Breast Implant Size; How I Help My Patients Choose

If you've decided to have a breast augmentation, choosing the right implant can be confusing. It can seem like the number of choices is overwhelming. Implants come in different shapes, sizes, and shell textures. They can be filled with silicone or saline. How do you choose the correct implant? What size should you choose? Read on to learn more about how Dr. Hayes helps each patient choose the perfect implant size. We'll cover choosing the right shape in a separate blog. 

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When considering a breast augmentation, the best place to start is by finding a board-certified plastic surgeon that you can trust. Your surgeon should take the time to fully explain the procedure, the recovery, and how implant size and shape are chosen. If you are being rushed through the consultation, consider additional consultations to find the best plastic surgeon for you.

Choosing the right implant depends on several factors. There are basically two things to consider.

• 1. The look you desire (natural, augmented or in-between)
  
• 2. Your breast measurements (breast width and nipple to fold distance)
  

Dr. Hayes starts each consultation by learning more about your goals for size. He will discuss your current and goal bra cup-size. He will discuss the differences between a "natural" and "augmented" look and will want to know what you like best. 

The key breast measurements include your breast width and the distance between your nipple and the crease below your breast (nipple to fold distance). It's important to choose an implant that fits naturally within your breast foundation, and isn't too wide. Wide implants give an unnatural look. Overly wide implants can also cause the nipple to point down.

Once you know your measurements, and the look you desire, then it's time to start trying on implants in a bra! This is the fun part! Trying on implants helps you see which size best matches your body. Most women find that they know the right size when they find the implant that brings their shoulders, waist, hips, and buttocks into balance. Properly sized implants should look beautiful and natural. Now that you know the size that you love, your surgeon will make sure that they fit within your breast footprint. Your surgeon can adjust the implant profile and width to make sure the implant fits nicely within your breast foundation.

How do I find the best plastic surgeon in Portland for my procedure?
Make sure to read your plastic surgeon's reviews, read about their approach to breast augmentation, and check out photos on their website. If you have friends who have had an augmentation, ask them about their plastic surgeon and the overall process. See what they liked about their plastic surgeon and also see what they think could have been done better. Consider several consultations to find the top plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Dr. Austin Hayes is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Portland Oregon. He specializes in 24-hour breast augmentation recovery, which can help you get back to day-to-day activities in as little as one day.