Choosing a breast implant is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation, and it is often the part people worry about most. The aim is not to pick a number, but to find an implant that fits your body and gives the look you want while keeping risks as low as possible. This guide explains how the decision is usually made. For an overview of the whole procedure, see our page on breast augmentation in Antalya.
Why is implant size not just a cup size?
Cup sizes vary between bra brands and countries, so they are an unreliable way to describe an implant. Implants are measured in volume (cc), width (base diameter) and projection.
Two implants with the same volume can look quite different. A wide, low implant spreads the volume across the chest, while a narrower, higher-profile implant pushes it forward. That is why your measurements, rather than a target cup size, form the starting point of the discussion.
Which measurements decide the size?
The width of your breast base is usually the most important measurement. The implant should not be wider than your natural breast footprint, otherwise it can extend into the armpit or look unnatural at the edges.
At your consultation, several factors are assessed:
- Breast base width: guides the implant diameter.
- Skin stretch: shows how much volume the skin can accommodate without excessive tension.
- Tissue thickness: determines how well the implant will be covered, particularly in the upper and inner breast.
- Nipple-to-fold distance: helps plan where the new breast fold should lie.
- Chest wall shape and existing asymmetry: a slight difference between the sides is normal and may influence the choice for each breast.
Your wishes are then matched to these limits. Sizers or try-on implants in a bra can help you visualise the volume, although they only give an approximate impression.
What is the difference between implant profiles?
Profile describes how far the implant projects forward relative to its width. Low and moderate profiles give a softer, flatter result, while high profiles give more forward projection and upper-pole fullness on a narrow chest.
A higher profile is not automatically better or worse. It may suit a slim woman with a narrow chest who wants noticeable projection, whereas a moderate profile may look more natural on a wider chest. The choice depends on your anatomy and the result you are aiming for.
Round or teardrop implants?
Both shapes can give a natural result when chosen well. Round implants are the most widely used; they are symmetrical, so a rotation does not change the breast shape. Anatomical, or teardrop, implants have more volume in the lower part and may be considered for some women with very little breast tissue.
| Feature | Round | Anatomical (teardrop) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Even, symmetrical | Fuller at the bottom |
| Effect of rotation | No visible change | Can distort the breast shape |
| Upper-pole fullness | More noticeable | Gentler slope |
| Surface | Usually smooth or micro-textured | Usually textured to reduce rotation |
The surface texture matters too. Textured implants have been linked to a rare lymphoma called BIA-ALCL, which is one reason the type of shell is discussed openly at the consultation.
Should the implant go over or under the muscle?
Placement under the muscle, often in a “dual plane” position, gives extra soft-tissue cover over the upper part of the implant. This tends to suit slim women with little natural breast tissue, because it reduces the risk of visible edges and rippling.
Placement above the muscle, behind the breast gland, avoids muscle movement affecting the implant and may mean a slightly easier early recovery. It is generally considered only when there is enough breast tissue to cover the implant well. Each option has advantages and drawbacks, which your surgeon will explain in relation to your body.
How does the incision affect the choice?
Most augmentations use a short incision in the fold beneath the breast, which gives good access for placing the implant accurately. An incision at the edge of the areola or in the armpit is possible in selected cases, but larger implants may not suit every route. The incision position is therefore planned together with the implant.
What are the trade-offs of going larger?
Larger implants put more strain on the skin and supporting tissues. Over the years this can contribute to stretching, implants that sit too low or too far to the side, and visible rippling.
These are reasons why surgeons may recommend a size that is slightly smaller than a patient initially imagines. The goal is a result that looks proportionate and that your tissues can support in the long term. Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and further surgery may be needed at some point, whatever size you choose.
How do I prepare for the implant discussion?
Bring photos of results you like and dislike, think about how you want your clothes to fit, and be open about your lifestyle, sport and plans for pregnancy. Write your questions down beforehand.
The final choice is made together after a medical examination. If you would like to discuss your options in person, you can find more information and ways to get in touch on the breast augmentation page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my implant size from photos?
Photos can help you explain the look you like, which is useful at a consultation. However, they cannot tell you which implant will create that look on your body, because chest width, breast tissue and skin quality differ from person to person. The same implant can look very different on two women. Photos are therefore a starting point for discussion, not a basis for selecting a size.
Do larger implants carry more risk?
Implants that are too large for the tissue that has to cover them can stretch and thin the skin over time. This may increase the risk of visible rippling, implants that drop too low or move sideways, and further surgery. It can also make the breasts look less natural. Choosing an implant that suits your measurements helps keep these risks lower.
Can I change implant size later?
It is possible to change implants in a later operation, but this means another anaesthetic, another recovery and the risks of revision surgery, which can be higher than those of the first operation. For this reason it is worth taking time over the choice before the first operation rather than planning to adjust it later. Some women do change size years later as their body changes.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.