How to Choose the Right Breast Implant Size for Your Body
Breast implants are not a case of one-size-fits-all. In fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The right breast implant size for you depends on a whole range of factors, including your body size and shape, how much breast tissue you have, your lifestyle, and perhaps most importantly, your aesthetic goals.
‘What size breast implant should I get?’ is a deeply personal question, and ultimately, it’s one that only you can answer. However, with the information in this article as a starting point and your surgeon’s expert guidance, you will be able to make a confident decision. It’s also helpful to look at our breast enlargement before and after pictures to see how different implant sizes look.
Understanding breast implant sizing
We usually think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. If you are considering implants, you might want to push your A cup to a C, or think a D cup would perfectly complement your body shape and clothing choices. However, with inconsistent sizing across brands and other factors such as breast width and projection to consider, bra cup sizing is limited. Instead, we measure breast implant sizes in cubic centimetres (ccs).
Very simply, a 300cc breast implant contains 300 cubic centimetres of filling (silicone gel or saline), and a 500cc implant has 500 cubic centimetres of filling. And the more filling there is, the larger the implant. Unlike bra size, there’s no variation between brand and region. Cubic centimetres is a measure that’s recognised globally, so you know what to expect wherever you’re getting your breast enlargement.
What breast implant sizes are available?
There are more than enough breast implant sizes to achieve a specific look and find the right match for your body type. Breast implants range from 100cc to 800cc, although we use implants from 125cc to 800cc at Enhance Medical. We only use silicone Mentor Implants from the trusted Johnson and Johnson brand as they are of excellent quality and look and feel more natural than saline.
175cc is equivalent to around one cup size. But that’s too simplistic, as things like the implant’s shape and profile and the patient’s body impact how it looks on different people. The most common implant size is around 300 to 400cc, which is an increase of around two cup sizes.
However, some patients choose to go much bigger, while others are more comfortable with a subtle enhancement. It all depends on the look you want to achieve, what you’re comfortable with, and most importantly, what’s safe.
How do we measure breast implants?
We usually think of breast size in terms of bra cup size. If you are considering implants, you might want to push your A cup to a C, or think a D cup would perfectly complement your body shape and clothing choices. However, it’s a common misconception that breast implants are measured by cup size.
Why bra cup sizes don’t work for implants:
- Inconsistent sizing across different brands
- Variations between regions and countries
- Doesn’t account for breast width and projection
- Too subjective for surgical precision
Instead, we measure breast implant sizes in cubic centimetres (ccs). This is a standardised measurement recognised globally, so you know exactly what to expect wherever you’re getting your breast enlargement.
How cc measurements work:
- A 300cc implant contains 300 cubic centimetres of filling
- A 500cc implant contains 500 cubic centimetres of filling
- The more filling, the larger the implant
- No variation between brands or regions
As a rough guide, 175cc is equivalent to around one cup size. But that’s too simplistic, as things like the implant’s shape and profile and the patient’s body impact how it looks on different people. What looks natural on a larger frame could be overpowering on someone more petite.
Implant volume
There are more than enough breast implant sizes to achieve a specific look and find the right match for your body type. Breast implants range from 100cc to 800cc, although we use implants from 125cc to 800cc at Enhance Medical. We only use silicone Mentor Implants from the trusted Johnson and Johnson brand as they are of excellent quality and look and feel more natural than saline.
Understanding different implant volumes:
- 125cc – 250cc: Subtle enhancement, ideal for patients wanting a natural increase
- 300cc – 500cc: More noticeable changes, the most commonly chosen range
- 500cc+: Dramatic transformations, requires careful consideration of body frame
Your surgeon will help you understand how different volumes will look on your specific frame and work with your body’s proportions.
Implant profile
The breast implant profile also impacts how big your enlargement looks and how natural it appears. The profile refers to how far the implant projects forward from the chest wall.
Understanding implant profiles:
- Lower-profile implants: Broader base, remains closer to the chest, sticks out less
- Higher-profile implants: Narrower base, appears more prominent, projects further forward
At Enhance Medical, we offer three profile types:
- Moderate Plus: Well suited to patients with a medium-sized frame. Provides a good balance of volume and cleavage for a natural-looking result.
- High-profile: Narrower base to create fuller and rounder breasts, ideal for petite women.
- Ultra High-profile: Shortest diameter at the base, giving the most projection and creating significantly fuller and rounder breasts.
The profile you choose will depend on your chest width, existing breast tissue, and the look you want to achieve. For example, the higher the profile, the more the implant will project forwards. For those looking to make more of a visual impact then this would be the way to go.
Breast implant size guide
For detailed information about the full range of sizes and how they translate to different body types, visit our comprehensive breast implant size guide. This resource provides visual examples and detailed measurements to help you understand how different implant volumes and profiles work together to create your desired result.
You can also explore our guide on Mentor breast implant shapes and sizes to learn more about the specific options available at Enhance Medical and how different shapes complement various body types.
What are the most popular breast implant sizes?
If you’re new to the world of cosmetic surgery, and you’re considering breast augmentation, you’d be forgiven for falling into the trap of looking at the most popular breast implant size. When our knowledge about a subject is somewhat limited, it’s natural to make a decision based on what others have done before us.
The truth about ‘popular’ sizes:
So, what is the most popular breast implant size? In truth, there really isn’t one. There are so many variables that it’s impossible to narrow it down to determine the overall most popular breast implant size.
- Preferences differ from country to country
- Clinic to clinic variations exist
- Each client has individual needs
- What appears ‘natural’ to one woman may not be noticeable enough for the next
What’s important is that your choice of implant size is as individual as you and your personal circumstances are. The most popular breast implant size is not discussed during consultations – the best implant size for you is what the team will focus on.
The most commonly chosen size range:
While there’s no single ‘most popular’ size, the most common implant size is around 300cc to 400cc, which is an increase of around two cup sizes. However, some patients choose to go much bigger, while others are more comfortable with a subtle enhancement. It all depends on the look you want to achieve, what you’re comfortable with, and most importantly, what’s safe.
Does the size of your breast implant affect the cost?
The cost of breast augmentation at Enhance Medical is typically not affected by the size of the implant itself.
What determines the cost:
- The type of procedure
- The surgeon’s experience
- The clinic location
- Not the implant size itself
Whether you choose a 250cc or 500cc implant, the surgical technique and time required remain largely the same. However, it’s worth noting that revision surgeries or additional procedures to accommodate very large implants may incur extra costs. Your surgeon will discuss all pricing considerations during your consultation, ensuring complete transparency about the total investment required for your chosen procedure.
How big can I go with breast implants?
After ‘What size breast implant should I get?’, the next most common question is ‘How big can I go?’. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to go big, and we often fit large implants for our patients, but only when the size is right for the client’s objectives and body frame.
What could happen if you choose implants that are too large for your frame?
- Unnatural appearance disproportionate to your body
- Lifestyle restrictions for exercise and physical activities
- Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly
- Perceived increase in body weight
- Increased risk of sagging over time
- Discomfort during activities
Placing overly large implants on someone who doesn’t have the right body size, shape or frame can create an unnatural appearance that’s disproportionate to the rest of the body and unbalances the aesthetics. The added weight and volume of large implants can also create lifestyle restrictions and make some exercises, sports and even household chores uncomfortable.
A large bust can also make it difficult to find clothes that fit properly and lead to a perceived increase in body weight. Over time, the weight of the implants also increases the risk of sagging. However, smaller implants are not necessarily the answer as you may not achieve your desired aesthetic outcome, which could lead to additional costs and surgeries.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do you do a lot of high impact exercise?
- What sort of clothing do you want to be able to wear?
- Do you look after young children and need to move around freely?
If you have an active lifestyle, larger implants could impact your comfort when engaging in these activities. Larger implants should bring fewer challenges if you have a more sedentary lifestyle. However, they may still affect your clothing choices and your ability to move around easily.
That’s why consulting with an experienced breast augmentation surgeon is vital. They’ll evaluate your anatomy, consider factors including your lifestyle and aesthetic goals, and make a recommendation. The aim is to select an implant size that complements the proportions of your body and makes you feel more confident and comfortable, not just immediately after the surgery but for the long term.
Read more: Breast implant size guide
How to choose the right breast enlargement size: key factors and considerations
Choosing the right breast implant size is a process that requires careful consideration and collaboration with your surgeon. These are the key factors to think about.
Body shape and size
The right size of breast implants for you will depend on the size of your body, particularly around the chest area. During your consultation with an Enhance Medical surgeon, they will measure your height, weight, shoulder width, chest width, breast volume and body frame. Smaller, high-projection implants may be more suitable if you’re slight and have a small frame, while wider and larger implants are better for someone taller and broader.
Body shape is also important. Your surgeon will consider your torso-to-hip ratio and whether you’re long or short-waisted. Someone with an athletic body, characterised by a lean build with fewer curves, might suit larger implants that bring a fuller look to the upper body. If you have an hourglass figure, you have more flexibility, as your balanced proportions will suit different implant sizes.
Lifestyle
Your lifestyle also influences breast implant size. For example, if you have an active lifestyle and play regular sport or take on physical challenges, larger implants could impact your comfort when engaging in these activities. Larger implants should bring fewer challenges if you have a more sedentary lifestyle and job. However, they may affect your clothing choices and your ability to move around freely and easily when looking after young children.
Your aesthetic goals
Your aesthetic goals have the most significant influence on breast enlargement size. You need a clear vision of how you want to look post-surgery, whether it’s a subtle enhancement or a dramatic change, and communicate it clearly to your Enhance Medical surgeon.
You can bring pictures of how your ideal breasts will look clothed and/or unclothed to help communicate your goal. Your surgeon will explain what they can achieve and the implant size, shape and profile that best meets your objectives.
Implant profile
The breast implant profile also impacts how big your enlargement looks and how natural it appears. The profile refers to how far the implant projects forward from the chest wall. Lower-profile implants have a broader base that remains closer to the chest, so they stick out less, while higher-profile implants have a narrower base and appear more prominent.
At Enhance Medical, we offer three profile types: Moderate Plus, High and Ultra High.
- Moderate Plus implants are well suited to patients with a medium-sized frame. They provide a good balance of volume and cleavage for a natural-looking result.
- High-profile implants have a narrower base to create fuller and rounder breasts for petite women.
- Ultra High-profile implants have a short diameter at the base, giving them the most projection and creating significantly fuller and rounder breasts.
Read more: What are the most natural-looking breast implants?
Your sizing appointment
As part of your initial breast augmentation consultation, you will have a sizing appointment with your surgeon. That will give you the opportunity to try various implant shapes and sizes and get a clearer idea of the best possible fit.
What happens during your sizing appointment:
- Try various implant shapes and sizes
- Get a clearer idea of the best possible fit
- Bring outfits to see how they look with different implant sizes
- Bring a trusted friend or family member for honest advice
- At Enhance, a 3D image simulation device may be used to see how different sizes look on your frame. Alternatively, Mentor breast implant sizing kits will be used
However, you should always base your final decision on what makes you feel comfortable and confident. And if you’re still unsure, you can always come back and spend more time sizing up your options – we’re only a phone call away.
It’s a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member along for honest advice and a different perspective. However, you should always base your final decision on what makes you feel comfortable and confident. You can also bring outfits to see how they look with different implant sizes. And if you’re still unsure, you can always come back and spend more time sizing up your options – we’re only a phone call away.
Listen to the experts
Last of all, listen to the experts. There is unlikely to be any question or situation that they haven’t dealt with before.
Why expert advice matters:
- Surgeons know what will look best on your frame
- They have your best interests, health and wellbeing at heart
- They want to avoid complications at all costs
- Your current frame size will influence what is advised
- They’ll account for your lifestyle and personal circumstances
You can choose to take this advice or go with your instinct and choose a different look. Do keep in mind that their recommendations are based on years of experience and extensive knowledge of what works safely and effectively.
High-quality breast augmentation at Enhance Medical
The Enhance Medical Group is a breast augmentation specialist and one of the UK’s leading providers of day-case surgery. We offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic procedures at our state-of-the-art locations throughout the UK. Our experienced surgeons discuss your goals and provide personalised guidance on appropriate breast implant sizes based on your anatomy and goals. And from consultation to recovery, your safety, comfort and satisfaction are our priorities.
Find out more about cosmetic surgery at Enhance Medical, call 0800 060 8630 with any questions or book a free consultation to start your journey.