Some women naturally have small breasts that make them feel as though they look less feminine or less mature. They may have grown up and heard their friends chatting about going up a size while they were at a standstill. It is more common than you may believe for women’s breasts to never grow into their adult bodies due to genetics. Many women who come into Dr. Liland’s office looking to get breast augmentation are insecure about their “flat chest” and want to feel more feminine and embrace society’s idea of a woman-like body. Breast augmentation surgery is customizable to each patient, as it involves the insertion of breast implants, which range widely in size.
How do I choose the right breast implant size?
Though your decision to get breast augmentation surgery may be swift, it can become overwhelming when choosing the best implant size for your body and goals. You should take your time making this decision because although implants can be removed or switched out, it’s best to get it right the first time. Dr Liland is proactive about offering measurements, sizers, 3D imaging, and so on to find the best implant size for you beforehand.
Bodily proportions
Most breast augmentation patients want their implants to look natural and not over the top. The best first step to finding the implant size that will give you your dream breasts is considering your natural frame. If you want natural-looking breasts, you will need them to fit your frame properly and complement the rest of your body.
Lifestyle
Beyond appearance, the size of your breasts can make a significant difference when it comes to certain activities you like doing daily. You can keep being active in the gym, on the field, or on the track with larger implants, but know that these activities may seem more difficult when your breasts are larger and heavier.
Future plans
Life can be ever-changing, and you will never know what’s around the corner for you in the next few years, especially when you are as young as your 20s. When choosing the right implant size, you may want to consider future plans. Implants typically last ten or more years before the need for replacement. Where will you be in ten years? Will you feel comfortable with the implant size you want at this point in life?
Clothing choices
Larger breasts will make a significant portion of the clothes in your closet fit differently. For example, flowy blouses, dresses, and swimsuits will all look different on you upon augmentation. You may need to order new tops, dresses, and swimsuit tops if you have significant breast augmentation. If dresses with a v-neck that show off your breasts have always been your preference, but you have never had enough volume to fill them, large implants may be a suitable option. When choosing the best implant size, you may want to account for the money spent on new clothes. The more ccs you get, the fewer old clothes you will have at home that will still fit comfortably.
Is implant size the same as cup size?
Though Dr. Liland will have a decent idea of the best implant size after measuring you, if you come to his office and say, “I want to fill a size C cup,” be aware that implants are not compatible with the same units as bra cup size. Implant sizes are in cubic centimeters. Every 150-200 ccs are equivalent to going up one or one and a half cup sizes. As cup sizes are not always consistent among bra manufacturers, as in any type of clothing, this varies on the brand of bra you typically wear, along with your body’s precise measurements.
Most breast augmentation patients in the US decide to get implants within the 300-500cc range, though implants as small as 100ccs and as large as 800ccs are available in US markets. Be aware that choosing a size too large for your bodily proportions can increase the risk of complications. For example, if you choose implants that are too large for your body frame, you may encounter back problems in the future due to carrying the extra weight.
300cc breast implants
The 350-400cc range is the most popular implant size range for women in the US as it is enough to make a visible difference, but it still appears natural and proportionate. For average-sized women, with average measurements, 300-400cc implant volumes are comparable to the size C cup bra. If you want to fit into a smaller C cup and are of average build, 300-325ccs may be the right implant size. If you want to be on the larger, fuller end of the C cup scale, you may want to look into 375-400cc implants.
400cc breast implants
When you consider getting 400cc breast implants, this is at the larger end of C cups or even small D cups for some women. The difference between 300cc implants and 400cc implants is visually noticeable.
500cc breast implants
500cc is the maximum implant size patients tend to want. Once you start going past 500ccs, implants can potentially become riskier. If you are considering breast implants over 500ccs, Dr. Liland will be completely honest about the risks, from discomfort in the future to the need for a revision procedure.
Does 25cc make a significant difference?
When looking at implant sizes, you may feel overwhelmed by the options available for example, how much of a difference is there between a 325cc implant, a 350cc implant, and a 375 implant? The answer: little difference. 25 cc is equivalent to a shot glass. It does not make a visually noticeable difference when adding or removing. Dr. Liland will discuss if this minuscule difference may be necessary for your goals based on your measurements.
Try to relax and allow yourself time to decide
Choosing the right implant size may seem overwhelming when you first step into the consultation room looking to get a breast augmentation. Don’t let it deter you from getting something that will make a positive difference in your confidence. Dr. Liland will work with you and support you every step as you work toward a decision. He will give his honest opinion in the hope that it helps you make a decision that you’ll be happy with in the long run.