How to choose the right size of breast implants

This article has been reviewed and approved by Chief Medical and Aesthetic Surgeon Dr. Ali Bagher on March 7, 2024.

Knowing what size breast implant to choose is a difficult question that many people ask themselves before surgery. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to try out different implants and sizes, but it's a good idea to consider a few key points. 

There are many different breast implants to choose from. They vary in size, design, profile and texture, among other things. Some are higher in profile and others are lower, some are wide and others are more delicate in design.

The size of the breast implants you choose depends, among other things, on the result you want, what suits your anatomy and what the goal of the breast augmentation is. Do you want your breasts to be bigger than before, or is your goal to get your original bust back after pregnancy? Are both of your natural breasts currently the same size and how will the new breasts fit into your everyday life? The latter may sound like a strange question, but the truth is that the size of breast implants can affect your personal style of dress, your activities such as exercise and sports, and your back. 

What is cc and what is its importance?

When choosing breast implants, you will come across the term 'cc'. This is an abbreviation for cubic centimeter and is a way of explaining the different sizes of the implant. Simply put, 100 cc is the same as 100 ml. This makes it easier for you to get an idea of the different sizes of the implant.

What size breast implant is right for me?

It will be easier to get an idea of the exact size of the breast implants you choose when you come for your consultation with one of our surgeons. You can also see and feel different implants to familiarize yourself with the sizes.

But there are already ways you can test the waters. One tip is to look at before and after pictures of previous breast surgeries and read which cc was used for each.

Another trick is to fill ordinary plastic bags with something to imitate the correct size. You simply fill freezer bags with the ml (cc) that you are interested in and then place the bags under a tight sweater. You can fill them with rice or water, for example. This does not give a 100% accurate picture of the final result, but you can get an idea of the different sizes of the implant before your consultation.

Can I change my choice of breast implant size?

Breast augmentation is a permanent procedure and there are two ways to proceed if you regret the size of your implants. If you want to change the size before your surgery, you can always let your surgeon know. However, if you regret the choice after the surgery has taken place, you will have to undergo another surgery and replace your previous implants. It is best for your body if you feel completely satisfied with your decision before the surgery. The most common sizes used are between 250-600 cc, but other variations exist and there are both smaller and larger implants to choose from.

Size of breast implants: summary

In short, the most important thing when choosing a breast implant size is that you feel comfortable and satisfied with the result. We are all different and have different preferences. There will never be an exact formula for what size is right for you based on your measurements, but it's just as much about what you think looks good. For some, a small magnification is enough, while others want the effect to be more prominent. We as surgeons can guide you based on our expertise, but we can't tell you what looks best - you know best.

Want to know more about which breast implants would suit you best? Contact us here or book a consultation with a surgeon to discuss your options. We are happy to answer your questions.