Choosing Implant Size with Breast Augmentation in North Carolina*

It is always a challenge to determine the appropriate implant size and profile to achieve the desired goal in breast augmentation. There are numerous techniques to arrive at the ideal choice. Much of it depends on the patient's anatomy and to some degree, plastic surgeons use a detailed formula which includes breast measurements, estimate of soft tissue volume and implant characteristics to achieve the end result. There is some science and some artistic element to the process. Some surgeons use sizers that are placed inside a bra to estimate the desired choice. More sophisticated technology with 3-D imaging can help arrive at the proper implant selection. This 44-year-old woman desired increase of cup size from small B to a full C. Dr. Lyle utilizes the Crisilix web based 3-D technology to help simulate the outcome. It is helpful but not 100% relied upon to achieve the end result. It is dependent on the photographic images taken but generally helps the patient and the surgeon get closer to a realistic possible outcome In this case, the actual implant choice was slightly larger than initially suggested by the desired 3-D images and was a higher profile than anticipated as soft tissue characteristics that could be completely predicted preoperatively required a slight change in plans during the procedure. Dr. Lyle keeps a wide variety of implant choices stocked in his surgery suite to allow intraoperative decision-making to arrive at the best choice.