One of the most difficult decisions you will have to make after deciding to augment your breasts is what size implant to choose. Many factors go into your decision on the look you want to achieve. Of course, you want to rely on the advice of an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, but ultimately you must make the final decision.
Easy test methods
The rice test– This simple and effective test is one that you can do in the privacy of your home and is one of the best methods. It involves filling a non-Ziploc plastic storage bag with a measured amount of rice, placing the bag in your bra until it looks just the way you’re comfortable in it, and converting that amount to cc’s of the implant. cc or cubic centimeters is the unit of measurement used to measure volume. (See conversion table below.)
1 cup = 236cc
1/2 cup = 118cc
3/4 cup = 177cc
1/4 cup = 59cc
1/3 cup = 78cc
2/3 cups = 156cc
1/8 cup = 30cc
How to put the device in your bra This is a common method used by many plastic surgeons, however it is not as accurate as the Rice test. The device does not conform to the shape of your breast and does not accurately show what it looks like after augmentation once inside your body. The best results are achieved by placing clothing over the implant and bra, gently pressing the top part so that the bottom part protrudes, and checking your dressed profile from the side in a mirror.
See before and after image on your doctor and manufacturer websites– Most doctors who perform breast augmentation have before and after photos in their office or on their website. These may be helpful to you, especially in assessing the quality of the doctor’s results and your concept of what a pleasing and appropriate appearance is. It can also give you an idea of what various sizes look like on different women. Manufacturer websites such as Loveyourlook offer a wide range of before and after photos showing various results with actual volume records.
Ask your friends who have had surgery to share their results.-Close friends who have had this surgery are often willing to share their experience with you. Sometimes a very good friend will let you see her result and share the volume of her implant with you. This can be very helpful for you and your Plastic Surgeon to determine what result you are really looking for.
Other important factors:
size and appearance What do you want to achieve? Do you want to have large, full breasts so that your cleavage is a prominent feature of your appearance with or without clothes? Do you just want to get back the firmness and fullness you had before you lost weight or had kids? Are you an active person who works out or runs frequently and just wants a shapely full petite shape that looks normal in running or workout clothes? Do you just want to improve your breast shape to a more normal appearance and don’t mind it being much bigger? These are very important questions to answer. Look through fashion magazines, health and fitness magazines, photos of models, and decide what look you hope to achieve.
Your height, weight and body type-These factors are also important in determining the implant size that will be best for you. Petite women generally require a smaller volume than taller, larger women. The size of your breast implant should blend well with your body for a natural look without surgery.
Its shape and natural size-There is a wide variation in the natural shape of the female breast. The shape can be ptotic (sagging), tubular (constricted), atrophic (tissue absent), very small, average, and almost all women have asymmetry where one side is larger than the other. Experience and skill of your surgeon is required to achieve a natural look when different shapes are present. Some people require a Mastopexy or Lift. Very specific techniques are required to correct a Tubular shape. Your natural shape will have a major influence on the size of the implant that can be used on you.
Choose an experienced surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Finding the best Surgeon is very important. Most plastic surgeons perform breast augmentation, but fewer specialize in cosmetic surgery and are highly experienced in cosmetic or cosmetic surgery. Do your homework and find a doctor you feel comfortable with, trust, and have a good reputation. Confidence is essential before taking this step, which can be a very happy experience that makes you feel better about your appearance.