If you are considering breast augmentation you may be wondering about what breast implant size to choose.  One of the most common methods to determine the appropriate breast implant size for your body is known as "The Rice Bag Test".   While your doctor might help you try on silicone implants in their office, this test can help you try on various sizes at home.



The Rice Bag Test provides a rough approximation of how you will look with various sizes of breast implants.  While looking through breast augmentation before and after photos can be useful, it is fun to experiment with various sizes while standing in front of a mirror to see what you could look like after breast augmentation.   Breast implant sizes are available in a range from 125cc to 1200cc, but the most common ranges are between 200cc and 500cc. In general, for each cup size you want add to your bust line use approximately 150cc to 200cc of rice.  For example, if you are presently wearing an A cup bra and want to move up to a C cup, you would be going up two sizes.   Increasing two sizes would require approximately 300cc to 400cc of rice in a zip lock baggie.   Keep in mind that this test is a very rough approximation.  Every woman's body is different. You should meet with a qualified plastic surgeon in order to get more specific sizing recommendations.  Breast cosmetics is an artful science and your doctor will be able to most thoroughly answer all of your questions.   To use the rice bag test you will need: 1) Large zip-lock baggies, 2) A large bag of rice, 3) A set of measuring cups, 4) a bra in the size you want to be able to wear.  Many doctors recommend using a sports bra for this test in order to emulate the compression of the implants once placed within your body.   To convert your standard measuring cups into cubic centimeters (cc's), use the chart below:  

1 cup = 236cc

¾ cup = 177cc

2/3 cup = 156cc

½ cup = 118cc

1/3 cup = 78cc

¼ cup = 59cc

1/8 cup = 30cc

  Using the chart above, if you wanted to create a 300cc implant sizer, use 1 cup (236cc) plus 1/4 cup (59cc) of rice.  The total (295cc) will give you a rough look at what you could look like with a 300cc implant.   The benefits of The Rice Bag Test are that it's a cheap way to stand in front of a mirror with various implant sizes while trying on some of your favorite clothes.  For some women, the test is a bit frustrating since the rice bags are square and bulge out of the bra.  The square baggies will show through your clothing so you won't be able to wear them out in public or for any length of time.   There are breast sizing systems available on the market today which solve this problem.   Most of them are still made for standing in front of a mirror since they still ripple or bulge out of your bra.    One unique system has been developed which can help you make a breast implant size decision even while wearing form-fitting clothing.   The benefits are that you can discretely wear them in public, trying out various implant sizes over an extended period of time.

If you're going to make the investment in breast augmentation, wouldn't it make sense to test-drive your new breast size to make sure you choose the right size the first time?  The Rice Bag Test is a good way to start but, to make a fully informed decision, try a breast sizing system that you can try out in your normal daily activities.  You might be surprised after a few weeks about your final breast implant size choice.   Learn more about breast sizers at http://www.breastsizers.com available exclusively from L.W. Gatz