When they decided to make a breast augmentation many women don't know which implant size to choose and are often afraid of opting for something that's too big or are undecided between apparently similar sizes.
Choosing the right size is fundamental if the patient is to be satisfied with the post-operative results, and should be the subject of reflection and a detailed conversation with the surgeon. It's better to take more time to make the right decision than to rush into an option that will leave you dissatisfied and force you to have another operation to rectify the results of the first one.
Doctors play a decisive role in this process and must be able to say no when they realise that a patient wants an unrealistic result or is determined to choose an implant size that is too large for her body structure.
Sizes that are too big are not suitable
Influenced by celebrities, photos on the internet or even issues related to dissatisfaction with their bodies, many women tend to choose exaggeratedly large implant sizes.
There are some arguments against this option that can be used to convince the most reluctant patients:
Physical consequences:
Breasts that are too large (whether natural or as a result of implants) end up restricting movement and can cause back, shoulder and neck pain, and there are even women who, in the case of breast hypertrophy, have to undergo surgery to reduce the size of their breasts (reduction mammoplasty). In addition, an excessively large breast can become flabby, which is the exact opposite of what women who undergo breast augmentation want.
The aesthetic question:
Bigger isn't always better and when it comes to breast size, this is an unquestionable truth. Body proportions have to be taken into account and having too large a chest can make a woman look heavier than she really is or make her look disproportionate and with big differences between the upper and lower halves of her body. A C or D cup may not be ideal for all women. The size of the implants should be chosen according to the physical characteristics of each woman - height, chest dimensions, etc.
The appearance of complications:
The risk of post-operative complications is often related to the size of the implants placed. As time goes by, the skin tends to stretch more and become thinner, which can cause changes in the shape of the breast. In some cases there are also situations in which the implants descend to the lower part of the breast and the nipples end up being located above where they should be.
Difficulty finding clothes:
When they undergo breast augmentation, many women decide to radically change their wardrobe, not only because they need new sizes, but also because they feel comfortable wearing clothes they couldn't wear before. 84% of women say that breast implants have made them feel better about wearing certain types of clothes. But implants that are too big for your body structure can have the opposite effect: they can make it difficult to find clothes because the right breast size can be too wide at the waist and shoulders.
Choosing the implant size: body structure and proportions are decisive
It's important to talk to your doctor and clear up any doubts about the size of the implants and compare your desired goals with the results achieved in women of a similar body shape and age. You should see photographs if possible, use 3D simulations to get a better idea of what to expect after surgery.
Here are three tips to help you choose the right size:
- Size & proportionsFor the result of the surgery to be completely satisfactory for the patient, she needs to take into account her body structure and the need to maintain proportions. Smaller, thinner women generally have a narrower body structure, so they should opt for smaller implants to maintain their natural proportions. Taller women generally need larger implants. For example, an implant of around 450cc can be completely disproportionate in a short, slim woman and look natural in a tall woman with a wider chest.
- Try before you decideIt is now possible to use implant simulators before surgery, which helps to make a more appropriate choice of size. These simulated implants can be worn with different types of clothing and over several days so that the woman can see if she is comfortable with the size she has chosen and can also listen to the opinions of friends and family. You can also use 3D plastic surgery simulators (before and after) to simulate your new body.
- Set expectations: Before choosing the size you want, you should clearly understand what you want from the surgery. It's important that you communicate your expectations openly to the surgeon, as he can't read your mind.
Trust in the doctor is fundamental
The surgeon should be fully aware of the patient's expectations regarding the surgery and should warn her of the risks she runs by choosing a size that is too large. The decision must be the result of a balance between the doctor's opinion and the patient's expectations, since both parties have the greatest interest in the operation being successful. It's important to listen to all the doctor's suggestions, try out different types of implants and decide which size meets your expectations. The final decision should be made after various possibilities have been analysed.
If you've already made up your mind and want to do a breast augmentation, don't hesitate to contact us.
