One of the most difficult decisions you will have to make after deciding to enlarge your breasts is which implant size to choose. Many factors go into your decision on what style 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.
Simple test methods
The rice test– This simple and effective test is one that you can do privately at home and is one of the best methods. It involves filling a non-Ziploc plastic bag with a measured amount of rice, placing the bag in your bra until it looks what you are comfortable with, and converting that amount into cubic centimeters of the implant. cc or cubic centimeters is the unit of measure used to measure volume. (See the conversion table below).
1 cup = 236 cc
1/2 cup = 118cc
3/4 cup = 177 cc
1/4 cup = 59 cc
1/3 cup = 78 cc
2/3 cup = 156cc
1/8 cup = 30 cc
Putting the device on 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. Best results are achieved by placing clothing over the implant and bra, gently pressing down on the top to make the bottom bulge, and checking your clothed profile from the side in a mirror.
See the before and after picture on your doctor’s and manufacturer’s websites– Most doctors who perform breast augmentation have before and after photos in their office or on their website. These can be helpful, especially in evaluating the quality of the doctor’s results and his or her concept of what is a pleasant and appropriate appearance. It can also give you an idea of what various sizes look like on different women. Manufacturers’ websites like 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 undergone this surgery are often willing to share their experience with you. Sometimes a good friend will let you see her result and share her implant volume with you. This can be very helpful to you and your plastic surgeon in determining 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 regain the firmness and fullness you had before losing weight or having children? Are you an active person who exercises or jogs frequently and just want a small, full figure that looks normal in running or exercise clothes? Do you just want to improve the shape of your breasts so that they have a more normal appearance and you do not mind that they are much larger? These are very important questions to answer. Look at fashion magazines, health and fitness magazines, photos of models and decide what style you hope to achieve.
Your height, weight, and body typeThese factors are also important in determining the implant size that will be best for you. Small women generally require a smaller volume than taller and larger women. The size of your breast implant should blend well with your body for a natural, non-operated appearance.
Your natural size and shapeThere 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. It takes experience and skill from your surgeon to achieve a natural look when different shapes are present. Some people require a mastopexy or a facelift. Very specific techniques are required to correct a tubular shape. Its natural shape will have a very important 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 do breast augmentation, but few specialize in cosmetic surgery and have extensive experience in cosmetic or cosmetic surgery. Do your homework and find a doctor you feel comfortable with, trust, and who has a good reputation. Confidence is essential before taking this step, which can be a very happy experience that will make you feel better about your appearance.
