11 Oct Surprising Factors that Impact Breast Size—and How Breast Implants Can Help
The demand for breast augmentation, or breast implants, continues to skyrocket with unprecedented levels expected to peak in 2027. At Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center, breast augmentation has been the most popular procedure for years. The vast majority of women who opt for breast augmentation are unhappy with their breast size, shape, or both. While little can be done to manipulate the shape and size of the breasts without implants, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a myriad of factors that affect the aesthetic of your breasts. Let’s take a look at the most common underlying causes of why your breasts look the way they do—and how you can improve them to suit your preferences.
First, family history (or, simply put, genetics) is a major factor in informing your breast shape and size. It’s not guaranteed that you will have A-cups if every other woman in your family does, as there are always exceptions. However, there’s a very good chance that your breast size will mimic those of your mother, grandmother, and sister. Still, breast shape and size can change throughout your life, so bear in mind that your family history is just one indicator.
Weight and Workouts
It’s no surprise that your weight plays a role in your breast size. Breasts are made up of fatty tissue, milk ducts and glands, and connective tissue. However, if you’ve ever lost or gained weight as an adult, you’ve probably noticed that your breasts tend to be one of the first places to decrease in size. Many women bemoan the idea that their “boobs always go first” when losing fat, and that’s because breasts are largely made up of fat! It can be very difficult to achieve a slender frame while also sustaining larger breasts. That’s when breast implants can make a big difference in aesthetic and self-confidence.
Workouts can also affect breast size and shape, and not just because you tend to lose fat while on a solid workout routine. Those who undertake pectoral exercises can build up the muscles in the chest, which can make breasts seem a bit larger. However, the “look” of chest muscles is very different than breasts (or chest fat). Targeting the pecs can help those with very little fat achieve a look of slightly larger breasts, but it’s not going to make a big difference.
Hormones and More
The onset of your menstrual cycle can really kick-start major changes to breast size, shape, and even texture. This is due to the body’s production of estrogen, which begins ovulation while stimulating the milk ducts. This is what happens during the first half of your cycle. However, during the second half of your cycle, it’s progesterone that stimulates the milk glands, which is when swollen and sore breasts can occur. Many women feel like their breasts are bigger right before their period begins, and this is why. During your menstrual cycle, breasts can feel a bit lumpy due to enlarged glands.
Birth control is another factor to think about. For those who opt for hormonal birth control, breast size can change. The estrogen and progesterone from this form of birth control leads to edema, otherwise known as swelling from water retention. However, this usually subsides and is only noticeable when first starting hormonal birth control.
The Many Causes of Breast Changes
Being pregnant or postpartum also changes breasts. It’s of course well-known that when pregnant, breasts can increase sometimes several cup sizes. This is due to hormonal changes as well as weight gain and milk production. Post-partum is often when women start thinking about breast augmentation, a breast lift, or both. As women get older, whether they had biological children or not, their breasts simply change due to a number of factors. “Deflated” breasts, sagging breasts, and breasts that seem to have shrunk can all be addressed with breast augmentation.
Today, there are many ways to customize your breast implants. You can choose the material (silicone or saline), size, shape, texture, placement of the implants, and sometimes you even have options on the type/placement of incisions. Whether you want a completely natural look or a more va-va-voom outcome, working with the leading expert in breast augmentation is the best way to get a safe, beautiful result. Connect with Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery & Skin Center today to schedule your consultation by calling the office, starting an online chat during office hours, or for the fastest reply fill out the online form right now.