Plastic surgeons seem to agree that women who have undergone breast augmentation are generally satisfied with the results. However, recent studies also suggest that if a woman is dissatisfied it is primarily due to her choice of breast implant size. What is happening in the field to solve this issue?

The most common recommendation seems to be the rice test. This involves using a volume of rice comparable to that of an implant in a square little plastic bag, which you then stuff into your bra. The results of the test are crude but give you a rough estimate of what your new breast size might look like. Unfortunately, the statistics have proven this test to be unreliable.

Thankfully, there have been some recent advances recently to help with this problem. Some doctors now offer digital imaging devices which can show the patient an image of her torso on a computer monitor with various breast sizes. While not a perfect solution to the problem, digital imaging is a nice improvement over before and after photos on the internet. Seeing different breast implant sizes on one's own torso is a far cry better than seeing photos of various breast sizes on another woman's body..

Additional advances include breast sizing systems which allow patients to try out various breast implant sizes on their own time, in their own clothing. Until recently breast implant sizers were limited only to the doctors office where you could test them out during your consultation. This, of course, is helpful but basically limits you to trying them on in one piece of clothing and in one situation. Take home breast sizers allow the patient to experience various breast implant sizes at home, on her own time.

Perhaps we will start to see improved satisfaction with the results of breast augmentation over time as patients try a variety of these approaches. Looking at two-dimensional photos and images just is not enough to ensure the patient chooses right the first time around. By additionally wearing breast sizers at home, women get the value of a multi-faceted approach. With recent news on the topic, I am encouraged that women will have more options while facing this decision. Hopefully, you will avoid re-operations by taking more time to make a good choice the first time around