When a patient chooses to undergo breast augmentation, one of the most important decisions is the breast implant size. Many patients’ first question during a consultation with a plastic surgeon is, “What size breast implants should I get?”
Some patients arrive at surgical clinics with a breast size number already in mind. There is the possibility that the implant size they’ve pre-selected may not provide optimal results. The patient’s anatomy and tissue integrity affect long-term outcomes.
For decades, breast augmentation surgery focused primarily on implant size and placement. But a growing movement among plastic surgeons is shifting attention toward preserving the patient’s natural breast tissue.
In Austin, plastic surgeon Dr. Rocco Piazza is among a small group of physicians adopting this new approach. “Historically, breast augmentation has been about the implant,” says Dr. Piazza. “But the future of breast surgery is really about protecting and preserving the patient’s natural tissue.”
Breast Implant Size Calculator and Chart: More Than a Number
It’s not uncommon for breast implant patients to study a breast implant size chart or use a breast implant size calculator when trying to decide which size they want. However, these tools don’t account for important variables that surgeons are aware of, but patients may not be.
These include:
- Chest wall width
- Existing breast tissue
- Skin elasticity
- Lifestyle and activity level
- Long-term tissue support
Instead of encouraging patients to “size up,” some surgeons champion a comprehensive tissue preservation philosophy. Dr. Rocco Piazza, of The Piazza Center in Austin, Texas, is an early adopter of next-generation breast aesthetics.
He took the initiative to travel to Costa Rica for advanced training, officially integrating the tissue-preserving Motiva Preservé technique into his Austin practice. This philosophy is about choosing an implant that matches the patient’s body and biology to enhance their shape, balance, and proportions.
What Size Breast Implants Should I Get? Why Bigger Isn’t Better
Patients sometimes want to increase their implant size to a point where their anatomy can’t safely support their enhanced breasts. This common phenomenon is sometimes referred to by surgeons as “breast greed.” Though it is understandable why some patients may want to opt for a larger breast size for personal reasons, oversized implants can have a negative impact on a patient’s body.
These negative effects can be:
- Premature sagging
- Tissue thinning
- Implant malposition
- Increased need for revision surgery
The role of a skilled plastic surgeon is to help their patients achieve a balance between their body enhancement goals, their anatomy, and tissue integrity.
Breast Implant Size Selection: The Role of Tissue Preservation
There are two traditional breast augmentation procedures: subglandular/subfascial (above the muscle) and submuscular (below the muscle). Each approach has benefits and limitations that affect appearance, recovery, and long-term support.
Implants placed above the muscle have shorter recovery times, but have a higher risk of visible rippling. They can sometimes cause issues with natural tissue support. Implants that are inserted under the muscle have a more natural look, but take longer to heal and cause the patient more discomfort.
Breast Tissue Preservation, often performed using the Motiva Preservé technique, is a new method that is a combination of both traditional methods and is used by Dr. Piazza at his clinic. This technique preserves the integrity of the breast’s tissues and uses its natural structure to “cradle and hold” the Motiva implants in place.
The advantages of this approach are:
- Better long-term support of the implant
- More natural movement and feel
- Reduced trauma to the surrounding tissue
- Faster recovery timelines
The benefit of this method is that the implant size fits the preserved tissues, which results in the breasts not only looking better after the procedure, but continuing to appear natural as the patient ages.
Why Customization Matters More Than Trends for Breast Implant Size Selection
A patient who is interested in breast augmentation should have a personalized consultation with a plastic surgeon to determine the implant size that will best fit their desired aesthetic and their body.
Factors that are taken into account when selecting a breast implant include:
- Shoulder and hip proportions
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Desired level of subtlety vs. enhancement
- Professional and lifestyle considerations
At The Piazza Center, choosing the right implant is a collaboration between the patient and the surgeon. A decision based on the surgeon’s expertise will have the best results, ensuring the patient receives breasts that will sit naturally on their frame and achieve their personal goals.