Breast Implant Sizing Tips: How To Decide

Breast implant sizing could be the most important stage of breast augmentation. 

Why? Not only will choosing the right breast implant size look good on you, but you’ll also put off a tonne of health complications brought about by overly large breast implants. 

Did you know that a lot of breast implant complications are usually as a result of a poorly done augmentation surgery?

Read on to learn everything about breast implant sizes and types.

Can I do breast implant sizing at home?

Yes, it’s the first step in breast implant sizing. There two ways of estimating the size of your desired breast implants.

• Rice in Pantyhose Test
• Water in Plastic Bag Test

However, you need to be aware that these techniques are far from accurate and can only give a rough estimation of how the implants will look on you. This is because different bra manufacturers size their bras differently. At best, they can only help you identify the bras you’ll need to carry with you to the doctor’s office for a more thorough breast implant sizing procedure. 

Rice in Pantyhose Test

First, you need to be aware of the units of measurement, Cubic Centimeters(also known as CC). Breast implants vary in size from 100CC to 900CC (The larger the number, the bigger the implants (1ml = 1CC)).

Take an old pantyhose, cut a 12” strip, and tie the bottom end into a knot (Don’t use the leggings). Do it again for the second breast cup. 

Fill the pantyhose strips with a measured amount of uncooked rice and knot the top ends. You now have two homemade “breast implants”.

Water in Plastic bag test

Take a measuring container and fill it with water to the preferred amount (breast size). 

Pour the water into a light plastic bag and tie the open end. Repeat the procedure for the second “breast implant”.

Try out different bras and tops until you decide on your 5 best bra sizes.

Breast Implant Sizes and Types

When people think of breast implants, size immediately pops into their minds. However, breast augmentation is more than size increment. A lot is taken into account (especially when determining the breast implant size for small frames). Proportionality is a big deal in breast implant sizing.

Breast implant sizing is a pre-surgical procedure where you get to try-out and decide on the type of breast implants you want, their sizes, and shapes. 

It’s supposed to be a fun process where you and your doctor go through different sizes of breast implants until you finally decide on which to rock. However, it can be a very frustrating process if you don’t know the basics.

Let’s get started.

There are two main shapes of breast implants:

• Round breast implants
• Gummy bear (teardrop) breast implants

Round Breast Implants

Without a doubt, the most popular type of breast implants out there. However, even round breast implants come in various sizes to go with different body types.

There are three main dimensions to look out in round breast implants:

• Diameter: The distance across the implant
• Projection/Profile: How the implant projects from your chest’s surface
• Volume: The size of the breast implants

Diameter (Breast Implant Width)

As mentioned earlier, proportionality is key when it comes to breast implant sizing. Large breast implants might do it for some, but look unnatural for others. The diameter of your breast implants will largely affect how your “new breasts” will appear when viewed from the front. 

You can get it right by going for implants that match your current breast diameter (Your breasts will appear natural).  However, you can also go for a breast implant that is slightly narrower or wider than your current breast diameter.

For example, if your breast diameter is 12cm, then 10.5 or 13.5 cm will do. It’s up to you to decide if you want wide bubbly breasts or narrow and full-looking (pointy) breasts. 

Your breast diameter (width) is the straight distance from your cleavage to the edge of your breast (It must be a straight line. We don’t measure the breast’s arc). 

Projection/Profile

Projection/profile will affect how your “new breasts” appear when viewed from the side. 

Some believe that high profile breast implants will make the upper part of their breasts appear fuller. This is not the case. High profile breast implants will further project your boobies from your chest. This means that only the central and lower parts of your breasts will appear “fuller”. The result is a pair of pointy “perky” breasts. This is the preferred breast implant size for small frames.

Low profile implants are the way to go if you want flat and softer breasts. You should also expect an increase in volume at the edges and a strong cleavage. 

Volume

This dimension carries a lot of weight in breast implant sizing. The more the volume of your breast implants, the larger your breast will be. Volume is also dependent on your implant’s projection/profile and diameter.

Gummy bear (tear-drop) breast implants

This type of breast implants places more priority on shape instead of size. 

Just like round breast implants, their sizes and shapes are also determined by the three main factors:

• Diameter
• Profile
• Volume

However, there is another dimension that distinguishes Gummy bear breast implants from round breast implants:

• Height

If you currently have short breasts, then a low-height gummy bear implant should do the drink. On the other hand, if you have flat breasts and are looking for those fuller and more appealing breasts (especially at the top), then tall-height gummy bear implants should do the trick. Availability largely depends on the standard practices where you live. If you’re in Calgary, check out this link on the Academic Association of Medicine to learn more.

Trying Out Your Breast Implants

There are two main ways you can try out your breast implants:

• Vectra 3-D Simulation
• Intra-Operation Try Out

The Vectra 3-D Simulation

This is a computer-aided simulation (like photo-shop) that allows you to peek into the future and see how your breast implants will look on you. However, this will not help in finding out whether or not your breast implants will be comfortable.

Intra-Operation Try Out

This try out is done when you are unconscious and on the operating table. It’s often a requirement when you and your doctor have narrowed down to 2 breast implant sizes, but can’t decide which one you want. 

The surgeon will try out both breast implant sizes with the help of temporary implant sizers and decide which one fits you the most. After identifying the right size, the surgeon will then fit in the permanent breast implants.

Breast Implant Sizing Tips- Conclusion

In the end, you’re the one responsible for choosing the best breast implant sizes for you. Don’t carelessly choose a breast implant size that matches a celebrity’s or a friend’s. Breast implants are personal entities. A size might work on one person and look unnatural on another. Open up to your doctor about your desired look and welcome suggestions and recommendations.