By Abigail Aaronson

One of the primary concerns for women who are considering breast augmentation is what size of implants to opt for. Since this surgery is a life-changing process, the possibility of going too big or too small is the cause of much agonizing for most women.

The first thing to remember is that breast implant sizes are not evaluated the way bra sizes are. While a 36C bra made by one manufacturer can be the same as a 34B bra made by another, implants are based on cubic centimeters or cc(s), depending on how much volume of saline or silicone is used to fill the implant.

While your bra size is an important factor in deciding how big or small you want to go, be prepared for your surgeon to discuss size in terms of cc(s). Most doctors will recommend that you have a general idea of the aesthetic look you want to achieve and compare before and after pictures of women with a similar body type and frame before you decide how big or small your size should be.

If you have friends who’ve had augmentation surgery ask them about sizes and how they decided on theirs. Another way to get an idea is to ask around on online communities and forums where women display photos of their results with their exact measurements before and after surgery. Find out how many cc(s) they used and whether it was saline or silicone. You can also get recommendations for plastic surgeons who can give you the look you want.

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There are a few tricks you can use to help you make that decision right in the comfort of your home. The rice technique uses pantyhose or old stockings, to create pouches filled with rice. These pouches are then inserted into a bra of the size you hope to wear after surgery. A general guideline to follow when performing the rice test is to use the quantities here to simulate cc(s).

* 1 cup of rice generally equals 236 cc

* 1/2 cup of rice generally equals 118 cc

* 1/4 cup of rice generally equals 59 cc

Wearing these pouches gives you an idea of how your new breasts will look and feel. Although most women use rice to simulate the added weight of the implants, you can also use oatmeal or potato flakes as a filling. Implants are available in sizes from 125 to 1200 cc, which is the largest legal size allowed. However, the most popular options range from 350 to 450 cc.

Using the guidelines above, you can experiment by increasing or decreasing the quantity of rice in the pouches. Keep testing to see how much is too big, too small or just right for you. Wear the pouches day and night around the house and under your clothes to see how they look and feel in daily wear.

If the rice test is not for you, invest in a professional sizing kit containing a bra with special pockets for gel implants. This is available for around $50 and will give you an estimate that is very close to what your surgeon will tell you. Another DIY option is to stuff a bra with old socks. Women have used this for generations, but it’s not an exact method, and you would have to take the socks in to the surgeon’s office during your consultation.

When choosing your size, keep in mind that your breast skin will be stretched over the new implants, so there’s a limit to how big you can go. When in doubt, its better to go bigger than smaller, because one of the primary reasons for breast revisions is that women want to go bigger. Your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation, so you should voice your concerns right there.

Choosing a doctor is also important to the outcome of your augmentation procedure. You need to research a number of doctors and make sure your plastic surgeon is certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and also trained by Allergan or Mentor, the primary manufacturers of breast implants.

Also make sure your surgeon shares your aesthetic goals or you may end up unsatisfied with your size. Some doctors prefer the natural look, while others will allow you to choose the fake look, if that’s what you want. While there is no way to guarantee that your decision on size will turn out to be right for you, keeping all these suggestions in mind will help you make an informed choice.

About the Author: If you’re researching the right surgeon for your breast augmentation, Hagerstown MD will help you explore your enhancement options and create a surgical plan that offers the beautiful results you seek. Visit the website at

plasticsurgeryservices.net

to schedule a consultation.

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