Current Trend in Breast Implant Size

The trend in cosmetic surgery nowadays is the natural look.  This is particularly true in breast augmentation that most patients are choosing implants which come in “conservative sizes.”

Anecdotal evidence shows that a significant number of patients choose breast implant sizes (described in cubic centimeter) between 350cc and 500cc.  They can provide enough volume especially in the upper poles without leading to inappropriately large, grapefruit-shaped breasts.

Women should remember that cc alone does not determine the final size, although in many cases a 150-200cc can increase the breast to one cup. 

(Important note:  Implants with a size of 250-350cc may transform a petite lady’s AA cup to D cup, while the same size may only increase the bust size of a larger and/or taller lady by a cup or two.)

Large breast implants usually start at 600cc, and women with a large body frame more often than not have no problem using them.  This is particularly true if they have sufficient amounts of breast tissue and fat, reducing the risk of visible and palpable wrinkling.

By contrast, large implants can be very problematic for thin and petite women not only because they often lead to a “heavy top look,” but they also result to higher risk of wrinkling and rippling.

Also, when large implants are used on thin women or patients with very little tissue, more often than not their breasts appear unusually round—the most common telltale sign of plastic surgery.

Meanwhile, there are two kinds of breast implants used in the US:  the saline implant which is filled with a sterile mixture of salt and water, and the silicone implant which contains a cohesive gel.

Currently, breast manufacturers in the US do not produce silicone implants larger than 850cc, even if there is no law prohibiting them to do so.  This is because common sense tells that excessively large sizes can lead to chronic back pain, longer recovery, stretch marks, and bottoming out which will eventually force a patient to downsize her implants.

But some saline implants, which are filled once inside the breast pocket, are larger than 850cc.  However, they are rarely used as [ethical] plastic surgeons will not push the body’s limit for the sake of aesthetic goals.  

Contrary to popular belief, patients can achieve a prominent cleavage without having to choose larger implants.  In fact, some smaller implants can provide this sexy feature by offering more projection.

Knowing If Breast Implant Surgery Is Right for You

For the past couple of years, breast implant surgery has been the most sought-after aesthetic operation that in 2011 alone, about 307,000 procedures were performed, according to survey released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

But despite the growing popularity of breast implant surgery, not all people who desire to increase their bust size and/or want to achieve a more prominent cleavage are good candidates for this procedure.

As with any cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation involves some risks, recovery, and of course money.  For these reasons, you should be able to answer these questions before you consult a plastic surgeon:

*  Do you have “healthy” motivations?

If you want to undergo a cosmetic surgery, bear in mind that your motivations should be based on your personal happiness.  But if you want this to please other people (your partner or colleagues), you would most likely end up dissatisfied since physical improvements do not automatically result to “better relationships.”

*  Do you have realistic goals and expectations?

If you have very small breasts (double A cup), desiring to achieve a full D cup is definitely over the top.  Take note that because you have limited breast tissue and fat, “inappropriately” large implants can lead not just to fake look but also to higher risk of wrinkling/rippling and bottoming out.

*  Do you have enough money?

Because breast augmentation is an elective procedure, don’t expect that your health insurance will cover the surgical expenses; this means you have to spend your own savings or seek loans.

Aside from the surgical costs, you should also consider the possibility of a revision breast augmentation, MRI screening (if you would choose silicone implants), and other expenses after your operation.

*  Are you physically healthy?

Your plastic surgeon will interview you and ask you to undergo laboratory examinations to determine if you are healthy and are not suffering from medical conditions that may compromise your recovery.

Be as honest as you can, particularly when your doctor asks you about your previous surgeries, medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.  Also, you should tell the truth if your surgeon raises the topic of smoking and drinking habits.

*  Are you emotionally stable?

If you are emotionally stable and fully understand and accept the ramifications of having breast implant surgery, you can proceed with the procedure as long as you meet the other requirements.  But if you’re suffering from depression and other psychological and emotional issues, talking to a therapist is way better than consulting a plastic surgeon.