Breast Implants: How Big Is Too Big?

When it comes to breast augmentation, choosing the size of implants is probably your most important decision. It is more than just picking a cup size—there are many different factors to consider.

When choosing breast implants, we encourage our Atlanta patients to honestly discuss their aesthetic goals during their consultations. However, it is a good idea to start thinking about the following points before you come in for your preliminary appointments. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed or caught off guard when choosing your implants.

1. Amount of breast tissue: Your existing breast tissue provides coverage for your implant. If you start out with little breast tissue and choose large implants, the results could end up looking unnatural. At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we evaluate your breast tissue and recommend breast implant sizes that will be sufficiently covered.
2. Quality of skin: This can be dependent on age, past pregnancies, and weight fluctuations. Minor skin laxity can be okay because often a large enough implant can fill out the sagging skin. Moderate to severe laxity may require our surgeon to combine breast augmentation with a breast lift. Breast implants don’t lift the breast, and choosing large implants could make minor sagging appear worse.
3. Your height/weight/frame: At Plastic Surgery Center of the South, we strive for beautiful and natural-looking results. We do this by recommending implants that look proportional to the rest of your body. Women who are petite cannot support as big of an implant as a taller woman. A broad chest or fuller hips may warrant the choice of larger implants. Additionally, your implants should not make you physically uncomfortable. However, we understand that implants that are too small can leave patients disappointed, so we make sure to find the balance between what you want and what fits your body. Some people find that using the “rice test” at home before their consultation gives them a very rough idea of implant sizes that might work for them.
4. Plans for growing a family: Though having children may seem far off for some patients, it is something to consider when scheduling a breast augmentation. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause major changes in your breasts. If you are planning on having children soon, it may make more sense to wait until after you are done nursing. This may have an effect on what size you want your implants to be. After breastfeeding, you may also choose to combine your procedure with a lift as well.
5. Lifestyle: This is important to keep in mind, especially if you play sports, do high-impact exercises, or are a long-distance runner. Individuals who lead active lifestyles may want to consider smaller implants. You don’t want your new breasts to interfere with your favorite activities.

Review our online photo gallery of breast augmentation patients to see the enhancement possible with implants of varying sizes.

Don’t let all these decisions and considerations scare you off—we are here to assist you in any way possible. If you have any questions or want to learn more about your breast augmentation options at our Atlanta practice, request a consultation online or give us a call at (770) 421-1242.