How to Determine the Right Breast Implant Size

Breast implants are a popular way for female patients to get the breast size they've always desired by adding volume to the breast area. Once a patient decides to have breast implants placed in her body, what is the best way to choose both the best size and type of implants? According to a research review in the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, choosing the implant size according to breast tissue measurements can often provide the desired outcome.

Tissue-Based Planning

The act of using clinical guidelines when determining the best breast implants for individuals is known as a tissue-based planning system. A study by Dr. William P. Adams, Jr., of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, and Dr. Daniel McKee of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada shows that the tissue-based planning system appears to be a better approach than choosing an implant based on any sort of preference on the part of the patient or the surgeon.

The research team elected to perform a review driven by data gathered from methods utilized by plastic surgeons when selecting the most appropriate size of implants to be used during breast augmentation surgery. During the review, the size selection systems for implants were broken down into three groups:

• No Breast Measurements – Implants were picked based on the preference of either the patient or the surgeon
• Dimensional Analysis Systems – Implants were picked based on taking measurements to determine the best implant choice to achieve the patient’s desired results
• Tissue-Based Planning – Breast tissue measurements were utilized to determine any implant limitations, as well as which implant will work best, based on clinical guidelines set forth by the doctor

The review, published in the November issue, identified 33 articles focusing on the sizing systems of implants. Any studies that evaluated tissue-based planning systems were deemed to be of a higher quality than studies that focused on dimensional analysis systems and no breast measurements.

The top ten studies used the breast dimensions of patients before the final decision was made about the implant choice. According to Dr. Adams and Dr. McKee, this should now be considered the main practice standard for analysis. The tissue-based planning studies showed low rates of repeat surgery as compared to current industry standards and research values currently in use.

The researchers pointed out some limitations with the available evidence used when studying sizing systems of implants. In fact, 60\\% of the studies scored a “zero” on the quality rating scale used. The research team did note that some tissue-based planning systems that have higher qualities of evidence take, according to them, a "middle-of-the-road" approach when it comes to measurements while still taking the desired final results of patients into account. Dr. Adams and Dr. McKee stated that future tissue-based planning systems will require higher standards of quantitative methods so that future comparisons can be made in terms of the final results for patients. 

Other Factors when Choosing a Breast Implant

There are a lot of factors that should be taken into account when trying to choose the perfect implant size. Without diligent preparations, patients can find themselves in situations that could negatively affect their health and the new implants. Here are some factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing breast implants:

• Fitness and exercise - Some patients are inseparable from fitness programs and exercise and must seriously consider this when deciding on the size of their breast implants. Breasts over a certain size can make some exercise routines more difficult and strenuous which will do the person more harm than good in the long run.
• Their personality - This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a breast implant size. Patients who don't like excessive attention from others shouldn't go for an overly large implant because the larger the implant, the more attention they attract. Quiet and reserved patients should opt for a slight increase in size and have the implants be just big enough to balance out the body contour for a more natural look.
• Be true to their body image and personality - Patients who choose an implant size because they feel it's the size that others will like often run into problems later on. Choosing the size of the breast implant is a very personal decision and the only opinion that should matter to the patient is their opinion as well as the opinion of the doctor. They shouldn’t choose an implant size based on an actress they saw on the internet. Patients should select a size that accurately reflects their own personality and lifestyle.
• Talk to a doctor - A breast implant consultation is a two-way street. To get the best advice, patients have to learn to open up and share with their doctor. They need to express their expectations and desires so the doctor can know what they want for the final results. During the consultation appointment, patients should voice their concerns and ask for clarification so they understand the entire process.
• Know what they want - Patients shouldn't make the decision to go through with a breast implant procedure until they are sure that is what they absolutely want. If they are having minor doubts about the process, they should talk to their doctor about their concerns before the procedure is done.

Follow the Breast Implant Advice of a Board-Certified Doctor

There are a lot of factors that need to be considered when choosing the desired breast implant size. Although it is important to take the advice of a board-certified doctor into consideration, the patient should have the final say in the size of the breast implants. The process is personal and patients should choose a breast implant size that is right for them.