Choosing the Right Breast Size for Your Augmentation
November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Considering breast augmentation? In addition to choosing an implant type (saline or silicone), patients also need to decide on what size they want their new breasts to be.
This decision involves more than just choosing a cup size, reports New You, the consumer magazine published by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. It’s important to work with your surgeon when making the choice, as one of the top reasons women go back for a second augmentation is that they want to go larger than they did with the first surgery, says the magazine.
Picking the right size includes taking into account your body type, frame and height. Dr. Jacob Haiavy, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., explains: “Cup size is almost arbitrary when you’re talking about implants. Sizes aren’t consistent between bra manufacturers — there’s no universal size measurement — so it’s important to educate patients on how to choose the right size for them based on volume and fullness.”
A surgeon should take all your measurements — including the circumference and width of your breasts, shoulders and hips — before your implant size is chosen.
“I look at the shoulders, chest, height and weight to dictate what type and size of implant I’ll put in. It’s what will fit a person’s body,” says Dr. Haiavy. “For instance, if the patient’s breast base width is smaller than the size of the implant diameter, I advise going down a size to avoid looking disproportionate. Reversely, with a patient who has a wider base, I’ll recommend going bigger as an option.”
Another piece of advice from the article: don’t let outside influences choose your size or convince you to go with a size that you aren’t comfortable.
As one surgeon points out, the goal is to give you what looks natural. “You don’t want to have a surgical, overly operated look that is a tell-tale sign of implants,” says Dr. Marc Yune, a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. “It’s got to look normal for you and your proportions.”
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