Can I go up a single cup size with breast augmentation?
Just like fashion trends change, what is popular in terms of breast augmentation also changes with the times. Recently, my Richmond plastic surgery practice has seen an uptick in women asking for smaller breast implants for an increase of about one cup size (sometimes called a “mini boob job”).
Despite the commonly-held belief that breast implants are only used to achieve a full, maximal breast size, it is completely acceptable and even normal to choose a smaller size of breast implant. To help you understand why less is sometimes more, today I’ll explain more about the process of choosing the best breast implants for your body.
How we choose breast implant size
Implants range in volume from about 100cc to 800cc, and while 300cc - 400cc are common choices, you should choose implants based on your body and desired outcome. Implant size does not affect the cost of breast augmentation or your recovery: it’s a personal decision that should be made based on your body, your lifestyle, and the look you have in mind.
In your sizing session, rather than starting with an average sized implant, we start by discussing the overall “look” you’re going for. A typical starting place is something like “I want to fill out my swimsuit,” or “I want my chest to look proportional with my hips,” or “I want more fullness in my upper breasts.” We will then look at before and after photos of patients whose anatomy is similar to yours to further narrow down the size range.
After we’ve come to an understanding of the look you desire, I will measure your breast base and examine your overall proportions. This helps me to recommend a specific range of appropriate implant sizes for your figure and your goals. You will also be able to handle real implants to get a sense of how they feel and “try on” different implants with sizers.
The benefits of a smaller breast implants
Patients often choose a more modest breast augmentation with smaller implants because they are concerned about their breasts’ shape or symmetry, and only desire as much of a boost as is necessary to achieve their desired contours. There is no wrong reason for choosing modestly-sized breast implants, and there are also lifestyle factors that may lead you to gravitate toward them. Here are some of the reasons my patients choose breast implants in the lower cc ranges:
1. A more natural look that also ages well
Smaller implants can create a more natural, subtle look, so that others won’t be able to tell you’ve had breast augmentation. Choosing a smaller implant can also help your breast implants to not just look but feel more natural, as smaller implants will be better concealed and cushioned by your natural tissues.
While breast implants are not intended to last a lifetime, you will likely have yours for many years to come, and more modest implants can serve you better in the long-term. That’s because smaller implants weigh less, put less of a strain on your tissues, and are less likely to exacerbate breast sagging over time. A more modest size increase is more fashion-neutral over time, as well.
2. More comfort for an active lifestyle
If you are active, small breast implants are less likely to make workouts, running, tennis, and other sports uncomfortable or to interfere with your athletic performance. My patients who are bodybuilders, runners, athletes, or simply devoted to a healthy and active lifestyle tend to choose smaller breast implants.
3. A small implant can still improve contours & help correct asymmetry
You will see improved contours, more cleavage, better upper pole fullness (if desired), and a subtle “lift” with breast implants, and even small-volume breast augmentation can achieve these improvements. If you have minimal post-pregnancy sagging, a small implant may be all it takes to correct a deflated appearance and restore your breasts’ fullness. And if one of your primary goals in seeking breast augmentation is to correct asymmetry, you may want to choose the smallest possible implants that can still achieve this goal.
What size breast implants do I need to go up one cup size?
The volume of breast implant needed to increase 1 cup size varies widely for two reasons: (1) the variation in each individual’s body proportions and (2) how much a “cup size” means based on the bra you are using. You may hear that 150 cc’s in breast implant volume equals one cup, and it does for some women. But for petite women, or those with wider chests, this simply isn’t the case because the volume is spread over a different breast base width.
During your consultation, I will help you choose an implant volume that, based on your breast base measurement and anatomy, creates your desired boost. I’ll also help you understand whether you require low, medium, or high profile implants (“profile” refers to the amount of projection the implant has) and why these choices matter.
The good news is, thanks to our in-office process for implant sizing, you do not need to have a breast implant size in mind when you arrive for your consultation. Instead, simply save any before and after photos you like, and file away “wish pics” that catch your eye. These, along with a detailed conversation, will be useful in helping to determine which implants will achieve your desired look.
Choose Richmond board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos
If you are looking for a breast augmentation specialist in the Richmond area, schedule your consultation with Dr. Sharline Aboutanos by calling 804.355.3410 or contacting our practice online. With over a decade of experience as a cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgeon, Dr. Aboutanos has the skills, safety, and expertise to help you look and feel your best.