Breast implants are big business in the United States. There were nearly 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries reported in 2010 and even more performed in 2011, according to the website PlasticSurgery.org. Breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure since 2006 and the numbers continue to rise. When someone elects to have breast augmentation, a common question is what breast implant sizes are available?
Chances are that you or someone you know is considering breast augmentation surgery. One very important aspect of this procedure is determining the desired breast implant size. Several factors may affect the selection of the breast implant size.
Physical Characteristics
During a standard breast augmentation consultation, the cosmetic surgeon will evaluate:
- your breast size
- dimension of the breasts
- characteristics of the overall breast tissue
Other factors to consider include:
- your body type
- skin elasticity
- base diameter of each breast
In addition, you surgeon will evaluate where the breast implant may be inserted in the breast. This will affect the overall appearance of the breast after surgery and may play a part in the implant size decision.
These are all factors that will affect how the breast will look after breast implant surgery. Always ask your surgeon’s opinion about the best breast implant size for your body. Discuss the approximate size that you are seeking to achieve.
Personal Preferences
Of course, the decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery is a very personal one. Chances are very good that if you have chosen to get breast implants, you have a certain idea of how you would like to look. Discuss your goals and the vision of how you would like to look with your plastic surgeon. Remember that certain sizes may not work with your specific body type.
Overall Appearance
As part of the breast surgery consultation, a staff member will help you try on different breast implant sizes. You will wear a special bra and can insert different types and sizes of breast implants into the bra. You can then see how you would look with each specific size.
Before you decide to move forward with breast implant surgery, it is very important to be realistic about the surgery. Understand any potential complications and how you may look or feel after surgery. Select a physician who is board-certified in plastic surgery. Remember to ask and listen carefully when it comes to the surgery and your desired breast size.
Learn more about breast implant sizes
Have more questions about breast implant sizes? Schedule a consultation with Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Dr. Greg Liebscher.
This article was originally published March 8, 2012.