What Is The Right Implant Size For My Breast Augmentation?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting breast implants but am having a hard time figuring out the right size. There does not seem to be any specific method about how to select the size. know I should not focus on the cup size but more on what I want it to look like. I do want want them to be large though.  I am 5′ 6″, weigh 135 lbs and am athletically built. I want them to be large, but not so large that they will cause me problems down the road. One plastic surgeon I consulted with recommended 500cc implants. But in trying them on inside my bra, they seemed too small. What would you recommend?

A: While there is no exact science to selecting breast implant size for any patient, there are some guidelines to follow. Remember, however, the goal is in how the breast loko after surgery not necessarily what cup size they fit into or what volume of implant it is. It is all about the look. There are two criteria that I use.  The first is how wide is your natural breasts, known as the base breast width. Select an implant whose base width does not exceed that of your own breasts. That will keep them from getting too fat to the side or into the swing of the arm. Secondly, what breast look is the patient after. This requires the patient to s look at and select some after breast augmentation photos of sizes (look) they like. When putting the two together, a good breast implant size can usually be chosen that satisfies most patients. If the breast look appears bigger than what one’s breast width can accomodate, then select a bigegr implant that has a high profile. This will allow for more volume while keeping the implant diameter within the boundaries of the side of your breast.