Choosing the size of breast implants

Size does matter when it comes to breast augmentation.
When the long and hot summer days come around, so does the desire to show a little skin. Many women choose breast augmentation (aka mammoplasty) to improve the fit of clothing and/or enhance curves to increase confidence. Whether you seek a breast pick-me up or a larger transformation, the breast augmentation specialists at Clinique K, Dr. Karl Schwarz, have the technology and experience to help you select a breast implant size that is right for you. Clinique K founder Dr. Schwarz will walk you through the process.

First step: sample different sizes
When visiting the clinic for a breast augmentation consultation, patients can get a sneak peek at what their new breasts might look like using two different sizing techniques.  The first involves a special ‘sizing’ bra. “Within the bra, in front of the breasts, we place sizers to simulate what the breasts might look like with different implant volumes,” explains Dr. Schwarz. “Patients can then try on different sizes wearing different shirts in front of a mirror.” The different articles of clothing give a better sense of fit and proportion as well as a feel for the added weight.

Next: 3D imagery to visualize the end result
Using the implant sizers alone, patients already have a good idea of what breast implant size feels right. The second technique for choosing an implant is a 3D camera called Vectra. The Vectra camera takes a photo of the patients upper body and creates a 3D image on a computer screen. Dr. Schwarz will then click on different implant sizes and implant shapes and the image will morph into an approximation of what the patient should look like after surgery. ‘It’s a very useful tool,” says Dr. Schwarz. “Because patients really get a clear visual of the potential result.”

Caveat: One size does not fit all
“The 3D Vectra is also great at detecting small asymmetries,” explains Dr. Schwarz. “If a patient has one breast that’s a little bit bigger than the other, we can will quantify it.” The 3D imaging tool can quantify the number of CC’s or milliliters in each breast, which means you can balance out asymmetries by putting a slightly bigger implant on the smaller side.

Add-ons: What about a breast lift?
Now that the breast implant size has been chosen, add-on procedures can be considered. A common surgical coupling is a breast lift. A breast lift is recommended for patients who have saggy breasts or whose nipples may be too low. When performed in conjunction with breast augmentation, a lifting can result in ‘perkier’ breasts and improve the overall breast augmentation result.

A final note: How long do implants last?
“In the 80s and 90s, the recommendation was to change breast implants every ten years because the rupture rates were quite high.” explained Dr. Schwarz. ”Now rupture rates in the first ten years of an implant are only approximately 5%.”  In order to ensure long-term, top quality patient care, Clinique K schedules follow-up MRIs with each patient every five years to check each implant.

Are you interested in breast augmentation surgery? Schedule a consultation with the Clinique K team today.