When you start thinking about breast augmentation, it’s often because you want to feel more confident in your appearance. Whether you’ve always desired more fullness, want to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight changes, or simply wish to achieve a better balance with your proportions, breast implants can help you enhance your body shape and self-esteem.
But choosing to have surgery is just the first step: one of the most important decisions you’ll face is selecting the right implant size. The size you choose can dramatically affect not only your look, but also your overall comfort. At Vinings Surgery and Hair Restoration Center in Atlanta, Dr. Robert Colgrove has helped countless patients find the ideal size to ensure natural-looking, harmonious results.
In this article, we help you select the ideal breast implant size for your body frame.
Factors that determine breast implant size
Breast implant volume
Implant size is measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not bra cup sizes. The volume you choose directly affects how much enhancement you’ll see. Smaller implants, around 150-200cc, create a subtle change, while larger options, 400cc and above, provide more dramatic results. Most women fall within the 300-400cc range, but it really depends on your unique frame.
Implant profile
The profile of the breast implant determines how far your breasts project from your chest wall. Low-profile implants have a wide base with minimal projection, making them ideal for wider chests. Moderate profile implants balance natural fullness with proportion. High and ultra-high profiles offer more projection and roundness, often chosen by those seeking a more prominent look.
Implant diameter
Implant diameter is the width of the implant base. This must match your chest to ensure harmonious results. An overly wide implant can make the breasts appear disproportionate, while one that’s too narrow may not create the desired contour. Your surgeon must carefully measure your chest wall and breast width to recommend the best diameter for you.
Body type and proportions
Your height, shoulder width, rib cage shape, and overall frame all play an essential role in implant selection. A petite woman may need a smaller breast implant to avoid overwhelming her proportions, while someone with a broader frame can carry larger implants more naturally. This individualized approach helps create results that enhance your unique shape.
Skin elasticity and breast tissue
The amount of existing breast tissue and the elasticity of your skin limit how large you can go. Thicker tissue and more elastic skin allow for larger breast implants, while thinner tissue may require more conservative sizing for naturalness. Considering these factors ensures your implants not only look natural but also feel comfortable.
Lifestyle and activity level
If you’re active in sports, fitness, or other physically demanding activities, overly large implants may interfere with your lifestyle. Smaller implants can provide the enhancement you want while allowing you to stay comfortable during workouts or athletic routines. Balancing your activity level with your aesthetic goals is key to long-term satisfaction.
Tips to find the right breast implant size for your frame
Try on implant sizers
During your consultation, you’ll likely have the chance to try on different implant sizers. This lets you see how various sizes look under clothing and gives you a better sense of the changes you’ll experience. Many patients find this invaluable for visualizing their results.
Think about your clothing preferences
Consider how your new breast size will affect your wardrobe. If you prefer fitted tops, swimsuits, or strapless dresses, your implant size should complement those choices. Some women may prefer a subtle change to maintain their style, while others may want more volume.
Focus on proportions, not cup size
Because bra sizes vary widely between brands, aiming for a specific cup size can be misleading. Instead, focus on how your breasts will harmonize with your shoulders, hips, and waist. Choosing an implant size that enhances your proportions is the way to go.
Consider long-term satisfaction
Breast implants typically last 10 to 20 years, meaning you’ll be living with your decision for a significant period. Think about how your implants will fit your lifestyle, not only today but also in the years to come. Smaller implants may offer more flexibility, while larger implants can create dramatic changes but may carry a higher risk of sagging or discomfort over time.
Review photos for inspiration
Bringing in photos of breast shapes and sizes you admire can help your surgeon understand your vision. By comparing these images with your body type, your surgeon can guide you toward options that will realistically achieve the look you want.
Find the ideal breast implant size for your frame
Choosing the right breast implant size is a highly personal decision, and it must be made in collaboration with a highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon.
At Vinings Surgery and Hair Restoration Center, Dr. Colgrove has over three decades of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon, with extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. He has performed thousands of successful augmentations over his career. With his depth of knowledge and surgical precision, Dr. Colgrove ensures every breast augmentation is carefully tailored to your frame, creating results that look natural, balanced, and beautiful. Please schedule a consultation in Atlanta to explore the ideal implant size for your frame.
