon should guide you through your journey
During your consultation, Dr. Pfeifer will work with you to find the best size for your frame and your goals. Measurements will be taken to determine what width implant is best for you.
Then we will try on different sizes in a bra in front of a full-length mirror to see what size and proportion makes you feel confident.
Finally, 3D imaging can be done to visualize what the breast itself will look like with the implant in place. All of this helps you visualize the result, so you will feel confident that you and Dr. Pfeifer have communicated about the look you are hoping to achieve.
To help you choose the right size breast implant for your body, it’s important to feel comfortable with and supported by your surgeon. After all, this is the person who is going to help you through this process and conduct the procedure itself. An excellent surgeon will answer all of your questions and collaborate with you to pinpoint a look and size that will meet your goals.
At Pfeifer Plastic Surgery, we firmly believe that collaboration with our patients is an essential part of any successful procedure. We treat our patients like adults – involving them in every aspect of the decision-making process while delivering personalized care to make sure they are confident about their procedure. If you have questions about breast augmentation surgery or need assistance in selecting what size implant works best for you, contact our office for an initial consultation.
Tracy Pfeifer M.D. FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon, trained and experienced in the most advanced cosmetic surgical procedures available today. Dr. Pfeifer is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery and she completed advanced training in Breast Surgery as a Fellow at the prestigious Institute of Reconstructive Breast Surgery in Atlanta, Georgia.
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