PLASTIC SURGERY
James A. Rieger MD
How to Choose the Right Breast Implants
Choosing breast implants is one of the most important decisions you'll make during your breast augmentation journey. While many women begin by thinking about cup size, the truth is that beautiful, natural-looking results depend on much more than simply choosing bigger or smaller implants.
Your body shape, chest width, existing breast tissue, skin elasticity, lifestyle, and personal goals all play a role in determining which implants are right for you. That's why every breast augmentation at Plastic Surgery Wichita is personalized rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Because implant selection is such an important part of achieving beautiful, balanced results, Dr. James Rieger personally conducts every breast augmentation consultation. During your visit, he will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, answer your questions, and recommend implant options tailored specifically to you—so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
This guide will walk you through the biggest decisions involved in choosing breast implants, helping you better understand your options before your consultation.
There Isn't One "Perfect" Breast Implant
One of the biggest misconceptions about breast augmentation is that there's one implant that's better than all the others.In reality, there isn't a universally "best" breast implant. The best implant is the one that best fits your anatomy, your lifestyle, and your cosmetic goals.Two women can choose the exact same implant and have completely different results because every body is unique.
During your consultation, Dr. James Rieger carefully evaluates factors such as:
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Your height and body proportions
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Chest width
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Existing breast tissue
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Skin quality and elasticity
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Lifestyle and activity level
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Desired appearance
These measurements help determine which implant options are most likely to produce balanced, natural-looking results.
The Five Most Important Decisions When Choosing Breast Implants
Choosing breast implants involves five primary decisions.
Implant Fill
Should you choose silicone or saline implants?
Implant Profile
How much projection do you want?
Your Anatomy & Goals
Every recommendation should be customized to your unique body and desired outcome.
Implant Size
How much volume fits your body?
Implant Placement
Should implants be placed above or below the chest muscle?
Let's look at each of these more closely
Silicone vs. Saline Implants
Both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved and have helped millions of women achieve beautiful breast augmentation results.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that closely resembles the feel of natural breast tissue.
Many patients choose silicone implants because they:
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Feel soft and natural
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Have less visible rippling in some patients
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Are popular for women with thinner breast tissue
Saline Implants
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after they are placed.
Potential advantages include:
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Smaller incision in some situations
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Volume adjustments during surgery
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Saline is naturally absorbed if an implant ruptures
Both implant types can provide excellent results. During your consultation, Dr. Rieger will discuss which option may be the better choice for your anatomy and goals.
Choosing the Right Implant Size
Implant size is often the first thing patients ask about—but it's also one of the most misunderstood.
Breast implants are measured in cubic centimeters (cc) rather than bra cup sizes.
For example, a 350cc implant may look very different on two women depending on:
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Height
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Chest width
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Existing breast tissue
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Body proportions
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Skin elasticity
Rather than selecting implants based on bra size alone, Dr. Rieger focuses on choosing implants that create balanced, proportional results for each patient's frame.
Implant Profile
Implant profile describes how far the implant projects from the chest—not how large it is.
Moderate Profile
Creates a softer, balanced appearance.
Moderate Plus Profile
Offers additional projection while maintaining natural proportions.
High Profile
Provides greater forward projection and may be appropriate for patients with a narrower chest or those seeking more upper pole fullness.
Common implant profiles include:
Dr. Rieger will recommend the profile that best complements your anatomy and cosmetic goals.
Implant Placement
One of the important decisions in breast augmentation is where the implant is placed. While some plastic surgeons offer both over-the-muscle and under-the-muscle placement, Dr. James Rieger performs breast augmentation with implants placed beneath the chest muscle.
Placing implants under the muscle offers several advantages, including additional tissue coverage for a more natural transition along the upper breast. Dr. Rieger also prefers this technique because it allows for better visualization of the breast tissue during future mammograms, helping support long-term breast health and screening.
During your consultation, Dr. Rieger will explain why under-the-muscle placement is his preferred approach and how it contributes to achieving natural-looking, long-lasting results for his patients.
Your Lifestyle Matters
The right breast implants should fit your life—not just your measurements.
When recommending implant options, Dr. Rieger also considers:
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Exercise habits
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Weightlifting
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Future pregnancies
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Weight fluctuations
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Clothing preferences
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Desired level of enhancement
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Long-term goals
Whether you're hoping for a subtle enhancement or more noticeable fullness, choosing implants that complement your lifestyle can help you enjoy your results for years to come.
Questions to Consider Before Your Consultation
Before meeting with Dr. Rieger, think about what matters most to you.
Ask yourself:
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Do I want subtle enhancement or more dramatic volume?
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Is a natural appearance my highest priority?
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Am I restoring volume after pregnancy or weight loss?
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How active is my lifestyle?
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What changes am I hoping to achieve?
Both silicone and saline implants are FDA-approved and have helped millions of women achieve beautiful breast augmentation results.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to Find the Right Breast Implants?
Choosing breast implants can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to make the decision alone.
During your consultation at Plastic Surgery Wichita, Dr. James Rieger will take the time to understand your goals, explain your options, and recommend implants tailored specifically to your body and desired results.
Schedule your consultation today to begin your breast augmentation journey with confidence.