enlargement | augmentation mammoplasty
What Size Breast Implants Should I Get?
Choosing the right size implant is generally the most important decision a woman and her plastic surgeon will make. Being realistic and following your doctor’s recommendations is very essential for the best result possible. Dr. Verbin will have several different styles, sizes, and profiles from which to choose. Having a variety of breast implant choices helps ensure you get the results you desire. For now, we’ll just focus on how to select a breast implant size that’s right for you.
Let’s start with the basics. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc’s), not cup sizes. This is because the size of the breast implant you select will depend on the shape and size of your chest. Here’s a little more helpful information about breast implant size. The average 375cc breast implant is equal to a little over 1.5 cups of gel or saline filling. Now, you may also ask, “How much do breast implants weigh?” Well, each cc of saline or gel weighs about one gram. So a pair of 375cc breast implants is going to weigh just about 1.5 pounds.
The most important thing you need to know about choosing a breast implant size is that you have to be realistic. In fact, Dr. Verbin will examine the amount of breast and skin tissue you already have in your chest. This will help him determine if you have enough of both to cover the breast implant size you are considering. If you want a breast implant size that is too large for your existing breast tissue and chest size, Dr. Verbin may warn you that your breast implant edges may be visible or palpable following your surgery. Also, if you get excessively large breast implants, there is a chance your breasts could droop or sag more than you would desire. So, again, it’s important to be realistic about breast implant size. Ultimately, you’ll have to choose a breast implant that “fits” your body for the long term.
So when it comes to breast implant size, you have many options. Just tell Dr. Verbin what your desires and expectations are, and he’ll give you more information about different breast implant options that are realistic for you.
Use the link to the 3D Model below to visualize your body type with different breast implant sizes. Also visit our Before and After Gallery link to view Dr. Verbin's breast surgery results and get a better idea of what breast implant sizes you desire.
The style of implant is chosen to best fit within the dimensions of the breast. There are currently standard, moderate and high profile implants that have different base diameters and projection heights. Both saline and silicone (gel) implants are FDA approved and come with a lifetime warranty against product failure; manufacturers will furnish a new implant if there is ever a deflation. Ten year extended warranties are also available that provide generous coverage if an implant ever needs to be replaced due to product failure.
After augmentation, the implant is entirely behind the breast and this leaves the breast available for complete examination. It is important to remember that the body reacts to the presence of the implant by forming a thin scar shell or capsule around the implant. This takes several weeks to form. There is a chance that this capsule can thicken and cause firmness of the breast. The chance of this becoming a problem is slightly lower when using saline implants (vs silicone implants) and also has lower incident rates as well slightly lower when the implant is behind the muscle. If the breasts do become firm, there are procedures that can be done to soften them. Unfortunately, no surgeon can guarantee soft, perfect breasts from this procedure. However, chances of complication are low, and the procedure produces beautiful breasts that can dramatically enhance your current appearance.
If you have breasts that are experiencing sagging, you may also be a canidate for a breast lift combined with a breast augmentation. When performed simultaneously these procedures are often called augmentation mastopexy.
At your consultation, Dr. Verbin will examine you and explain if you are a breast lift canidate or if you are in need of only a breast augmentation.
The surgery is done in a private outpatient surgical facility by Dr. Christopher Verbin under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. A wide local block across the chest minimizes postoperative pain. Postoperative pain medication and antibiotics are prescribed. Patients wear a post surgical sports bra with good support for the first month. Activity is limited the first week and then is allowed to progressively increase, with the resumption of light exercise beginning the third week.
For a 3D presenation of how breast augmentation is performed, please visit the American Society of Plastic Surgery's website by clicking here.
We also recommend you visit a website developed by the breast implant manufacturer Mentor Corp. The website has excellent information regarding implant types, research studies, and patient perspectives. Visit the website by clicking here.
Do you have questions regarding breast augmentation? Please feel free to email our Patient Coordinator at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at 310-539-6500.
