No patient is too “thin” or “small” for breast augmentation, but if you want excellent results from a smaller starting point, you need to start with the right questions.
The most common size change my patients ask me about in breast enhancement consultations is an A cup to a C cup. Part of the reason this size request is so common is that naturally thin, small, or very fit women just don’t have a lot of excess fat and tissue overall and very often want to change that. And on the other side of the equation, I often get more questions about these types of procedures because women who have less breast tissue to start with often have extra concerns beforehand over the risk of the implant rippling, contracting, or otherwise “showing.”
Some good starting questions:
- How much breast tissue you have. For many women, this seems like a strange starting point – you know you’re an A, and you want to have a C cup. But cup sizes are very inexact, and physical factors like the position of the breast mound and nipple can cause even a very good starting amount of breast tissue to look flat. Your doctor will be happy to assess your starting point with you in detail, so you know what you have to work with and you are both on the same page from the beginning.
- What implant options you might want to stay away from. Wider, firmer implants are often a poor choice for thinner, smaller-framed women, for example; but if a wide implant was your first choice because dramatic cleavage is number-one on your wish list, we can achieve the same visual result (or better) with a different implant profile. The important thing isn’t to get stressed about “wrong” implants, but to see in detail exactly how your doctor can tailor your procedure to fit your body precisely.
- Options to minimize implant visibility after surgery. This topic actually covers a huge range of techniques and options, from submuscular placement to implant density to healing and recovery steps that help prevent scarring around the implant – so don’t be surprised if different surgeons give you vastly different feedback. Bottom line, it’s important to start the discussion about what you can do to make sure your results develop right and continue to look excellent in the long term. The recommendations your surgeon makes will tell you a lot about his or her experience, and help you get a better idea of what recommendations are top priority for your goals versus optional items that won’t have a heavy impact on the balance of your results.
Like all of my breast enhancement patients, women going from an A to a C want to look natural, confident, and sexy; not harsh or “done,” and fortunately we have many, many different options today to achieve a fuller and better-proportioned look. The good news is that a truly excellent surgeon will be happy to listen, to guide you in detail on the best recommendations and options for your body, and start the conversation about the look you want to achieve.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
