What is the Most Common Breast Implant Size?
May 24, 2021
Due to unique bodies and goals, each patient has different expectations in mind when considering breast augmentation surgery. Some may want large and full breasts, while others want to correct asymmetry issues. No matter the reason for breast augmentation, the most popular question among patients is, “What is the most common breast implant size?”
There is a wide range of implant sizes available to accommodate diverse individual preferences, motives, and lifestyles. The numerous size options could seem overwhelming and could cause patients to wonder how to go about choosing what size is best for their body. Fortunately, there are other aspects of breast augmentation to consider that will guide you toward picking the best implant size for your body. Implant profile, implant type, existing breast tissue, and body type should all be factored in before the final decision on implant size. Obviously, your personal desires in terms of aesthetic outcome and what you are trying to accomplish are also considerations.
Most Common Breast Implant Sizes and How They Are Measured
Breast implant sizing is not as simple as bra sizing (i.e., A cup, B cup, C cup, etc.). Instead, implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc), which refers to the volume of filler they contain. The higher the number of cubic centimeters, the larger the implant. Implant sizes range all the way from 125cc to 1200cc.
The most common breast implant size is between 350cc to 500cc, which roughly translates to a small to large C cup. With this common breast implant size in mind, it is crucial to remember that the same size implant will not look the same on everybody. A 350cc implant may be too big for a petite body frame, but it could be perfect for a larger framed body. This is why it is important to consider implant profile, implant type, existing breast tissue, and body type before choosing an implant size.
Implant Profile
The implant profile refers to the dimension of the implant or how far the implant projects forward from the chest. If you are seeking a full and curvy look, then high-profile implants are for you. The narrower base of high-profile implants results in a ball shape that stands out more prominently than other implant profiles. To achieve more natural results, moderate-profile implants are a less dramatic option. They have a gentle slope and will appear more proportionate to one’s body type than high-profile implants. Low-profile implants benefit anyone searching for more fullness without seeming obviously enhanced. While they are the flattest profile, they still provide adequate volume. Patients seeking to fix asymmetry issues may find that low-profile implant size is right for them.
Implant Type
The implant type has to do with what material the implant is filled with, the two dominant types being silicone and saline. Silicone implants accounted for 90% of breast augmentation procedures performed in 2020, while saline implants accounted for the remaining 10%. There is no right or wrong answer between silicone and saline – both are FDA-approved and possess differing benefits.
Silicone implants are more popular compared to saline due to the fact that they are firmer and feel more natural. They are smooth and pre-filled with a thick, sticky gel that mimics natural breast tissue. The structural integrity of silicone implants has come a long way since the 90s, when there were concerns about the consequences of rupturing. The possible medical problems turned out to be unfounded.
Saline implants are inserted while empty, then filled with sterile saltwater. Since they are filled with water, they appear more fluid than silicone implants. Saline implants are a good option for patients who are concerned about the possibility of rupturing because the salt water would be absorbed into the body with little to no risk of harm.
The chance of implant rupturing greatly decreases if careful consideration is taken into all aspects of choosing the best implant size for your body.
Existing Breast Tissue
Natural breast measurements deserve high consideration when choosing a proper implant size. Suppose you naturally have a relatively large amount of breast tissue. In that case, a smaller implant may suffice in order to enhance what is already there while also creating fuller, perkier, rounder breasts. For bodies with minimal natural breast tissue, larger implants may be needed to achieve the desired look. Keep in mind that sufficient natural breast tissue is needed to cover the implants. As previously mentioned, breast augmentation surgery provides an opportunity to correct asymmetry issues. Some bodies require different-sized implants in each breast.
Body Type
Body frame plays a significant role in how different implant sizes look on each body type. Aside from appearing disproportionate on a petite body frame, too large of an implant size could cause unwanted back and neck strain. Avoid risk of short and long-term complications by choosing implants that your body can comfortably support. While the main goal of breast augmentation is to have bigger breasts, sometimes smaller implants are the better choice.
The most common breast implant size is between 350cc to 500cc. While it is okay to keep this common size range in mind, do not dismiss the other important elements that play into choosing the best implant size for you. Even if someone else has the exact same body type and measurements as you, different motivations or lifestyles could result in different breast implant sizes.
Whether you have decided on a breast implant size, or are still unsure, reach out to the experts at Perimeter Plastic Surgery in Atlanta today at (404)-255-0886. Scheduling a consultation is the most efficient way to address further questions or concerns about breast augmentation surgery. During a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Deutsch, measurements will be taken of your breast width and the distance between your sternal notch (the indentation above the breast bone) and nipple. These measurements will help determine the best size implant for you. Read more about the breast procedures we offer, and check out the breast implant before and after photos to get an idea of the size you are looking for.