What Do You Want To Change?

It is important to understand the goals of breast augmentation and to make sure Joseph T Cruise, MD understands what you want. Think about whether or not you want your new breasts to be subtle or dramatic or somewhere in-between. A subtle augmentation varies from geographical region to geographical region. Breast augmentations are somewhat larger in warmer climates. What do you want your cleavage to look like? Some women want their breasts to be very close together and others don't mind a gap. Read about Joseph T Cruise, MD's Breast Augmentation Philosophy and the Physical Exam to understand more about determining the look you want.

It is helpful to bring a picture to your consultation of the type of breasts that you like. Be sure to choose someone with a similar body type as yours. Things to look for are:

SIZE

Implants sizes are measured in cubic centimeters or (cc). One ounce is about 30 cc, therefore, a 12 oz can of Coke is close to 360 cc.

Below is a chart that will give you an idea of what a woman close to her ideal body weight can expect from augmentation based on the size of the implant. The categories are broken up into Subtle and Dramatic. Remember, subtle and dramatic are subjective but it at least gives you an idea.

Height	Size of Implant
	Subtle	Dramatic
5'0" -5'3"	<240cc	>350cc
5'3"-5'6"	<280cc	>400cc
5'6"-5'9"	<320cc	>450cc
5'9'-6'0"	<360cc	>500cc

Women who are thinner must subtract volume. Likewise, heavier women must add volume to the above general guidelines.

Another variable is skin laxity. These volumes are based on youthful skin. If you have saggy breasts or have been pregnant then larger volumes may be necessary. You should read the section on Breast Lift as well.

SHAPE

The shape of the breast that you wish to achieve is dependent on your physique. The most common shape of breast implants, either saline or silicone, is round. The second, not as commonly used, is anatomic.

Round

This implant is by far the most common. As the name suggests, the implant is round. Therefore, it can never be improperly rotated. This implant is ideal for any woman.

Round Saline Implant

Standard saline breast implant specifications

Round Saline Implant Shape

Anatomic

This implant is best for tall, thin women who want more vertical height than width to their breasts. It is taller than it is wide. It is not as common as round because it has the potential to rotate and be positioned sideways.

Anatomic Saline Implant

Anatomic Saline Implant Shape

PROFILE

Profile of an implant - there are three types of implant profiles: low, moderate and high. Each of them is used accordingly to patient's physique as well as desired look.

Low Profile - is used on patients who either have wider chest or are looking for a very natural look. This implant has the widest base and the least projection.

Moderate Profile - this is the most commonly used implant. It fits almost all patients. If a patient chooses a size of implant that is appropriate for her body type a moderate implant is used.

High Profile - this implant is used on patients with relatively narrow chest who desire large breasts and would like to avoid the lateral fullness. This implant has the most narrow base and the most projection.

SALINE VS. SILICONE

Saline implants are currently the most common. Saline implant has a silicone shell but it is filled with salt water. In an event of rupture the fluid gets absorbed by the body and is totally harmless. Implant should be exchanged within 2-4 weeks to avoid closure of the capsule.

Silicone implants have a more gel-like consistency. They are less likely to show rippling and irregularities. They are recommended in patients with little natural breast tissue. Silicone implants may have a higher rate of capsular contracture (getting firm) than saline.