Dr. Sobel’s Top Five Questions for Breast Enhancement

This will be a five part series on breast augmentation during the month of October.

I really enjoy consulting with clients regarding body contouring. My breast enhancement patients typically have several questions on their mind when they arrive; I always let them ask their questions first lest they got lost in their excitement in discussing their options and opportunities. However, there are five important questions that must be addressed in every breast enhancement consultation. Thus, if the patient does not bring up each of the following, I raise them on their behalf. Each post in this series will address one key question. Our first is:

“How do I choose the best size and shape for me?”

For most, this question is the most concerning, yet it is often the most easy to answer. The solution is: We look in the mirror. Essentially, I offer the client a variety of “try on” sizes for her to wear under clothes and evaluate her look in the mirror. Sports bras that do not impart shape, lift, or volume to the breast with a form-fitting shirt on top work best for this exercise. Different sizes are then alternated between the breasts until the patient is thoroughly pleased. Indeed, this process is very simple and very effective.

As for shape, let me guide this one. Unless the patient is seeking a particularly projected look, my philosophy is this: Once the patient has selected a size, I will find the ideal implant to fit her breast. I use both Allergan and Natrelle implants and the Johnson and Johnson Mentor implants because, by offering both product catalogues, I have roughly one thousand implant size and shape options. The preoperative measured breast width is one of the most useful guides once the size of implant is chosen to select the best fitting implant for a most natural result. Implants that are too wide for the breast envelope may bear the signs of augmentation whereas implants that are too narrow will move and feel unnatural. The analogy that comes to mind is this selection must be like an expert shoe fitting.

More from our 5 part breast augmentation blog series:

• Read part 2, Do I need a lift?
• Read part 3, What approach (incision) is best for me?
• Read part 4, Over the muscle or under the muscle?
• Read part 5, Silicone, Saline, or Fat