Choosing the right breast implant size is an important part of planning breast augmentation in Seattle. Rather than focusing on a target bra cup size, implant selection considers your anatomy, body proportions, and desired outcome.
At Dr. Won Cosmetic Surgery, our cosmetic surgeon discusses these factors to help determine the appropriate breast implant options for each patient.
What Factors Determine Breast Implant Size?
There is no single breast implant size that is right for every patient. Dr. Won considers several factors when discussing implant options, including your desired appearance, body type, existing breast tissue, and the overall proportions of your breasts and body.
Your Desired Breast Size and Appearance
Start by considering how you want your breasts to look after breast augmentation. Some patients want a subtle increase in volume, while others want a more noticeable change. Discussing your goals with Dr. Won helps establish the type of result you are looking for before selecting an implant.
Rather than choosing an implant based on a number alone, the sizing process considers how the implant fits with your existing anatomy and the appearance you want to achieve.
Your Body Type and Proportions
Your body type is another consideration when choosing breast implant size. The same implant may create a different appearance on two patients because each person has different proportions and existing breast anatomy.
Dr. Won evaluates your body type and discusses what may look natural for you when considering breast augmentation options.
Your Existing Breast Tissue
The amount of natural breast tissue you have can also affect implant selection. Silicone implants may be appropriate for women with very little breast tissue, while saline implants may be better suited to women with more ample natural breast tissue.
This is one reason breast implant selection should be based on your individual anatomy rather than choosing a size from a chart or comparing your desired result with another person’s breast augmentation.
Implant Type and Shape
Size is not the only decision involved in choosing breast implants. Implant type, size, shape, and placement all factor into breast augmentation planning. Dr. Won offers both saline and silicone breast implants and discusses the differences between these options when determining which may be appropriate for a patient.
Can You Choose Breast Implant Size Based on Cup Size?
Breast implants are manufactured and measured in cubic centimeters (cc), which measures three-dimensional volume rather than retail bra sizing.
- Why bra cup sizes are unreliable: Bra sizes are not standardized across clothing manufacturers, band sizes, or styles. A “D cup” on a 32-inch band contains significantly less tissue volume than a “D cup” on a 36-inch band.
- The cc volume baseline: In general, an increase of 150 cc to 200 cc equates roughly to a one-cup size increase. Most breast augmentations fall within the 300 cc to 450 cc range, but the exact same volume can look subtle on a taller frame and dramatically full on a petite torso.
Does Breast Implant Size Affect Implant Placement?
Breast implant placement is another part of planning breast augmentation. Dr. Won’s procedure information identifies implant placement and incision location alongside implant type, size, and shape as important considerations.
The appropriate placement depends on your anatomy and surgical plan. Implant size should therefore be considered together with the other decisions involved in breast augmentation rather than independently.
If breast sagging is also a concern, breast augmentation alone may not provide the lift you are looking for. A breast lift can be performed with implants to address breast position while adding volume through augmentation. Dr. Won can evaluate whether breast augmentation alone or a combination of procedures is appropriate based on your breast anatomy and goals.
Common Breast Implant Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common sizing mistakes can help you approach breast augmentation with realistic expectations and a clearer understanding of how implant size, proportions, and profile affect your results.
- Choosing a size based on a friend or online photo: An implant size that looks ideal on someone else will look completely different on your unique chest width, torso height, and shoulder frame.
- Focusing exclusively on a bra cup letter: Aiming for a specific label often leads to choosing an implant that is disproportionate to your chest wall. Focus on overall silhouette harmony instead.
- Ignoring implant profile: Selecting a cc volume without evaluating profile projection can result in breasts that look flatter or more projected than you intended.
Reviewing breast augmentation before-and-after results can help you understand how breast implant sizing may look on different body types, while your consultation with Dr. Won can help determine which options are appropriate for you.
Schedule a Breast Augmentation Consultation
If you are considering breast augmentation in Shoreline, WA, Dr. Won can evaluate your anatomy, discuss your desired appearance, and help you understand your breast implant options.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Won Cosmetic Surgery to discuss breast implant sizing and determine an approach that fits your goals.