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Confused About BWD Meaning. I Am 12.5 Cm Should my Implant Diameter Be Less Than That?

asked 1 year ago by pfsvp in Seattle
Latest answer by Armando Soto, MD
Question viewed 2,247 times
Tags: A to C cup, BWD, Mentor

A surgeon I consulted suggested that my ideal implant size is about 300 cc (HP) maximum to avoid looking too fake. I am an A cup and would like to go up two sizes. Looking at the Mentor HP info, it listed the diameter for a 300 cc HP silicone implant as 11.1 while the 375/400 implants were closer to my BWD (12-12.2 cm). Would 300cc HPs widen the gap between my breasts? Should one only get the implants smaller than her BWD? Me: 5'10/135lbs/28" ribs

13 answers to Confused About BWD Meaning. I Am 12.5 Cm Should my Implant Diameter Be Less Than That?

Breast width and implant diameter

The answer to your question is quite straightforward, but the reason for it is more complicated. A properly sized breast implant should have a diameter of about 3/4 to 1cm less than the measured upright width of the breast with the arms down. This is to account for the skin on either side of the breast width and assures that the implant will fit within the breast and not distort it or under-fill it. If the implant is round this also determines the height of the implant. Because the... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Choosing Implants, part 354

Hi there- These types of questions are the most commonly asked... and are unfortunate in that the implication is that choosing the implant you want is like deciding what you want to eat at the Boston Market counter... Choosing an implant is really a very nuanced undertaking, and is not as simple as taking a few measurements and looking at a chart. The very best advice I could give you (and which I give at least 10 times a month) is to spend your time and energy finding a quality, more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

www.DrArmandoSoto.com

Breast implants should fit your breast width

Breast width is one of the factors used in determining breast implant size. Typically you want your breast implant to be no wider than then width of your breast. There are other factors such as breast volume, skin quality and breast shape which factor into this decision. A board certified plastic surgeon can help you choose the implant that is best suited for your anatomy which will also get you to the cup size you desire. Generally speaking, a high profile implant is narrower and... more

William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Confused about breast implant size

Yes it is confusing. I use the breast width measurement as a guide along with other information such as the size you wish to be ,amount of breast tissue present, skin quality, shape of your breast, and your waist and hip proportions just to name a few. I also have the patient try on sizers to get an idea of what she will look like. I spend a lot of time on this prior to the surgery to be sure you get what you expect.

Sheila Bond, MD
Montclair Plastic Surgeon

Measurements for choosing breast implants

Your base width is only one measurement used to choose the "right" implant for you. I prefer to use implants that are close to the measured base width--sometimes that means choosing one that is slightly wider or slightly narrower. In general, I try to stick with narrower implants. Wider implants don't fit onto the chest wall as well and tend to have more problems with wrinkling, rippling, and implant palpability. Cleavage is not normal and you... more

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the right size implant

When helping a patient choose the right size implant to reach their goals, we take into account several factors, and one of them is the breast width. In general, I recommend an implant that is slightly smaller than the width of the breast-- this will allow it to sit comfortably and have a more natural look. High profile implants give the most projection (distance off of the chest wall, or height of the implant) for a given diameter, but the profile that we choose really... more

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Implant diameter & size differs from breast width diameter (BWD) and effects on cleavage

You have forgotten to take into account the thickness of your breast skin and tissue which is generally 1-1.5cm. Therefore an implant with a diameter of 10 cm, when placed in the breast, will actually make the breast measure 10cm + 1-1.5cm (skin towards outer part of breast) + 1-1.5cm (skin towards inner or cleavage side of breast) = a total of 12-13cm BWD. If you work backwards you can see that a 10cm implant will make minimal difference in your breast whereas placing an implant of 12 cm... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the Right Breast Implant - Whats important?

Although much has been made about the breast width diameter measurement and choosing the "ideal" breast implant, it is not the only measurement that matters. The are numerous considerations that should be accounted for including your size and shape, breast tissue, asymmetry and also your cosmetic goals (how natural or showy do you want to end up, enhance cleavage, roundness of shape). Base width is a guide to help surgeons find an implant in the proper range for a... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast Width Diameter and Choosing THE RIGHT Breast Implant

Regarding: "Confused About BWD Meaning. I Am 12.5 Cm Should my Implant Diameter Be Less Than That? A surgeon I consulted suggested that my ideal implant size is about 300 cc (HP) maximum to avoid looking too fake. I am an A cup and would like to go up two sizes. Looking at the Mentor HP info, it listed the diameter for a 300 cc HP silicone implant as 11.1 while the 375/400 implants were closer to my BWD (12-12.2 cm). Would 300cc HPs widen the gap between my breasts? Should... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Confused

Yes you are uncertain. As the previous expert posters have TRIED to explain to you, there are multiple factors in determination of size. This can not be done over the internet. Seek MORE in person evaluations.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Base width and implants

An implant will not wident he gap between yoru breasts. That is based upon your anatomy directly. Some implants may narrow the gap betwen yoru breasts a bit.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implant Larger than BWD Can Cause Fake Look

Sizing your implant to one which is equal to or slightly smaller than your BWD will increase the chances of having a normal-appearing breast. If the "fake look" does not bother you, then an implant which is larger than your BWD can be used. Other important factors in avoiding the "fake look" are the use of silicone implants and placement of the implants below the muscle.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

BWD is used to estimate Breast implant size.

There are no hard rules for the BWD measurement, it is used to estimate the size of the implant . In general I would not go too much larger than the BWD nor too much smaller . You want to fill in the area but not spread so far laterally that the breast are hitting the arm, the skin and breast quality preoperatively also limit the options . It is best to be evaluated by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon prior to making a decision.