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If One Breast Measure 11.7 and the Other Breast Measures 11.9. Should You Use Two Different Sizes?

asked 7 months ago by Allie in NJ in West Orange, NJ
Latest answer by Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS
Question viewed 351 times
Tags: asymmetry, silicone implant, implant size

I will be using silicone.

23 answers to If One Breast Measure 11.7 and the Other Breast Measures 11.9. Should You Use Two Different Sizes?

+3

Breast implant sizing issues

The width of the breast upright with the arms down is the key measurement for deciding the diameter of the implant that will fit it (and also determines the height for round implants). This width should be the same for both implants. The forward or projection volume of the implant could vary depending on overall needs for volume (which is hard to measure or determine) but the width needs to be the same for both sides. 2 mm is within the measured variation of a caliper measurement and is... more
Scott L. Replogle, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

2MM Size Difference-Should I Use Different Size Implants?

Thanks for your question. Breast width is just one of the dimensions plastic surgeons use to determine the volume of the breast. Other critical measurements are the height of the breast and the projection of the breast from the chest wall. By combining these measurements and adding in the findings from your exam such as nipple position, position on the chest wall, irregularities of the ribs, etc., your plastic surgeon can determine if you need two different size implants to... more
Herluf G. Lund, Jr, MD

Saint Louis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Minimal difference

We are talking about a 2mm difference between the two breasts, assuming the measurements are completely accurate. This difference is really not noticeable, and I would wager that you were not even aware there was a difference until it was pointed out to you. So, unless there is a concomitant significant volume difference, I would recommend the same implant be used on both sides.
Robert Stroup, Jr., MD, FACS

Cleveland Plastic Surgeon

advancedconcepts.net

+1

Sizing Breast Implants When Breast Width is Not the Same

From the information that you have provided it is likely that you do not need to use two different breast implants. There is additional information needed to make a final decision. For example are you breasts otherwise equal in volume, shape, projection? If so, then you probably don't need different size breast implants. A thorough evaluation and discussion with your board certified plastic surgeon will help you to come to an informed answer to your... more
Fredrick A. Valauri, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.drvalauri.com

+1

Breast Augmentation - If One Breast Measure 11.7 and the Other Breast Measures 11.9. Should You Use Two Different Sizes?

While I do not hesitate to use two different sized implants when appropriate, it's more a question of overall breast size than any specific measurement. Are your breasts noticeably different sizes? Most women's are, so achieving perfect symmetry is neither practical nor likely. If they are different enough in size then different sized implants should be considered; though, with the understanding that even if the volume is the same, having a much larger implant in... more
Alan Engler, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast asymmetry

I think you should stick with the same size implant, unless the breast are very different. Everyone has asymmery and it is impossible to match them exactly.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast asymmetry , implants and augmentation

This is a very small difference. other factors include chest shape and size breast volume differences and saline vs silicone. all of these factors need to be considered together
Jed H. Horowitz, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Different Breast Implants For Asymmetry

Using two different implants can accomplish improved symmetry in patients with significant breast differences in a number of characteristics such as breast volume, breast width or chest wall differences. Based on the sole measurement you provided (breast widths of 11.7cm / 11.9cm), assuming the other characterisitcs are relatively symmetric, I would NOT use different implant sizes. If, however, other asymmetries exist then I would certainly consider two different size implants to... more
Louis DeLuca, MD

Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drlouisdeluca.com

+1

When to use different sized implants

Breasts will always be a little assymmetric no matter what you do. They are not the same before and won't be the same after. So if you can't get them exactly symmetrical, then in general, it is best to use similar sized implants so that you don't make them more uneven, which is possible. The only times I recommend using different sized implants are if the difference befores surgery is greater than a cup size. By using a larger implant in the smaller breast... more
Adam Hamawy, MD

Westchester Plastic Surgeon
+1

Concerns about breast asymmetry and the need for 2 different breast implants

Most women's breasts have some inherent asymmetry. The 2 mm difference in base width that you measured is negligible and is well within the limitations of measuring. This alone would not justify the insertion fo 2 different sized breast implants. If your breasts were signficantly different in size or projection then 2 different implants may help correct some of the asymmetries. Ultimately, I would leave any decision for the ultimate implant size or style - with your surgeon (of... more
Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

+1

Asymmetry may or may not require different implants

Often in breast augmentation with asymmetry the same size implant can 'work' in both breasts. This can depend on the degree of difference (2mm, really?) and the size of the implant used. A differing diameter, volume, or projection can help for some, though for others the implant will reduce the difference to a minor percentage, like having $1 in one account and $2 in another. Add $50 to each, very small difference. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

www.peterejohnsonmd.com

+1

Using different Sized Breast Implants

The 2 mm difference is almost nothing and could easily be within the standard for an error in measuring your breast width. The key in choosing different sized implants isn't the implant width alone, but the volume or size of the breast. This decision is made most easily by a visual inspection of your breasts and understanding the difference in volume size. There are consequences in using different sized implants as well, in that the smaller breast needs a larger implant making this a... more
Vincent P. Marin, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.marinaesthetics.com

+1

Does a difference in chest width matter in implant selection?

Asymmetry is normal. If you carefully analyze the photos you have seen, you will find that there there are subtle elements of asymmetry present. 2 mm is a very small diference and typically is not picked up by the eye. It does not need to be accounted for unless there is a difference in cup size(that is the way the breasts fit into the cup of the bra) or in shape or nipple position. Trying on the implants may help you to feel more comfortable with your choice. ... more
Beverly Friedlander, MD

Short Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Should I use two different breast implant sizes?

If you have a volume difference between your breasts, then you would use different size implants in order to try to get better symmetry of size. If your breasts are the same volume, using different sized implants will give you asymmetry of volume. A 2mm difference in breast width is not significant, and trying to use implants of the same size but different shapes/widths/projections for a 2mm width difference between your breasts will also lead to a worsening problem of asymmetry... more
Robert M. Grenley, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleplasticsurgery.com

+1

Breast Volume Assymetry and Breast Augmentation

Your question brings up a great discussion on breast assymetry; 1-Most people are a little assymetrical so you are normal! 2-Assymetry can include volume, shape (including degree of sagginess), inframammary fold height, nipple position and areola shape and size. 3 -For modest degrees of assymetry, no correction should be made. 4- Implants may minimize volume discrepancies. Think about it htis way, if one breast is 200cc and the other is 100cc, there is a 50% difference. But... more
Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Avoid asymmetric implants if possible.

I believe that you should have a significant difference to justify asymmetric implants and 2 mm likely does not qualify. Particularly with a large implant, the implant overwhelms the original breast and differences in the implants themselves become more noticeable. Best wishes.
Mark D. Wigod, MD

Boise Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast asymmetry and implant sizes

Breast width is one of several measurements used to calculate implant size. Nipple heights and nipple to infra-mammary crease distances are also important. Without additional information, it's impossible to determine if you need two different sizes or the same size differentially inflated. Most women's breasts are slightly asymmetrical so, in itself, there may not be a reason to use different sizes. This should all be discussed in consultation with your plastic surgeon. more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

2 mm difference in breast width. Is this significant.

Thank you for the question. 2 mm is an insignificant different in breast width and by itself, not a reason to use different implants. If you have size difference or other differences of your chest wall, rib cage, breast shape, etc.. then your surgeon may choose to use different sized implants. Discuss this with your surgeon thoroughly and make sure that you are both on the same page for the reasons for using different implants. I hope this helps.
J. Jason Wendel, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon

www.mc.vanderbilt.edu

+1

Breast Implant Sizing?

Thank you for the question. The difference in breast measurements is insignificant. In and of themselves they would not indicate the need for different size implants. As you plan your breast tissue procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. in my practice I find the use of goal pictures to be very helpful. in your case you could use your own before breast-feeding pictures as the goal. I have found that the use of words such... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

www.poustiplasticsurgery.com

+1

Slight Breast Asymmetry

Although it's an excellent question. All people are asymmetrical from side to side. This is a very small amount but does not take into account breast volume or projection. The best answer is to discuss your concerns, openly with a well-qualified Plastic surgeon and make the decision together.
Dustin L. Reid, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon

www.restoraaustin.com

+1

Base diameter

It is a very small difference, but the volume of the breast is much more important. Keep in mind that there is no way to make them exactly the same size even using different amounts of saline or silicone. The goal is to be as close as possible,
Michael Hueneke, MD

Nashville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Overall breast size should also factor in different implant use

Hello, The measured difference between your breasts is 2 mm. This is a very small difference and actually within the range of error for a person using a ruler. If your breasts are largely the same in size I would use the same implant type and size for each. If one breast is bigger than the other than you can use a bigger implant on the smaller breast. The implant should be of the same type, i.e. MP+ or style 15. When the volume is increased slightly the BWD... more
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon

www.aaaplasticsurgery.com

+1

Different breast sizes

0.2 centimeters is not a large difference. Most women do have some difference in the size and shape of their breasts. More important is the cup size (volume) of each breast. If this difference is significant then different volume implants may be required to try and even out this difference. Obviously, you will need to be seen and evaluated by a plastic surgeon to help you determine which type and style of implant to use to get you to the size that you want to be. more
Edwin C. Pound, III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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