The trend toward more natural-looking breast augmentation reflects many women’s shifting preferences for more modest cup size changes. Still, the single most important factor in choosing implant size is personal taste. Here are a few of my tips for choosing an implant size if you’re feeling uncertain about an upcoming breast augmentation.
DIY “Sizers”
Before you ever set foot in a plastic surgeon’s office, you can test out different implant volumes in your own home using the do-it-yourself rice sizer technique. All you need to do is cut a 12-inch length of pantyhose (skip the foot section), tie a knot at one end and fill the pocket you just made with measured volumes of rice, and then tie the other end closed.
One cup of dry, uncooked rice is approximately 236cc. It only takes a few minutes to make your rice test “sizers,” but you should try them out in a sports bra for several days up to a couple weeks to be sure you’re comfortable with the size you’re considering.
Cup Size vs. Implant Volume
One reason the rice test is so useful is because it’s provides a reminder that implants are measured in volume, not cup size. Using techniques like the rice test may help you settle on a range of volumes with which you’re comfortable, and from there your surgeon will help you choose the most appropriate breast implant size for your body and lifestyle.
Choosing the Best Surgeon
Ultimately, choosing an implant size is easier if you have the insights and advice of a board certified plastic surgeon who focuses on breast augmentation. Experimenting at home is useful, but only an in-person consultation can give you the in-depth guidance you need to enjoy beautiful, natural looking breast augmentation results.*
*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.
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.
