Breast Implant Size: Moving Past The Rice Test

Most plastic surgeons seem to be in agreement that women who have received breast implants are almost entirely glad that they did. If there is a reason for dissatisfaction the primary issue seems to be the breast implant size, according to some recent studies. What is happening in the field to solve this issue?

It appears the most common recommendation is the rice bag test. This involves using a volume of rice comparable to that of an implant in a square little baggie, stuffed in your bra. The results of the test give you a rough estimate of what your new breast size might look like. Unfortunately, the statistics have proven this test to be unreliable.

Thankfully, there have been some recent advances recently to help with this problem. There are several plastic surgeons who are now offering digital imaging devices which can show the patient an image of her torso on a computer monitor with various breast sizes. While not a perfect solution to the problem, digital imaging is a good improvement over before and after photos found on the internet. The abilitity to see different breast implant sizes on one's own torso is definitely better than seeing photos of various breast sizes on a different woman's body.

Breast implant sizing systems are tester implants which allow patients to try out various breast implant sizes on their own time. Previously, breast implant sizers were limited to the doctors office where a patient could try them out during the breast augmentation consultation. While helpful, this method limited the patient to a brief consultation while trying them out perhaps in one piece of clothing. With breast sizing systems, you have the opportunity to take home the sizers and to try them out on your own time, in your own clothing.

Perhaps we will start to see improved satisfaction with the results of breast augmentation over time as patients try a variety of these approaches. Looking at two-dimensional photos and images just is not enough to ensure the patient chooses right the first time around. By additionally wearing breast sizers at home, women get the value of a multi-faceted approach. With recent news on the topic, I am encouraged that women will have more options while facing this decision. Hopefully, you will avoid re-operations by taking more time to make a good choice the first time around