If you have decided that you would like larger breasts, one of the next decisions you will have to make is just how much larger you would like your breasts to be. Unsurprisingly, choosing the right size is extremely important. If they’re too small you could feel dissatisfied with the way that they look, but too large and your breasts could get in the way of your preferred clothing and recreational activities, or even damage your spine. The new size of your breasts can even impact your health and wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right breast implant size for your body and lifestyle.
Important information about breast implant sizes
Breast implant sizes aren’t the same as bra cup sizes. Instead, they are measure in volume – either cubic centimeters (CCs) or milliliters (ml). The greater this number, the larger and more voluminous the implants are.
Another important thing to take into consideration is the diameter and shape of the implants that you choose. The diameter is the width of the implant at the widest point. Breast implants come in either perfectly round or teardrop shapes. Teardrop-shaped implants have the widest point further down, which makes them look closer in appearance to natural breasts.
Choosing implants to suit your body shape and size
If you are someone who is naturally petite, you will automatically be more limited in the size of implants that you can safely and comfortably have. Large diameter implants are likely to be too wide to look natural and could increase your risk of a poor result and complications. Nevertheless, if you want to enjoy particularly voluminous breasts, you could choose small diameter implants with a high profile which will give them greater projection and make them look more prominent.
Your surgeon will also look at how much natural breast tissue you have. If you have very tight skin and small natural breasts, there is a chance that larger implants won’t be properly covered and if this happens, it’s possible that the edges of the implants will be visible beneath the skin. Skin can also be stretched to a point where it is painful.
Considering the current fullness of your breasts
Aging, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can all contribute to a lack of fullness of the breast tissue. In fact, some sagging and drooping is quite normal. Many women choose to have their breast implants combined with lift surgery, but there is another option too – choosing larger implants with a high profile. These can help your breasts to look fresher and more youthful.
How active is your lifestyle?
Your usual level of physical activity also needs to be a major consideration when it comes to choosing your breast implant size. If you have a very active lifestyle or do high-impact exercise you may find that large implants quickly become uncomfortable or compromise your performance. A good sports bra can help, but the larger your breasts are, the more under breast sweat and skin problems are likely to occur. Breasts that are large are also more likely to cause back and shoulder pain.
The clothes you want to wear
Bigger breasts require bigger clothes to cover them. While implants may give you greater confidence in certain types of clothes, such as bikinis and low-cut tops, they can also make other outfits fit worse than they did before. For example, many people with breast implants find that button-front shirts are too tight across the front of the chest when they select their usual size.
The good news is that it’s normally possible to ‘try’ implants out before you commit to a size. Your surgeon should have some samples that you can see, feel and wear in a bra to get a feel for how heavy breasts of each size are likely to be. Your surgeon’s opinion is also very important, and they will be happy to advise you which size implants they feel will be best for your body and lifestyle.
To find out more about breast implants or to schedule a consultation to discuss which size implants might be right for you, please contact our knowledgeable cosmetic surgery team at Restivo Plastic Surgery by calling (808) 204-4800.
