What Size Breasts Are Right for Me?

Serving Phoenix Scottsdale, Surprise

If you are considering breast augmentation, you know you want larger breasts, but deciding how much larger is difficult. But it is probably the most important decision you have to make about the procedure, but the hardest to answer question about breast enlargement. Standard breast implants range in size from about 100 - 800 cc (3-27 fl. oz) in steps of about 25 -50 cc (0.8 – 1.6 fl oz). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that on average a woman will increase her breasts by one bra cup size for each 185 cc, but women differ. The actual volume of your implants is very flexible--you just have to decide what you want. There are many factors to consider in deciding on the best size for your implants, including:

• Desired look
• Current physique
• Activity level
• Fashion
• Profession
• Long term considerations of larger implants such as skin stretch, back pain, and sagging

The following are a few different techniques for trying to decide which are the best size implants for you. All are good techniques, but all have limitations.

Pictures

Images of breasts in magazines, television programs, and movies partly drive the demand for breast enlargement. Many women feel sensitive about the perceived flaws in their own breasts by comparison with these "perfect breasts." So why not turn the tables and use some of these images to plan your breast enlargement?

Pictures are a good starting place for considering your desired results after breast enlargement, but they do have limitations. Remember that in many cases you simply cannot look like that particular lingerie model. Your proportions may be so different from hers that she is not a good ideal for you. And many tricks go into making breasts look good in pictures. Photographers use restrictive clothes suitable only for brief poses, controlled light, airbrushing, even digital manipulation to make the image unrealistic. But, keeping these limits in mind, if you have pictures of what you might want your breasts to look like, bring them. Pictures can be used to start your conversation with Phoenix, Arizona plastic surgeon Dr. Angelchik.

In addition, Dr. Angelchik will show you many before and after pictures during your consultation, and you can look at some breast augmentation results in our gallery.

The Rice Test

The rice test is a common "folk" method for estimating the best size implants for your breast enlargement. Simply fill two baggies with rice and insert them in an appropriately-sized bra under your breasts. You can also use couscous, oatmeal, quinoa, or any other dry ingredient, but rice has the advantage of having an appropriate density. You can start with about 185 cc (slightly more than ¾ cup) for each bra cup size you want to go up. It's best to wear the rice-filled bra all day. Try on clothes. Adjust the amount of rice up or down, depending on how it looks. If the rice pokes too much, try quinoa. If the baggie is uncomfortable, use stockings.

Breast Implant Sizers

In your breast enlargement consultation, Dr. Angelchik will give you the opportunity to wear breast implant sizers to help you get a better idea about the look and feel your breasts will have after enlargement. He will talk to you about how different breast implant types--including using high profile or shaped implants--will affect the appearance of your breasts, and how surgical placement of the implants differs from merely placing them in the bra. You will also talk about how placing implants behind the breasts or behind the muscle will affect the results of your breast enlargement.

To talk about selecting the right size breast implant for your body and your desired appearance, please schedule a Glendale, Arizona breast enlargement consultation with Dr. Angelchik today.