How To Choose the Best Breast Implant Size for Your Body

Once you decide to have a breast augmentation, you have another big decision to make: What size implants are right for your frame? It can be difficult to know how your desired look translates to the correct implant sizing, but thankfully, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Below, we break down how to choose the best breast implant size for your body and lifestyle.

Step 1: Consider the Factors That Affect Size

There’s no universal “perfect size,” and what looks good on one woman may not look the same on another. Your ideal implant size will depend on:

• Your body frame and chest width: A petite body frame may not support large implants comfortably or naturally, while a broader chest can typically accommodate larger or wider implants.
• Amount of natural breast tissue: The more tissue you have, the more flexibility you’ll have in sizing.
• Skin elasticity and thickness: Firmer, more elastic skin may hold implants more naturally.
• Desired outcome: Whether you want a subtle boost or a dramatic transformation, your aesthetic preferences guide the sizing process.
• Your activity level: Athletes, runners, and others with highly active lifestyles may choose smaller implants to maintain comfort.
• Your personal style: Think about the clothing you like to wear now or want to wear after breast augmentation. Would more dramatic cleavage fill out the tops and dresses you prefer? Or do you want to go bra-less?

Our breast enhancement specialists will assess these factors during your consultation to help you find the right fit. For a comprehensive look at the different breast implant types, shapes, and materials available, visit our Breast Implant Options page.

Step 2: Avoid Common Sizing Mistakes

Picking the best size for you can be challenging. The American Society for Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that being unsatisfied with implant size is one of the main reasons women decide to undergo breast implant revision—and most choose to go bigger.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Picking a cup size instead of a volume: Implants are measured in cc (cubic centimeters), not cup sizes. Cup sizes vary across brands and don’t account for how implants interact with your unique anatomy.
• Bringing in photos without context: While inspiration photos can help you explore your desired aesthetic, the most helpful images will be of women with similar body types to yours.
• Ignoring long-term considerations: Large implants may lead to sagging or discomfort over time.
• Choosing what looks good on someone else: Your ideal size should reflect your goals, not someone else’s.

By understanding what not to do, you’re already on the right path toward choosing the implant size that suits you best.

Step 3: Think About Shape and Position

Choosing the right implant isn’t just about size—shape and placement matter, too. These elements work together to define your final look and ensure your results align with your aesthetic goals.

For many women with sagging or deflated breasts after pregnancy, weight loss, or aging, breast augmentation alone may not achieve the desired look. In these cases, combining augmentation with a breast lift is often an ideal solution. During the procedure, our board-certified plastic surgeons remove excess skin and tissue and reposition the breasts higher on the chest. Because some tissue is removed, the breasts may appear slightly smaller or firmer afterward, which is why implants can play a key role in restoring or enhancing volume.

This brings us to implant shape. Whether you’re looking to recreate the look of your younger breasts or achieve a fuller, more dramatic appearance, the shape of your implant plays a key role:

• Round implants add fullness to both the upper and lower portions of the breast, enhancing cleavage and creating a more noticeable, high-profile look.
• Teardrop (anatomical) implants taper gradually from top to bottom, mimicking the natural slope of the breast and offering a more subtle enhancement.

Learn more about the differences in our blog post on teardrop vs. round implants.

Step 4: Plan for the Long-Term

While breast implants—like most medical devices—are not designed to last a lifetime, you are going to have these implants for a long time. It’s important to consider how they will impact your life over many years.

Will you be happy 5 years from now with the look you’re choosing today? Try to select implants that will make you happy now and in future phases of your life. Get the scoop on what breasts feel like with breast implants in our related blog post.

Step 5: Try It on With Your Surgeon’s Help

Our plastic surgeons aim to help you reach your aesthetic goals and want what is in your best interest. They will recommend an implant size based on your individual needs and their collective years of education and experience.

Choosing your implant size isn’t something you’ll have to figure out on your own. At your consultation, your board-certified plastic surgeon will:

• Take detailed body measurements
• Evaluate your breast tissue and chest structure
• Use the Mentor® Volume Sizing System for a hands-on preview

This personalized process also helps ensure your results align with your goals. If achieving a soft, subtle enhancement is important to you, your Synergy plastic surgeon can guide you to the most natural-looking breast implants for your body. Or, if you’re looking for a more dramatic transformation, they’ll help tailor your options accordingly.

Step 6: Get Answers to Common Questions

Is it better to go slightly bigger or smaller with implants?
It depends on your goals and anatomy. Slightly larger implants can account for natural settling over time, but going too large can lead to issues with comfort or aesthetics.

Can I choose different-sized implants for each breast?
Yes. Asymmetry between breasts is normal, and you can adjust your implant size to create a more even, symmetrical appearance.

Will implants change the shape of my breasts?
Yes, especially if you are experiencing sagging or volume loss. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining implants with a breast lift to create a perky breast shape.

Do implants feel different based on size?
Larger implants may feel heavier and more noticeable, especially if placed above the muscle.

Are there risks to choosing implants that are too large?
Yes. Oversized implants can increase your risk of rippling, stretching, back pain, and the need for revision surgery.

Looking for more insight? Visit our Breast Implant FAQ blog post for answers to other commonly asked questions.

Step 7: Start Your Journey by Requesting a Consultation

Ready to discover the implant size that fits you best? Our team is here to guide you. Start by exploring our before-and-after gallery for inspiration. Once you’re ready to take the next step, please request a consultation online or call our office at (512) 244-1439 to schedule your visit or sizing session.