
The breast augmentation consultation can often bring anxiety to the patient as there are many questions to be addressed or discussed. These variables can range from topics pertaining to the patient (medical conditions, height & weight, bra size, pre-operative breast shape); surgeon (preference for above vs. below the muscle, incision choice); or implant (saline vs. silicone, smooth vs. textured, profile).
Bra Sizing: The size of a bra is determined by two factors: 1) The Band Size & 2) The Cup Size.
The Band Size
Step 1. The band size of the bra is relatively a fixed number determined by the circumference of a woman’s chest. This number can be measured with a measuring tape in inches, just beneath the breasts, in the crease where the band of the bra would be placed.
Step 2. Add five to the number of inches determined from this measurement. For example, if the measured number is 27” then if you add the number 5, the result is 32. Therefore the band size of the bra necessary is 32. If the measured number were 28” adding 5 would result in a 33 band. One quickly realizes when bra shopping that there are no odd number band sizes, so one would try on a 32 or 34 band bra to see which fit best. In this scenario, the 32 bra would be worn on the last of three clasps and a 34 bra would be worn on the first of three clasps. The band size is relatively consistent in women of adult age as the bony rib cage has completed growing. This number will change to a small degree if a woman gains or looses weight around the chest where the band of the bra would normally be placed. The so called “bra fat”.