Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

In an era where everything comes in ‘super size,’ so also do breast implants. It can be difficult to chose the best size when considering breast augmentation, but experts advise, “bigger may not always be better.” Dr. Brad Calobrace explains why he advises his clients to scale back their big bosom dreams for a more natural look.

By Dawn Tongish
and Brad Calobrace, MD

How To Choose The Best Implant Size

The decision to get breast implants may be a simple one, but deciding on the right size may be more difficult. It’s always wise to consult with your surgeon about what is the right shape and size for your body type. Some women feel a desire to go big, but that could be a mistake, says Calobrace. “I want to moderate a patient’s desire to go with the big implants.” Calobrace believes it is important for a woman to consider what is the right size implant for the long term.”What my patients often forget is that you will have these implants 20-30 years, so how you want to look on the beach this summer isn’t how you will feel in 20 years – or the way your body looks now, it’s not the same as you will look in 20 years.”

What Fits The Breast I Already Have?

It’s true that not every implant will fit every woman. Implants are now designed to be better suited for certain breast sizes and types. Calobrace says the implant should be suited for a woman’s proportions. “I say let’s make a choice of an implant that we think is going to be good for you for a lot of years. We do that by picking an implant that is dimensionally appropriate for the body.” He also mentions that women need to realize that once breast tissue is over-inflated, it can be difficult to manage. “Once the breast is over-inflated, all bets are off,” says Calobrace.

Big Breasts = Big Consequences

A number of conversations, sizings, and perhaps even 3D imaging take place before a final implant selection is made. These steps are in fact more important than the actual procedure, as it’s when patient and surgeon collaborate, deciding how big the final results will be and which implant is needed for the perfect fit. Calobrace says it’s important for doctor and patient to agree on a size, one that is the right size for the patients body type to avoid problems in the long term. “There can be long term effects of a large over-filled or projecting implant,” he explains. “It will stretch the tissue in the breast.” Calobrace says the breast will never fully recover if it is stretched too much.

He recommends the right size and the right fit for the best results. “If you stick with an implant that is maybe made better with cohesive gel, with or without texture put in the right pocket and respecting the dimensions of the patient, we can expect to see results that are long-lasting.” Calobrace states he always aims for the best outcome and not necessarily the biggest outcome. “I want my patients to look good for a long period of time.”