If you wish your breasts were larger, want to restore uneven or lopsided breasts, are tired of drooping or sagging breasts that have lost volume or desire an enhanced feminine physique, breast implants may be the solution for you. Once you weigh the pros and cons, research the financial costs and have found the right surgeon for your procedure, the next obvious question should be, “how do I know what size breast implant is right for me?”

When choosing the right breast implant size for you it is critical to consider a few factors including your body measurements, your desired size and the characteristics of your breasts, breast tissue and breast wall to facilitate the proper implant. Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters, which is why you will notice implant sizing is referred to as cc. You may be surprised to learn that bra cup size is not an accurate method of measuring breast size because sizing standards vary among manufacturers. The most reliable at-home test for determining breast implant size is the rice test. Widely regarded as one of the most closely accurate as well as popular ways to determine breast implant size, the rice test is reliable and easy. You will need the following: uncooked rice, a food scale or measuring cup, an old pair of pantyhose or plastic baggies and a fitted sports bra or a regular bra in your goal size. Take an old pair of pantyhose or nylon stockings and cut off a 12-inch strip (plastic baggies can be substituted and may seem easier but the nylon material will provide a more natural, comfortable feel). Tie a small knot at one end. Measure out the uncooked rice and fill the pantyhose strip, then tie off the other end. Repeat. If using a food scale, 1 ounce of rice is equivalent to 30 cc. If using a measuring cup, 1/8 of a cup is equal to 30 cc and 1 cup of rice is equal to 263 cc. While the at-home rice test provides a rough guideline, it should not be your only source for deciding on an implant size because implants are placed underneath the muscles and as much as 15% of what you may account for in the rice test will be “lost” under the pectoral muscle’s compression of the implant.

Choosing the appropriate implant size for your body is particularly important as upward of 41% of breast revision surgeries are performed on women who wanted to change their chosen implant size. Painful and invasive surgeries can be avoided by choosing the best-fitting implant the first go-round. An in-office sizing session with your surgeon is the best way to test out various implant materials and sizes. Some surgeons even offer computer imaging technology to assist patients in predicting their results. David W. Allison, MD is dedicated to providing aesthetic and plastic surgery services that help make you look and feel more beautiful than ever. To learn more about breast augmentation surgery, contact us by calling 703-754-8228 or request a consultation at this link WEBSITE.