Is it okay to have a 1 cm wider implant than breast width? (Photo)

Question

I am currently a 36A, 12.5 bwd. I did have a breast reduction at 17 but nursing 3 kids has deflated and shrunk them. I am looking to regain fullness and hopefully end up in the full C cup range. I chose Mentor round textured in 425 cc, I'm not sure whether it was moderate or mod+ but I think it is the mod+. I do not want large, matronly breasts and I am unsure if this size is a good choice for me. Will 425 cc mod or mod+ be too wide for my bwd? Will that put me in the full C/small D cup range?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Different surgeons will have variations in how they size their breast implants.  I rarely will recommend implants that are wider than the person's breasts because I am concerned about lack of tissue covering the edge of the implants.  This might result in visible or palpable implants, or rippling that is apparent through the skin.  However, you could seek several opinions from experienced plastic surgeons and see what they feel is appropriate in your case.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your
chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile
based on what you want or need to achieve.If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant
should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The
breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which
should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is
smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side
breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial
appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the implant based on
volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board
certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. During your breast augmentation
consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and
try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea
of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of
the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when
trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true
advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic
surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. I think that you are starting a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to diameter of breast implant versus diameter of breast.  In other words, these measurements are useful but are only one of the many factors come into play when it comes to selection of appropriate breast implant size/profile.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.

2. Again, have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining which operation and/or breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "full C or small D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Therefore, I ask that my patients not base their communication preoperatively OR their satisfaction with the outcome of surgery postoperatively, on achieving a specific cup size. The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery. The use of temporary intraoperative sizers, viewing the patient's breasts in the upright and supine position, are very helpful during the breast implant selection process.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Ideally your implants match your breasts.  However, very often women want larger implants than what fits them.  In such a situation you end up using implants that are wider then their base width.  1cm is a reasonable excess width, but understand it means now your implant will be more visible, less natural.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for the question and provided picture, every surgeon is different and will have variations in sizes of breast implants, you should get a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what's the best size for you, I recommend you 350 cc's, fullness and perkyness, beautiful

Is it okay to have a 1 cm wider implant than breast width? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Ideally your implant matches your breasts

Answer: Ideally your implant matches your breasts

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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Is it okay to have a 1 cm wider implant than breast width? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Ideally your implant matches your breasts

Answer: Ideally your implant matches your breasts

Answer: Surgery

Answer: Surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.