For some women, breast augmentation can lead to a dramatic improvement in self-esteem and self-image. Women may undergo breast augmentation to address age-related changes, drooping due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, or reduction of breast tissue due to weight loss. Other women simply want to improve the shape and size of their breast.
Whatever your reason for wanting breast augmentation, you are most likely to be happy with the final results if you choose the right breast implants. While many women go with a “bigger is better” mindset, selecting the right implants comes down to myriad factors including your body type and lifestyle.
It is very important that you never rush into a decision when considering cosmetic surgery. Take some serious time to review the range of sizes and shapes available to you before selecting implants. Below, we will give you a brief overview of factors you should take into consideration.
How Do You Want Your Breasts To Look?
Are you hoping to restore your breasts’ natural look after age-related changes? Or correct issues like drooping due to pregnancy and breastfeeding? Do you want to enhance the size of your breasts?
The answer to these questions makes a big impact on the type of implants most suitable for you. Having a good idea of your ideal aesthetic goals prior to a consultation with a plastic surgeon can help them make the best recommendations. It can even help to look at pictures of women with the rough figure you hope to achieve.
Keep an open mind, however. The cup size you think you want may not actually be flattering for your figure. It is important to consider other factors along the way and listen to the advice of a qualified medical professional.
Consider Your Body Type
Height, weight, shoulder and hip width, and more come into play when selecting breast implants. Ideally, you should pick implant sizes that are flattering to your specific figure. Petite women may benefit from smaller implants, for example, as anything too big may look unnatural.
Knowing your measurements ahead of time is important when it comes to choosing implants. Obviously, there is no perfect formula for determining implants based on the size of your hips and shoulders. Taste is somewhat subjective. However, knowing your general profile will certainly help inform your final decision. While you may think a specific implant size is ideal for you, you may realize – when you consider your full figure – you would prefer something a bit different.
Think About Your Lifestyle
It may surprise you, but your lifestyle does come into play when determining the right implant size. Things like your activity level and future plans can all impact the type of implant that is right for your body.
Are you athletic? Having larger breasts may interfere with rigorous exercises and cause discomfort.
Are you planning to lose weight in the future? Think about what your implants may look like with a slimmer, trimmer body overall. In fact, you may want to wait until you reach your goal weight before undergoing augmentation.
If you plan on having children, many plastic surgeons advise that you wait until after childbirth to undergo breast augmentation as your breasts may change after breastfeeding, often necessitating a revision for the optimal aesthetic result.
Should I Pick Saline Or Silicone Implants?
When it comes to implants, you generally have two choices: saline or silicone. Saline implants have an outer silicone shell that is inserted empty and then filled with sterile salt water. Silicone implants are also made with an outer silicone shell and come pre-filled with a cohesive silicone gel.
Both options come with pros and cons.
Saline implants are typically the less expensive option. However, many women find they feel somewhat unnatural and you may feel water sloshing under the surface, which can be uncomfortable.
Silicone implants feel much more like natural breasts and are available in more sizes and shapes, giving you more control over your final figure. However, silicone implants can also be more expensive than saline options.
Book A Consultation With A Plastic Surgeon
The best way to determine the right implant for your body type is to book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Choose a reputable, experienced surgeon who likely has years of experience helping women reach their aesthetic goals.
Come into your consultation having done some research so you have a rough idea of what you want. Bringing pictures of women whose figures you aspire towards can be helpful. Your surgeon can make recommendations based on what would be most flattering for your figure and help you achieve your desired look.
Choosing The Right Breast Implants: The Bottom Line
Breast implants can greatly improve your self-esteem and self-image, but the wrong implants can leave you feeling frustrated with the outcome. It is well worth your time to do your research, talk to a surgeon, and make sure you’re 100% comfortable with your implant choice ahead of time.
With a little diligence, you can have a positive experience with breast augmentation that leaves you looking and feeling your best.
Looking for a surgeon? Leif Rogers is an Ivy League-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon and a standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’re considering breast implants, get in touch here to schedule a consultation.
