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ASK OUR EXPERT:How do I choose the implant size that is right for me?

Q:  I am considering breast augmentation. How do I know which size implant I should chose?

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A:  Making the decision about breast size is a very personal decision. If you have not already had a consultation with a reputable cosmetic plastic surgeon, I recommend that you talk with one. Your surgeon and his staff should be able to answer many of your questions about implants and sizes. They should be able to talk with you more about how to select the right sizing with your particular body shape while keeping your goals in mind. Here are 3 options that can help you make a visual decision about sizing.
OPTION #1:
The majority of surgeons use “the baggie of rice method,” although Dr. Castillo offers a much more realistic option for his patients in the Savoy (Champaign – Urbana) office. To utilize the at home baggie of rice method, you can put rice, oatmeal, or birdseed in a sandwich baggie. Do not use a zip lock baggie as they are too firm. (1 ? cups = 10 ounces or 1 ? cups = 12 ounces…) Most breast augmentations utilize between 9 – 14 ounces for each breast (270cc – 420cc per breast). You should probably start with 10 ounces then adjust as you prefer. Select a bra for the size you want to be. Put the filled baggies inside the unpadded bra. Once you find the size baggie you are comfortable with, you may want to wear it for a few hours, with different shirts, do some normal daily activities…this will help you decide if the size is truly comfortable.
OPTION #2:
In our Savoy office, Dr. Castillo provides the option of trying on professional sizer implants in the office. This option by far offers the most natural, realistic visual comparison.  We have a variety of sizes so that our patients can get a good idea of what their results will look like.
At the time of the consultation, we give the patient an unpadded bra. The patient can also bring one if she knows about what size she would like to be. I suggest that our patients bring 2 different style tops; one form-fitting, one loose fitting. This gives our patients a great feel for how each size can change their body appearance. Of course our specially training staff is available to personally assist each patient and answer any questions they may have. Our patients love this option.  I think they feel much more confident in their decision.
OPTION #3: NEW
Allergan, the makers of Natrelle Breast Implants, Botox, Juvederm and Latisse, just started offering an exclusive kit for women who are considering breast implants. You can order this kit for $45.00 on-line by going to Natrelle.com. The kit includes four sample implants (275cc, 325 cc, 375 cc, & a 425 cc), a bra and an educational DVD and booklet, plus a total of $170.00 in rebates! The rebates include:

A:  Making the decision about breast size is a very personal decision. If you have not already had a consultation with a reputable cosmetic plastic surgeon, I recommend that you talk with one. Your surgeon and his staff should be able to answer many of your questions about implants and sizes. They should be able to talk with you more about how to select the right sizing with your particular body shape while keeping your goals in mind. Here are 3 options that can help you make a visual decision about sizing.

OPTION #1:
The majority of surgeons use “the baggie of rice method,” although Dr. Castillo offers a much more realistic option for his patients in the Savoy (Champaign – Urbana) office. To utilize the at home baggie of rice method, you can put rice, oatmeal, or birdseed in a sandwich baggie. Do not use a zip lock baggie as they are too firm. (1 1/4 cups = 10 ounces or 1 1/2 cups = 12 ounces…) Most breast augmentations utilize between 9 – 14 ounces for each breast (270cc – 420cc per breast). You should probably start with 10 ounces then adjust as you prefer. Select a bra for the size you want to be. Put the filled baggies inside the unpadded bra. Once you find the size baggie you are comfortable with, you may want to wear it for a few hours, with different shirts, do some normal daily activities…this will help you decide if the size is truly comfortable.

OPTION #2:
In our Savoy office, Dr. Castillo provides the option of trying on professional sizer implants in the office. This option by far offers the most natural, realistic visual comparison.  We have a variety of sizes so that our patients can get a good idea of what their results will look like.

At the time of the consultation, we give the patient an unpadded bra. The patient can also bring one if she knows about what size she would like to be. I suggest that our patients bring 2 different style tops; one form-fitting, one loose fitting. This gives our patients a great feel for how each size can change their body appearance. Of course our specially training staff is available to personally assist each patient and answer any questions they may have. Our patients love this option.  I think they feel much more confident in their decision.

OPTION #3: NEW
Allergan, the makers of Natrelle Breast Implants, Botox, Juvederm and Latisse, just started offering an exclusive kit for women who are considering breast implants. You can order this kit for $45.00 on-line by going to Natrelle.com. The kit includes four sample implants (275cc, 325 cc, 375 cc, & a 425 cc), a bra and an educational DVD and booklet, plus a total of $170.00 in rebates! The rebates include:

  • $50.00 off your breast implants
  • $50.00 off your next Botox injection
  • $50.00 off your next Juvederm dermal filler
  • $20.00 off Latisse (for longer, thicker lashes)

I have viewed the DVD. I think it would be helpful for anyone who is considering breast implants. The DVD introduces you to a patient who has Natrelle breast implants as she shares her experience with her daughter who is now considering breast enhancement. You will view some before and after photos of breast augmentation. More importantly, the DVD takes you through a consultation so you know what to expect. I think this kit will be helpful in preparing you to ask the right questions when you are talking with your surgeon.

I would recommend using your own unpadded bra with the sample implants. The sample implants from this kit allow you to try them on with different pieces of clothing in the privacy of your own home. This will help you get a good idea of what size implants you will be comfortable with. In my opinion, they do not give near the realistic visual as the professional implants that we have in the office. The implant samples from the kit do not provide as smooth or realistic shape as our profession implant provide.  Therefore, even if you purchase the kit, I would still recommend taking advantage of the profession sizer fitting at our office.

If you are interested in getting further information on breast augmentation (breast enhancement) options, call our office to schedule a consultation with G.D. Castillo, M.D. at 217-359-7507 for the Savoy location (Champaign-Urbana area).

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/cosmetic-surgery/breast-enlargement.cfm

https://www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.com/photo-gallery/results.cfm?Category=10

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This question was answered by Roxanne, Medical Skincare and Laser Specialist at Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Skin Restoration and Laserknow which Institute. Please contact us for additional information at  217-359-7508 or 309-662-0436

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This entry was posted on Thursday, July 30th, 2009 at 10:22 am and is filed under Ask Our Expert, Breast. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

One Response to “ASK OUR EXPERT:How do I choose the implant size that is right for me?”

  1. Amber says:
    October 26, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Begun, the great internet educitaon has.

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