Rice Sizers- Test Driving Your Implants, Before Surgery!

Jan 20, 2012

When deciding on what size breast implant you want, there are several different options that your plastic surgeon might discuss with you;

Do you want High Profile (HP) or Moderate Profile (MP)?

Do you want Silicone or Saline?

Do you want the implant inserted in the crease incision, transax (armpit), areola (nipple) or in the belly button?

Do you want ‘Over’ the muscle or ‘Under’ the muscle?

But one of the most difficult decisions, might be ‘What size implant do you want?’

Many women puzzle and worry over this. When you have your consultation with a Plastic Surgeon, he will measure you, and determine what  size can fit within the diameter of your chest wall.

You may have a strong idea of what size you are aiming for, or you may be curious to see what the size your surgeon has suggested will look like,  on you. Either way, the ‘Rice Sizer Test’ can give you a rough guide to what size implant you want.

There are factors that will reduce the accuracy of this test (if you already have implants, or you have larger breasts before surgery), but in general, it gives a pretty good guide.

So here is how to make them:

Get a pair of stockings (preferrably skin colour, but it doesn’t really matter). Cut them off at about shin height- You will be filling the toe section with rice.

Fill them with the required amount of  uncooked rice (see table for measurements) and tie a knot in the stocking.

For a High Profile look, tie the knot close to the top of the rice. For a moderate profile implant,  tie the knot higher up, to give a loose ‘flat’ shape.

Place the ‘sizers’ in a tight sports bra.  Try wearing under clothes for several hours to get used to the look.

NOTE:  Depending on whether the implant will be placed ‘over’ or ’under’ the muscle will affect the accuracy of this test. If you are placing the implant under the muscle allow for some ‘volume loss’. Implants under the muscle tend to be compressed a little, so a 300cc implant might appear more like a 240cc implant over the muscle. Allow for a 20%volume loss when going under the muscle. So if you want a 400cc implant try making a 320cc rice sizer

(20% of 400cc = 80cc        so, 400 – 80= 320cc)

Table of rice quantities:

• 1 cup = 236cc
• 1/2 cup = 118cc
• 3/4 cup = 177cc
• 1/4 cup = 59cc
• 1/3 cup = 78cc
• 2/3 cup = 156cc
• 1/8 cup = 30cc

Use a combination of these measurements to create the right size for you.

The first time you wear these, you may be shocked by how large they look. The best idea, is to wear them for  (at least) a whole day.  Some people wear them for several weeks leading up to their surgery.

You’ll find that over time you will become accustomed to the new look, and may even want to try a bigger size . It’s much cheaper to find out that you want a different size before surgery than after!