SIZING OF BREAST IMPLANTS

Posted On: March 21, 2012 Author: The Office of Dr. Stuart Linder Posted In: Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants, Breast topics, Home

Sizing of breast implants requires experience and judgment by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Patients present to my office every day for breast enhancement and breast revision surgery.  One of the most difficult decisions between the patient and the plastic surgeon is the final size of the implant.  Many factors are required to determine this final size.  Looking at the patient’s height, weight, measuring the inframammary fold distance, the parasternal distance between the medial inframammary folds, amount of breast tissue, and thickness of the muscle are all important variants.  Also, equally important is the patient’s specific desires in terms of final cosmetic appearance as well as feel of the breasts; the first determinate will silicone versus saline implants.  Depending upon the patient’s age, they must be 22 or older, to undergo silicone augmentation by FDA standards.  Secondly, will be the patient’s desire for the appearance of the breast.  The less natural breasts are often saline implants when placed under the muscle versus the smooth silicone which can be softer and more natural in appearance.  The next variable will be specific proportionality to a female form.  Looking at the height and weight of the patient will help to determine the size of the breasts in order to maintain proportionality.  In most of our patients a mid to full C does yield proportionality.  Other specifics include the industry of the patient, i.e., entertainment industry.

Negatives of going too large will include increased risk of visible rippling, wrinkling as well as skin laxity with the breast implant sagging over time.  It can also lead to increased scar tissue formation with larger implants placed due to pulling of the capsule with tears and seroma formation.  Remember, overly enlarged implants without proper support throughout the years will lead to skin laxity requiring possible breast lifting and further scarring.  It is most important that the patient understand the proportionality should be the key to breast enhancement sizing.