Generally, one misconception about breast implants is that the bigger the size, the better. However, the ‘go big or go home’ maxim isn’t suitable when it comes to breast augmentation. Not all women are fit for larger breast implant sizes. A breast implant that is too big for the body may bring a lot of drawbacks, ranging from potential back and neck strains to capsular contracture.
If you’re among those eyeing to undergo breast augmentation, here are a few things to remember before going for the biggest breast implants.
How big is too big?
Bodies come in different sizes. Hence, the appropriate breast size varies from person to person. Likewise, what may be deemed excessively large differ from one individual to another.
To tell whether breast implants are too big in a person, various factors must be considered. These include the person’s body proportions, such as height, weight, chest width, hip measurement, and current breast shape.
Aside from the body proportions, the person’s breast tissue characteristics are also a concern since there must be enough breast tissue to accommodate a larger implant.
The person’s lifestyle also serves as a crucial factor. Larger breasts may hinder or put an additional burden on one who actively participates in strenuous activities.
Going for double D breasts, for example, may already be too big for a small, petite person, but it may just be the right size for another who has broader body frames. In the same way, a D cup may appear visually appealing to your friend, but the same size may create a whole different impression when applied to you. The dramatic appeal of C cup vs D cup also varies from person to person.
As an experienced plastic surgeon, Aldo Guerra, M.D., can help you determine the best implant options that will best fit your lifestyle and proportions.
Breast implant size is measured by volume in milliliters or “cc’s.” Breast implant sizes go from 100cc to 800cc, but most women choose something in the 300cc to 500cc range.
What are the possible effects of getting bigger breast implants?
Aside from the risk of looking unnatural and disproportionate on your body, getting excessively large breast implants may also cause you the following:
- Physical strain on the body, back, neck, and shoulder pain
Going for large breast implants may cause muscle strain, especially on your back, neck, and shoulder. This is particularly the case for people with petite or small body frames. Generally, breast implant sizes are measured in cc or cubic centimeters of liquid volume. A one-cup-size increase alone already equates to 130 to 150 cc. That is about .80 pounds. Therefore, if you have A-cup breasts and want to have B-cup breasts, that already amounts to an additional weight of approximately 1.38 pounds. The numbers are even heavier when one goes for larger sizes, such as DD breasts. Over time, this excess weight can put undue pressure on your muscles, thereby causing back and neck pain. - Nipple numbness
Nipple numbness is a common side effect of breast augmentation. This temporary loss of sensation in your nipple area is due to the disruption of nerve endings caused by the incisions during the surgery. Eventually, such numbness will subside as your nerves regenerate. However, the size of your implant may affect the degree and extent of such numbness. Since larger implants naturally require more dissection, this follows that there is a higher chance of nipple numbness and such loss of sensation might last longer compared to when one opts to get smaller mentor implants. - Bottoming out
Bottoming out refers to a kind of breast implant displacement. Specifically, it occurs when the implant falls below the breast fold, resulting in the breasts looking uneven or asymmetric. Different factors may contribute to this complication. Getting too large or heavy implants may increase the risk of bottoming out as they may be too heavy for the tissues in the body to support. - Breast implant rippling
Breast implant rippling is when the folds and wrinkles of the breast implants become noticeable on the skin. Similar to the previous item, rippling can be caused by various factors, such as when there is insufficient breast tissue or when the implants are too large.
Benefits of smaller breast implants
- Shorter recovery period
- More natural and proportionate look
- Less scarring
- Fewer stretch marks
- More suitable for an active lifestyle
- Less possibility of gaining unwanted attention
- Lower risks of complications
Drawbacks of smaller breast implants
- May not be sufficient to achieve your aesthetic goals
Go big or go small? Making the right decision
When it comes to breast augmentation, sizes do matter. Whether to go big or go small is a concern that demands a clear and well-defined answer. A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon is necessary to map out your desired results. Preference alone is not enough. A thorough examination of your body and lifestyle is also essential.
Dr. Aldo Guerra is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience. He can introduce you to suitable implant options. You may call us at (480) 568-2523 to make an appointment with Guerra Plastic Surgery Center.
