Getting great breast augmentation results depends a lot on choosing the right implant, but how can you know for sure what’s the right size for you? The answer is simple: rice and pantyhose.
The Rice Test
Clear communication is so important before augmentation, because most women think about results in terms of cup size, yet implants are measured by volume in cubic centimeters (cc’s). I ask my patients to bring pictures along to their breast enlargement consultation, which gives me a much better idea of my patients’ appearance goals before surgery. I also recommend making DIY breast sizers, which offer a great way to “try on” an implant size before surgery.
To make your sizers, you’ll need some old pantyhose and some uncooked rice. One cup of rice equals 240cc, which would add roughly one cup size to your current profile in an actual implant. For a frame of reference, the average implant size is around the 300-350 cc range. Since implants come in increments of 25cc, you can use 1/8th cup to add or subtract volume. Fill the pantyhose with a carefully measured amount of rice, then tie off the end and insert your new rice implants into a sports bra.
While there are some obvious differences between rice implants and saline or silicone gel breast implants, at least you can get an idea of what different sizes of implants will look like on your body. Of course, it’s not the same as having an actual consultation, but it definitely helps you think in terms of volume rather than bra measurements, which is essential understanding how your results might look.
Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
