27 May 2026 | by Sean Doherty, MD, FACS
Social media has had a huge impact on plastic surgery by helping to de-stigmatize aesthetic procedures. In the past, patients took great pains to hide having had any "work" done. Today, on the other hand, influencers and celebrities are not only owning their breast augmentation, for example, but they are even sharing the specific details with their followers. This includes the exact size of their chosen breast implant. There is much about this transparency that has been incredibly positive for potential patients. However, information on the web is not tailored to your specific body. And no implant is going to deliver your desired result if it isn't the right fit for your anatomy, lifestyle and needs. Furthermore, the size of a breast implant is only one of many factors that need to be considered when choosing the right breast implant for your body.
Breast Augmentation Consultation in Boston
When contemplating a breast augmentation, it is always smart to schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, who specializes in breast surgery. Choosing the right implant is a highly individualized process. The best choice is going to depend on your anatomy, lifestyle, aesthetic goals, and desired outcome. During our meeting, I will take the time to really listen to what you don't like about your body contour. We will go over your family history, medical history, any prior procedures you may have had, aesthetic or otherwise, as well as how your body recovered. I will ask detailed questions about your lifestyle as this can have a huge impact on your treatment plan. For example, if you do a lot of yoga or upper body work, this may affect implant choice and placement. We will also go over photos of breasts that you like to ensure that we are both on the same page in terms of the "look" that you want to achieve. At the end of the day, implant size is simply one element of getting you to your desired outcome. I will then conduct an in-depth physical exam to assess:
• Chest width
• Skin elasticity
• Existing breast tissue
• Nipple position
• Body proportion
With this information, I can then make an appropriate recommendation for the range of implants that may best serve your needs.
Breast Augmentation Restores Proper Proportion
With so much focus on breast volume, patients often forget that the job of a breast augmentation is to restore proper proportion to your torso. The procedure is about creating and/or restoring your ideal breast shape. There are a few factors that play a critical role in crafting the balanced, natural-looking result that we both want. These include implant size, profile, shape, and material. I generally place a smooth, round silicone gel breast implant. Most patients find a silicone implant to have a softer, more natural feel than saline, but there are patients for whom saline is a better option. The profile of your implant is what determines how far your breasts project from the chest wall, which can greatly influence their shape. Ultimately, the "best" breast implant is never one-size-fits-all. Instead, the right breast implant for you is going to be the one that compliments your body and aligns with your personal goals while maintaining long-term comfort and proportion.
To find out more about a breast augmentation, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
