Implant Size

When considering breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is implant size. Your physician can provide you with guidance about having realistic expectations and how you might look with the implant size you choose. To help you visualize your new breast size, your physician may show you before and after photos or ask you to try on a bra with implants. It’s important to remember that your final result will be influenced by two main factors:

• The size, shape and profile of the implant you choose

• The amount of existing breast tissue you have prior to augmentation

In general, the larger you want your cup size to be, the larger the breast implant you and your surgeon will want to consider. To help you better understand size, it helps to know that breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters of cc’s. For example, a 300 cc implant is larger than a 250 cc implant.

Your physician will evaluate your existing breast tissue to make sure you have a sufficient amount to cover the breast implant. If you want a breast implant size that’s too large for your existing tissue, your physician may warn you that the breast implant edges may be noticeable at the surface of your skin after surgery.

Using an implant that’s too large for your existing tissue also can lead to other surgical complications. In addition, using large breast implants can speed up the natural effects of gravity on your body and cause your breasts to prematurely droop or sag.