Most women who seek breast augmentation desire a more natural, but enhanced look. To achieve this, you must consider the aesthetic results you want and weigh them realistically against your current breast size and overall frame. Women with larger frames and broader ribcages can often handle larger implants, while petite women may need a smaller size to get similar proportions. Patients should also consider their lifestyles. For instance, if a woman is a competitive athlete, it may be better for her to select a smaller implant size, so that she may continue competing comfortably.

A-cup

Some women want very subtle enhancement. If you have had a mastectomy or have a flatter chest naturally, and would like to upsize very slightly, an A-cup could be a good goal. This size requires the doctor to use implants that are filled with less saline or silicone and are less likely to put strain on the surrounding muscle, fat, and breast tissues. An A-cup may also be recommended to petite women or to those who lead a very active lifestyle.

B-cup

A B-cup could be a good option for a woman with a natural A-cup, who wants to upsize slightly, or a flatter woman who wants a more noticeable change. A B-cup is still small enough to be able to carry on an active lifestyle (for those who jog regularly, for example) but enhances the feminine form more than the standard a cup size. A B-cup is generally still small enough to be supported by a tube top, strapless gown, or a string bikini, which are sometimes harder for bustier women to wear comfortably.

C-cup

A C-cup breast is ideal for a woman with a larger frame who wants something more understated than the full D-cup. Most medium-size to large women can handle a C-cup and lead an active lifestyle without undue back strain. Some petite women can handle a C-cup, but achieving a natural appearance depends on the width of the patient's shoulders and ribcage. Patients who seek to increase their breast size to a C-cup should be advised that they will likely need good, supportive bras, undergarments, and swimsuits, more so than with A- or B-cups.

D-cup

D-cups work best for women who want maximum volume. They are especially appealing to larger, taller women and sometimes to those who are pear-shaped. By upsizing the breasts to a D-cup, a woman can make her body look more balanced and closer to that ideal hourglass figure. Larger breasts can make the waist look comparatively narrow and give a more feminine silhouette to those who are more muscular. Some smaller women can go up to a D-cup, but there is often an increased risk of strain on the tissues of the chest. Upgrading to a D-cup is sometimes easier if the patient has considerable breast tissue to begin with.

To schedule a breast augmentation consultation, contact the Dallas practice of Dr. Paul Pin. He can help you determine which implant size will best meet your needs.