How to pick size of implants

Went for my 4th month check up today and Dr. was very pleased with my tummy tuck results, said I still have swelling.  Also asked about breast implants and lift...my question is How did you guys decide on the size of the implants?  I am a very small B right now and I am thinking a full C or small D.  He told me about the rice test and to let him know what cc I came up with.  He said I would probably get 350-375 cc.  Silicone or Saline implants?  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Pam

The number one complaint from newly implanted women is that they wish they had gone bigger, so if you are thinking a D, I'd go a D. When I went from a B to a C, it was barely noticible after the swelling went down. My surgeon tried his best to talk me into going larger, but I did not listen. I wish I had, because if you are going to go through the trouble and expense of having implants, you might as well be able to tell a difference.

Ask your surgeon what he think would be best, too. Here's a free virtual tool that you can use by uploading a picture and trying on different sizes...

http://www.surgerymorph.com/john-bitner/

I just had bl/ba on Friday, after always being a bigger busted girl, I thought I would go smaller with a D, but hopefully what I am seeing now is just swelling because they feel huge.  My mom keeps asking me why I wanted them so big and I have been like,,,,,,,,,,d's aren't big, after being in triple ddd's for the last 10 years. 

As far as saline or silicone goes....I went with saline.  Silicone were $1000 higher, so that was a factor, but I also didn't see a need for spend the additional money.  I was told they are higher because the manufacturers still have to carry higer insurance on them because of the issues they have had with them.  In my opinion there is less risk with saline, if they leak it would be like just giving your body a drink of water.....definitely something I would get advice on and google.

I tried on several implant sizes with a bra under a tank top.  My PS did make suggestions so all would be proprotionate.  I got 525cc silicone under the muscle.  Very pleased with them.  I did not get a lift, not needed.  I had felt saline implants on a friend and they didnt feel natural at all.  Like bags of water.  Mine are very natural feeling.

Sue C:  Can I ask what size you were before and what size you are now?

Pam-
I was a 36B before RNY but then lost most of that when lost weight.  I am a 38C now.  I look so much better with this size than I did before.  Never had much to offer, lol.

There is a lot of info on the JustBreastImplants website http://www.justbreastimplants.com/size/

One thing that really surprised me was that so many women pick a particular size implant and that's what they want, period. I wouldn't be comfortable with that. There are too many variables such as how much breast tissue you are starting with, the shape of your chest, etc. I printed off some pics that had the look I want to achieve, and asked the doctor what he recommended to get me there. He's the one with the expertise. I want them proportionate to my body, not too close together, not too far apart, more natural looking than fake - not looking like you glued basketballs to your chest, etc. I tried on the sizers at his office and I think I will like what he suggested. I'm leaning a tad towards bigger than smaller, but not by much. Now I just have to wait till it's my day!

Several ways to determine ideal breast implant size for a patient, and my opinions (based on both good and bad experiences)


Agree on cup size you desire: helpful but limited as cup sizes vary from bra to bra, and also vary as the chest diameter changes.  I.e. volume of a 38D cup is not same as 32D cup.
 
Use words like "big" or "full but not fake-looking" :  terrible way to determine size because your surgeons definition of those terms may be way off from your definition !

Rice test:: difficult to do at home accurately because of baggie shape. Kinda messy too.

Look at photos on internet helpful in determining what general look you want, but the patients height/weight/frame makes direct comparison very hard esp. in terms of size.

Bring photos to docs office as above, but airbrushed playboy models and Victoria's Secret superbabes are just not like most normal people and often not a realistic goal.  Hard to explain to my 8yo son that those magazines are "for daddy's work."

Try on implant sizers: this technique, done with a non-padded bra you want to fit in after surgery and a fitted top in the presence of a trusted friend/signif. other AND your surgeon works best.  Also required are a note pad and pen for surgeon to take notes and explain any limitations in the choices you make so you can tightly define an exact numerical range of implant you will receive.

I agree with your suggestion of taking the bra you wish to fill and a trusted friend/significant other.
I had an initial consult and thought I like the size of the 330. I do not want to go too big. I had that and it was inhibiting in many of my activities. I currently wear a 36 D because of all the excess skin and sag. This is the size I want to fill after surgery. This size suits my body shape and size and lifestyle.  How would you suggest finding the correct size in this situation?

Having a longer breast with a lot of skin that you have to "roll up" to get in a bra will make the breast (as defined by bra/cup size) seem bigger than it is.  You can still "try on" implant sizers wearing the bra you want.

Your surgeon also needs to estimate how much of your breast is actual tissue vs. excess skin, and can provide further guidance for you.

Avoiding an implant that's too heavy is important also.  I will sometimes "cap" the max size I think a patient can hold to avoid re-sagging  early on. This all depends on skin quality, your age, and stretchiness of the skin.