There’s a lot to consider when you’re thinking about breast augmentation surgery. Beyond the “yes” or “no” decision to have the surgery in the first place, you also need to decide between silicone or saline implants, the shape of the implants, and perhaps most importantly, their size.
Depending on who you ask, some people might say that there’s no way to ever go “too big” when it comes to implants. Plastic surgeons who specialize in breast surgery usually have a different opinion, however. While augmentation is intended to add volume to small breasts and increase patients’ confidence, breasts that are too large come with their own set of issues.
Although it’s possible to go too big when it comes to implant size, what’s “too big” for one person might be just right for another. There’s a lot to think about and many factors that influence the perfect implant size for each patient.
How Big is “Too Big”?
The million dollar question: When it comes to implant size, how big is too big? That it all depends on your height, frame, and your personal preferences.
Implant size is all relative. Implants with a volume of 400 ccs might look massive on a woman who’s barely five feet tall and weighs in at under 100 pounds. But they might be just right for a woman who’s six feet tall and 175 pounds, with a wide chest and broad shoulders.
The proper implant size for each person is largely based on proportions. Just as having small breasts can make some areas of the body more visible, like a tummy pooch or wide hips and thighs, too-big implants can also accentuate flaws. Some women opt for very over-sized implants, only to realize that their larger breasts widen their chests or make them look overweight. They end being top-heavy and don’t attain their desired hourglass figure.
What Can Happen If Your Implants Are Too Big?
Implants that are oversized don’t just interfere with the body’s aesthetic proportions. They can also cause other problems. For example, exceedingly large implants add a considerable amount of weight to the chest. That extra weight can lead to back or shoulder pain. In fact, this extra weight is often the main reason that some women who naturally have large breasts seek out breast reduction.
Implants that are large can also get in the way of everyday life. They can make it difficult to be physically active, as they can cause discomfort when running or jumping. While a moderate increase in breast size can often make it easier for women to find clothing that fits or to fill out tops, implants that are too large in comparison to the rest of a woman’s size and shape can make clothes (not to mention bra) shopping a nightmare.
Depending on the amount of breast tissue a woman naturally has, it’s also possible for very large implants to be visible beneath the surface of the skin. The implants might cause rippling or stretch marks in the skin. In some cases, very large implants speed up the rate at which the breasts sag or droop. The distortion in the natural breast tissue caused by excessively sized implants can also increase the risk for complications such as capsular contracture.
Choosing the Right Sized Implant for You
When choosing an implant size, it’s best to play it safe and stick with a size that works for your body shape and height. If you are petite and have a narrow chest, it’s better to stick with smaller implants. Women who are taller or who have broader chests might find that larger implants are more appropriate.
In some cases, your activity level can also influence your choice of implant size. For example, if you’re very active and also happen to be tall or broad-chested, you might prefer a modest or subtle augmentation rather than getting very large implants.
If you’re still not sure what size is right for you or if what you think you want is too big, you can try out sizers before you commit to surgery. Sizers will give you a fairly accurate idea of what to expect from a particular implant size. The benefit of sizers is that you can always choose to try out something smaller or larger if the option you chose doesn’t end up working for you.
Having breast surgery can help you feel more confident in your appearance, but getting the size right matters. In Houston, Texas, Dr. Paul Vitenas, a board certified plastic surgeon, can help you get a sense of what type and implant size is right for you. To learn more about your implant options, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.
