Whether it is fair or not, a woman's breasts are probably the most scrutinized part of her body. There really is no average size and the perfect breast size is a very subjective opinion. The primary consideration when considering breast augmentation surgery is to ensure that you are getting the size of breast you want, not basing the size on some unrealistic Hollywood notion, or bowing to pressure from your boyfriend or husband.
To know where you are going size-wise, you'll need to know where you are. In the United States, bra sizes are probably the best measure in deciding what size breast implant to choose. To measure your cup size, first measure the underband measurement, this is the area just underneath the breast. This measurement should be fairly snug. Next, measure your bust size. Place the tape loosely around your chest while standing straight with your arms at your side; this is called the overbust.
The cup size is the difference between the bust size and the underband size, which is then converted to a letter size. The following is how to determine your letter cup size:
Cup size
Difference in inches
AA
< 1 inch
1 inch
B
2 inches
3 inches
D
4 inches
The cosmetic surgeon should be able to show you examples of women who started out at your current size elected various sizes for augmentation with a before and after book. Using these case studies you might be able to better visualize where you will be after augmentation surgery.
The most important consideration when choosing the right cup size is how it will affect your proportions. Many women choose breast implants that are just too large and later decide to go with something smaller. Breasts that are too large may not only look disproportionate to your figure, but they may cause physical problems like back pain.
Aesthetically, breasts that are out of proportion to the rest of your body may seem too large, or too small, even if you move to what you feel is a good size. It is important to maintain your feminine figure. If you plan to lose a lot of weight, you might also keep that in consideration, as you breasts may appear disproportionate after the weight is gone.
Size is not the only consideration you must make. It is important to choose implants that provide the most natural look and feel. Silicone implants are denser than saline implants and provide the same look and feel of natural breast tissue. Saline implants however, require smaller incisions to put in place because they are filled after they are placed.
Placement is another critical factor in total breast aesthetics. There are two placement options, over the pectoral muscle, or under it. Most cosmetic surgeons recommend an over the pectoral placement since that is where the natural breast material being augmented sits. In some cases, your cosmetic surgeon may recommend under the muscle placement. Each individual is different and you must discuss options with your doctor.
Choosing a breast implants size is an important consideration in breast augmentation surgery, but it isn't the only one. Because it is such a subjective issue, you must be the one to choose, not a family member or loved one. Consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon to help you choose a breast implant size, type, and placement.
