The selection of implant size is viewed as the most important decision for many women undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Despite its importance, there is no exact scientific method for determining the right implant size for any patient. One of the most common methods for preoperative size estimation is the rice test. ‘The rice test’ is a widely used method of implant size estimaion and consists of placing quantities of rice in a sock which is then placed inside a bra to determine its effect.
The quantity of rice used is measured by a kitchen cup size from which a scale has been developed that equates it to implant volume. (ccs) For instance a 250cc implant would be roughly 1 cup. A 300 cc implant would be 1 1/4 cups. A 350cc implant would be 1.5 cups. A 400cc implant would be 1 3/4 cups. A 475cc implants would be 2 cups of rice. A 525cc implant would be 2 1/4 cups. It is easily to see that a 50cc increase in implant volume roughly equates to a 1/4 cup of rice.
It is important that the rice is measured by volume (cup size) and not weight. Using weight assumes that the rice has the density of 1 g (gm) = 1 ml (ml)…which it does not. This will end up underestimating implant size by as much as 20% or two implant sizes.
The rice test for breast augmentation is a good home method for estimating desired breast implant size. It is simple to do, economical and has reasonable accuracy to what a women probably wants. (+/- 50 ccs) In the office, the Volume Sizing system is preferrred as it already had volume inside a silicone bag that is contoured to be overlaid on the breast.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana