If you are considering breast augmentation, size matters. Every day in my Walnut Creek cosmetic plastic surgery practice I get asked. “What breast implant volume is right for me?” While it’s a simple questions, there is no simple answer. The correct answer comes from a thoughtful discussion of goals, an objective measurement of the body and a dash of art.

Factors to consider before breast augmentation are: desired breast size, location of scar, location of implant, type of implant, the chest wall anatomy and of course the natural breast tissue, Additional information can also be found on DrMele.com. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can help you with the options. This blog post concentrates on the most subjective of these aspects, the size.

There is no textbook answer when it comes to choosing breast size. There are formulas and graphs of breast volumes and dimensions; however, there is no table which translates your current dimensions and desired size into the “correct” implant. Certain rules of thumb do apply, and these can guide the selection of an appropriate implant.

A wise family practice doctor once told me, “If you listen to your patient they will tell you what is wrong.” It may seem too simple, but the most import question I can ask if you are considering breast enlargement is, “What size would you like to be?” By carefully listening the the answer I can learn the range of results desired. Most patients are looking to increase their bust one or two cups sizes. Some are seeking to restore volume lost during pregnancy or weight loss. Others are seeking what nature has not provided. What ever your motivation, it is important to think about the desired size and be honest with your response.

Trial the size. Play with it. Go bigger. Go smaller. Get a bra that is the desired cup size and try it on. Pad it out and wear it. Get used to the size. See what clothing works best. In this way you will learn what truely makes sense for you.

I encourage you to then bring the result with you to your consultation appointment. If you are using a Ziplock® full of rice to stuff your goal bra, bring it in. If you see a picture of a bust that looks good to you, bring it in. If you see before and after pictures that apply, bring them in.

Most my patients are looking for a proportionate result. Something that matches their body — often plus but occasionally minus a little bit. It is important that you are comfortable with the size, because this a a big step towards the ultimate goal, which is for you to be comfortable with the result of your breast augmentation. A little homework can really help get you where you want to be.