Breast Implant Sizes
Now that you've decided to go for breast augmentation, what is the best way to determine what size you want to be? You might think that would be the easiest decision along the way. But to achieve the bra size you want, you first will have to pick the right implant size, which isn't that simple.Most under-endowed women think "the bigger the better," but a reality check is in order. Think about it. Talk to some heavily endowed women. And then ask yourself why many opt for breast reductions.
The very personal decision you have to make is going to be a combination of what you would like to achieve, coupled with what will look best on your body frame.
It probably will surprise you to learn that breast implants are not sized the same as bra sizes. Instead, they are measured in cubic centimeters (cc's). Cc's (one is equal to a milliliter) indicate the volume of breast implants, which is what doctors go by.
The standard range for implant sizes is between 120cc and 850cc. But the difference in volume between (say) an implant that is 120cc and one that is 180cc is only two ounces.
Of course, the implant size you select will need to be based on your size to begin with. For example, if you are now a B cup and would like to go up to a C cup, you have to add more cc's to get there.
Now, there is a little technique you can use that will give you an idea of how you would fill a bra. You can use either the foot end of pantyhose or an ordinary zip-lock bag. Fill it with dry rice and insert it into your bra. It's probably best to use a sports bra, which will flatten it somewhat, because some breast implants will not have much projection, especially if they're not anatomical.
Put your clothes on, and you will get some idea of how you will look. You can add or subtract the amount of rice until you get the look you want. But mind you, this little trick is not a substitute in any way for the advice of a breast augmentation specialist.
When you have a rough idea of how you're going to appear in a bra, you need to add another 10 to 15 percent, but you need to consult your surgeon to see if he is going to go under the muscle, because this will make a difference. Say you like the look that 220cc of rice gives you. Then you'll want 242cc to 331cc to achieve what you want.
Keep in mind that the projection that you'll see in your bra will be less after surgery, as most implants will tend to be more full and round, especially if your doctor goes under the muscle. One other thing to think about though, is that anatomical implants give more projection than the round ones do.
When you are trying on your clothes with the rice packs, you will get an idea of how you'll appear with bigger breasts. It will also give you a chance to see how the bigger bust looks when you compare it to the rest of your figure. You need to maintain natural proportions. If an enhanced bosom is too large, it will overwhelm your appearance and may even give you a comical appearance. You might even wish to consult with a close friend of family member to determine what look would work best for you. Remember, you are going to be living with this change for as long as you live.
By now, you should have a pretty accurate idea of what you want and be able to express it to the plastic surgeon you'll be seeing. You also will get to try actual breast implants during your consultation, and that will help you further with this most crucial decision.
When you are considering the volume measurement, it is vital to realize that breast shape is irrelevant. We're talking size here.
If your breasts have begun to sag (even relatively small breasts can sag), you might even need a lift, over and above augmenting the size, or else you may not be able to achieve the exact look you seek.
After you have an idea of the cc range you'd like, don't let that be written in stone in your mind, because implants of the very same size will look different in each woman.
This is because there are various factors involved that a plastic surgeon has to take into consideration, like the shape of your chest cavity, your present breast size, the size of your rib cage, the depth of your sternum, your tissue stretch characteristics, the width and volume of your breasts, your height and weight, and even your pregnancy history.
You should be prepared to take a nude photo along to give your surgeon, and it should be taken either from the front or the side, or both. Also consider bringing along shots of other nudes to show him what you consider too large or too small. (Find them in men's magazines.) You'll also want to let him know how much cleavage you're going for. If the doctor is very experienced, he should be able to lead you in the right direction for you along these lines.
Also, for this life-changing procedure, you will want to see some pictures of the surgeon's work, so don't be shy about asking to see before-and-after pictures. This will also give you a better idea of what size implant to get.
If the surgeon offers it, you can get a computer enhanced image, but keep in mind that what you see is not a real person, only a good guess.
One caveat: Be careful not to go too big. Just pick the size you think you want and then enhance it only slightly, maybe to the next larger size. Take your false image, via the rice packs, to the mirror and get comfortable with how it looks and also with how it feels, which is just as important when you consider that this will be permanent.
Again, you might wish to enlist the help of a close personal friend or relative to give you their opinions, but don't forget that this decision of a lifetime should be yours alone in the end.
On the other side of the coin, you need to remember that the number one reason that women return for a second breast augmentation is that they failed to achieve the bigger look they were going for initially. You don't need the extra expense of another surgery, not to mention the additional risk and even more recovery time. So do not make this decision lightly, and do not rush it. Be sure you are comfortable with it. It would probably be best to make this decision alone at home, not while in the surgeon's office.
So making the decision as to what bra size you want to be is just a little more complicated, perhaps, than you had initially thought. It's different strokes for different folks here! And you have to realize that and act accordingly, if you want to live happily ever after.
You can listen to all the personal stories you want, but each woman is unique, and what worked for one will be a potential disaster for another.
In the end, your best bet is to confer with the most experienced plastic surgeon you can get, one who can prove to you his expertise with photos of his successes. If your expectations are realistic, you should be able to feel confident on relying upon his leadings and recommendations for a successful outcome.
