Breast implant sizes: a comprehensive guide
Here is a comprehensive guide on breast implant sizes and how to come to a decision with your surgeon about the right volume according to your anatomy and preferences. Practical advice for choosing implants.
How the size of a breast implant is measured
The size of a breast implant is measured in millilitres or cubic centimetres (cc), indicating the volume of the implant. The higher the number of cc, the larger the breast augmentation will be.
However, it will all depend on the breast implant chosen by the surgeon and in line with the patient’s wishes. Choosing between round, anatomical and conical implants, an exclusive shape from the Silimed manufacturer, and the different projections can provide different results, adapting to each woman’s expectations.
However, the end bra size that a women obtains not only depends on the volume, but also their anatomy, body proportions and type of implant.
Breast implant measurement units: millilitres (ml) and sizes
Breast implants are manufactured in volumes that range from approximately 140 cc to 700 cc. However, their conversion to bra sizes isn’t universal: it can vary depending on the lingerie manufacturer and each patient’s anatomy.1
Factors that affect breast implant size choice
Anatomy and body proportions
The ideal size depends on the width of the chest, the amount of breast tissue prior to augmentation and the elasticity of the skin. In narrow torsos, moderate volumes can appear larger than in wide torsos.
One of the goals behind Silimed’s BioDesign range of breast implants is to make the implant adapt to the woman’s body and not the other way round.
Aesthetic goals and patient expectations
Some patients seek a natural result that blends well while others prefer increased volume and projection. Both goals are valid, provided that they meet the patient’s physical and medical characteristics.
Implant type: round or anatomical
- Round implants: bringing fullness to the upper pole of the breast, they are ideal for a more pronounced, voluminous cleavage.
- Anatomical implants: these offer a more natural result, imitating the physiological fall of the breast.
Breast implant size comparison
The size of the implant directly impacts the aesthetic result and suitability with the patient’s lifestyle.
One issue is the comparison between sizes (volumes) and the other, which also affects the size of the breast implants, relates to the implant projections (as Silimed offers four different projections).
Studies published in scientific literature discuss and demonstrate and importance of the correct choice of breast implant shapes according to patients’ biotype, as this can define beauty, harmony and the balance of proportions.2
The desire to obtain good results and patient satisfaction after inserting the breast implant has motivated plastic surgeons to find the most suitable product and the best way of using it.
One recent study highlights that the type and volume of the implant inserted during surgery did not affect patient satisfaction.3
Factors affecting the shape of the implant according to the proportion
Genetics is one of the factors impacting the definition of a biotype that often has specific characteristics.2
One of the most important factors is the pre-operative selection of the breast implant: certain critical parameters of each patient’s breast tissue need to be addressed in order to obtain the best results and to avoid the risk of complications.4
Parameters such as the characteristics of the tissue, breast pocket, chest, the implant, its dimensions and the dynamics of its volume distribution are essential to consider so that they do not affect the aesthetic results or lead to complications, re-operations or go against the patient’s wishes in regard to breast size in relation to the individual characteristics.4
How to choose the right size according to lifestyle and preferences
- Very active women often prefer moderate volumes to avoid any inconvenience.
- Those who want a marked cleavage can opt for larger volumes.
- In any case, the key is to look for a balance between aesthetics, health and functionality.
Tips and recommendations when choosing the size of your implant
Prior consultations with the plastic surgeon
The surgeon’s selection and accompaniment is essential in making a decision about the best size of implant. During the consultation, the patient’s anatomy, lifestyle and expectations are assessed.
Testing with a trial implant or sizers
The use of external implant simulators or 3D simulations makes it possible to visualise how different sizes, shapes and projections will look before the surgery, making it easier to make a safer, more realistic decision.
Conclusion:
Breast implant sizes don’t have a universal equivalent to bra sizes. One particular volume can provide different results depending on the patient’s anatomy, each woman’s goals and the shape-projection combination of the breast implant.
The best choice is one that blends in with the patient’s body, lifestyle and personal expectations. With guidance from your plastic surgeon and the use of high-quality implants, every woman can find the size that reflects her own particular essence and confidence.
Silimed has already helped over 3 million women worldwide to fulfil their dreams.
- Shankar, A., & Moyer, K. E. (2023). Understanding Variation in Bra Cup Sizing Among Leading Manufacturers. Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, 6(2), ojad107. doi:10.1093/asjof/ojad107. Disponible en: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39623226/
- Bozola, A. R., Longato, F. M., & Bozola, A. P. (2011). Geometric analysis of the shapes of beautiful breasts and breast implants based on the golden ratio (Phi): practical application. Revista Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, 26(1), 94–103.
- Jørgensen, M. G., Hemmingsen, M. N., Larsen, A., Weltz, T. K., Strålman, K. B., Andersen, P. S., Sarmady, F. N., Toyserkani, N. M., Herly, M., & Elberg, J. J. (2023). Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction With Breast Augmentation: A BREAST-Q Effect of Magnitude Analysis. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 43(11), NP835–NP843. https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjad204. Disponible en: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37378533/
- Tebbetts, J. B. (2002). A system for breast implant selection based on patient tissue characteristics and implant-soft tissue dynamics. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 109(4), 1396–1409; discussion 1410–1415. doi:10.1097/00006534-200204010-00030. PMID: 11964998.
