Deciding to get breast implants is an exciting and transformative choice. However, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make along the way is choosing the right implant size.
Since breast augmentation is a highly personal journey, selecting the best size requires thoughtful consideration of your goals, body shape, lifestyle, and the recommendations of your surgeon.
In this post, we'll walk you through key factors to consider when determining the size of breast implants that will give you the most satisfying and natural-looking results.
Getting clear on the look you want to achieve
The first step in deciding on an implant size is envisioning your desired look. Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve? Are you looking for a dramatic increase in volume, or would you prefer a subtle enhancement? Do you want your breasts to appear fuller but still proportionate to your body, or are you aiming for a more noticeable change?
One helpful tip is to gather inspiration. Look at before-and-after photos of women with similar body types to yours who have undergone breast augmentation. Discuss these examples with your surgeon to ensure they understand the look you're going for.
If you want a natural, understated enhancement, smaller to moderate implants may be the best choice. These sizes will typically complement your existing frame and avoid an overly pronounced appearance. If you want a fuller, more noticeable chest, larger implants might be a better fit.
However, bear in mind that your body’s natural proportions play a significant role in determining the right implant size. Implants that look perfect on one person may not be suitable for someone with a different body type. To find the right balance, consider your height, shoulder width, chest width and the current volume of your chest.
• Height - Taller individuals often have a longer torso, which can support larger implants without appearing out of proportion. On the other hand, women with shorter torsos may find that large implants make them look top-heavy.
• Shoulder Width - Broad-shouldered people can generally accommodate larger implants more naturally, while narrower shoulders may require a smaller or more moderate size for a balanced look.
• Chest Width - The width of your chest and ribcage is crucial in determining how large or small implants will look on you. For those with a wider chest, larger implants may look more proportionate, while women with a narrow chest might achieve a more natural result with smaller implants.
• Current Breast Tissue - The amount of natural breast tissue you have also plays a role. If you have very little breast tissue, larger implants may be more noticeable and create a less natural appearance. Women with more breast tissue may have more flexibility when choosing a larger size.
Consider your lifestyle
It’s important to think about how breast implants will fit into your day-to-day life. If you have an active lifestyle or participate in sports, larger implants may feel cumbersome or limit your range of motion. For women who enjoy high-impact activities like running, lifting weights, or yoga, it might be wise to choose a more moderate size that won’t interfere with physical activities.
What does your surgeon think?
Our team is highly experienced so can act as an invaluable guide during this process. During your consultation, they’ll take detailed measurements of your chest width, breast base, and skin elasticity. Based on these factors and your desired outcome, they’ll recommend the implant sizes that will work best for your body.
We offer 3D imaging tools to help you visualise how different sizes will look on your body. This can help you make the right long-term decision about your implant size.
Understand how sizing works
One thing to keep in mind is that breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), not cup sizes. Each implant size represents the volume of the implant in cc’s, with common sizes ranging from 200cc to 600cc or more. Your surgeon will explain how each increment in volume will translate to the size and shape of your breasts.
For example:
- A 200-300cc implant may add one to two cup sizes.
- A 300-400cc implant could increase your bust by two to three cup sizes.
Your surgeon will help you interpret these numbers in relation to your anatomy to find the most flattering size.
Think long-term
Breast implants can be a lifelong decision, so it’s important to consider how you will feel about them over time. Think about how the size you choose will impact your body as you age, and if it will still meet your aesthetic goals 10 or 20 years from now.
You should also consider whether you plan to have children in the future. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can change the size and shape of your breasts, which may influence your decision on implant size.
What to do next
Choosing the right breast implant size is a highly individual decision, influenced by your desired outcome, body proportions, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, the best approach is to work closely with our experienced team who will guide you through the decision-making process, using their expertise to ensure you achieve the beautiful, balanced results you desire.
