If you have already decided that you wish to proceed with breast augmentation, you have, no doubt, been considering the various breast implant options. What will be the best profile for you? Which size will suit you most? Asking the question ‘how to choose the right breast implant size’ is the best place to start. The better equipped you are with information, the easier the decision will be. This way you can be sure to that you get the best size, shape or profile for your frame. Our team of leading surgeons, with their many years of experience, will be able to guide you and discuss the possible outcomes. Whilst it’s possible to increase your implant size if you later decide that you would prefer bigger breasts with a re-augmentation, or alternatively, reduce your implant size for smaller breasts, it’s best to get a basic idea of the size you want at the start of the process.
Here, we explain more about choosing the right implant size, type and shape and how the ‘rice test’ can help you by testing how different sizes suit your shape.
At Enhance Medical, we use breast sizing equipment designed to give you an accurate visual of how you will look after surgery; we can provide this service at your free face-to-face consultation. Whilst the rice test is not endorsed, it is a good way to help you decide the size you want before fully committing.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT IMPLANT SIZE
When deciding to get a breast enlargement, It is easy to get carried away with cup sizes when you are planning a breast augmentation – our breast implant size guide can help you learn more about the sizes on offer and how they look in real life. It’s much more important that you have been advised and guided towards a profile that will work for you. Everyone is different, and a C cup on one patient may sit very differently upon another. Ideally, you will have had the opportunity to see the potential outcome using equipment at your consultation. This will give you a visual idea of how your new breast size will look on your body. During your initial consultation, our team can discuss the estimated conversion from the cup size to the implant size. Implants are measured in cubic centimetres (cc for short), and a cup size is approximately 100cc. Therefore, moving up one cup size means that you may need an implant around this size.
Once you have decided and confirmed with our team the potential cup size, increase and implant size, you can trial how you would look using several home breast sizing methods.
One of the most popular and effective ways to view how your breasts would look after surgery is to use the rice test. We have a tutorial on how to do this on our Instagram Highlights – please visit @ukenhanemedical for more information. The rice test will give you a good idea of how you want to look before or after booking your breast augmentation consultation. To do this, you only need a spare pair of tights, some uncooked rice and a measuring jug!
When measuring, you simply need to change cc to millilitres (ml). The measurement is the same. So 150cc becomes 150ml. Measure the amount of rice based on the size you want (So to move up one cup size, measure 200cc). Once measured, fill the foot of the tight then cut off a few inches from where it is full and tie the end so that no rice can spill. Do this twice so that you have a pair. The rice test is a great way of looking at your confirmed implant size following your consultation.
It can sometimes help you decide what size you would like by looking at other patients’ images before and after – these can be seen on our Instagram @ukenhancemedical. Whilst we all have our unique body shape, many women will have a frame similar to yours. Looking at before and after images will help you visualise how you could look with different-sized implants. It may even give you the confidence to proceed with a higher profile. Please note that every patient is an individual, and our specialist surgeons will advise you on the best size for your unique frame, skin elasticity, current breast tissue and anatomy.
CHOOSING BREAST IMPLANT PROFILE
The next step is to form an implant profile / shape – this would be discussed and confirmed at your consultation with one of our surgeons. The beauty of the rice test for breast implants is that you can try all profile types. Below is a brief outline of what each implant type is and how to form it using the rice in the tights. Experiment with this until you are happy with the shape and size.
Our preferred supplier of breast implants is ‘Mentor’ (a Johnson and Johnsons brand). In our opinion, they offer the most natural look and feel, more closely resembling breast tissue. These implants are available in either a smooth or micro-textured shell, and your surgeon will advise you which to choose, depending on the size and profile you desire. Mentor put a great deal of care and consideration into every implant they produce, as well as providing a comprehensive protection warranty and the guarantee of comfort.
MODERATE PROFILE IMPLANTS
Moderate-profile implants are a compromise between low and high-profile implants. A natural-looking, moderate profile provides a medium-sized and balanced base while providing volume.
HIGH PROFILE IMPLANTS
If you want a more noticeable increase, a high-profile implant is for you. The rice should be moulded with less width to create more shape. This provides a fuller appearance without needing a large base. This means this is a great option for petite-framed women. It’s still a good idea to try this profile using the rice test, as it will give you a great idea of what you would look like with a high profile.
ULTRA HIGH PROFILE IMPLANTS
This is the best option if you truly want a more noticeable projection. It provides a narrower base and creates a large breast shape. To form this shape, you will require 200ml of rice and will need to push the rise to create a heightened shape. This profile is ideal for most women looking for larger breasts.
After shaping the rice implant, put on a bra without padding. You can then insert the rice implant into the bra on top of your natural breasts. The rice will likely move, but you can gently reshape it when it is in the bra. Once satisfied with the shape, putting on a tight top is best to give you a clearer idea of how it will look.
CHOOSING YOUR BREAST IMPLANT SIZE – THE FINAL DECISION
Once you have an idea of the size you want, you will feel more comfortable and prepared during the consultation. It will also give our surgeons a clearer idea of what you want. It is best to have an open and honest discussion during the consultation – there is no need to feel uncomfortable or shy. Every step during breast augmentation is designed to achieve the best results and your desired outcome, and our surgeons will provide advice and guidance during your consultation to help you choose the best implant size and type for your frame. It’s also a good idea to discuss the size you want with close friends or family before the consultation. This will give you an outside perspective, which can be beneficial, and you can rely on them to be honest! Remember, this is your decision; you will inevitably want to hear what others have to say, but ultimately, you will have the final say.
CHOOSING THE IMPLANT TYPE
The size and shape are chosen. Now, it’s time to discuss the implant surface type. The surface type you decide to have may depend on your desired appearance. You may also need to consider your lifestyle. For example, an implant that remains positioned without movement will be best for you if you are highly active. However, if you want a more natural appearance, consider several factors. Our specialist surgeons will advise you on what is best when considering how important look and feel are when comparing them to your lifestyle and interests.
In recent years, more and more surgeons are choosing smooth surface implants. This may be because of the risks associated with textured implants, including bacteria and Capsular Contracture. To help prevent our patients from becoming affected by the implants, we use Mentor – a leading product designed and produced by Johnson and Johnson.
Mentor use a silicone gel-filled breast implant that provides comfort and looks great. They provide a more natural feel and appearance compared to saline implants. Saline implant surgery is also more likely to have surgical complications because of the need to insert empty implants and then fill them with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are also less likely to ripple or wrinkle because they do not require sterile salt water. We chose Mentor to keep you in control of your lifestyle by allowing them to sit in position while providing a natural aesthetic. Whilst there is nothing wrong with saline implants, we find that more and more patients are becoming comfortable with silicone, especially when learning that saline is an older method that has been used since the 1960s
SILICONE IS PREFERRED IF
Natural Appearance is important for you
Silicone implants appear more natural, especially if your surgeon were to overfill the saline implants. Saline can appear natural but can tend to appear too big, particularly if you aspire to have a significantly increase breast size.
You want a natural feel
Due to the natural softness of silicone implants, they tend to feel more natural than saline implants. An experienced surgeon will be able to make saline implants feel natural, but it is less guaranteed when compared to silicone. Saline implants tend to be heavier compared to silicone, which is a disadvantage, especially if you suffer from back pain. For this reason, we do recommend silicone.
You have a limited amount of breast tissue
If you’re looking to have breast augmentation surgery, you will likely have a limited amount of breast tissue. Silicone has a more adhesive consistency, meaning rippling and wrinkling is less of a problem.
You want a shaped implant
Silicone has more shape options, so this is the best option if you have a specific profile in mind. It is easier to get the size and shape you want without the risk of wrinkles or rippling. A round implant will result in a soft, full and proportioned look. A teardrop shape produces a natural appearance with more volume at the bottom.
During the consultation, our surgeons will be happy to help you decide on the best implant for your lifestyle. We will openly discuss what you are looking for to ensure you make the best decision for you. We are happy to discuss any risks and how they are managed, providing you with complete peace of mind