Implant Sizing for Wide Chest?

Question

I'm going in forAugmentation surgeryin August.  I'm 5'4", 160#, small 36B/large 36A,  with broad shoulders/chest.  Goal is large C to small/middle D.  Breast Diameter ~13.8cm.  Trying Mentor implants on has led me to like the appearance of 425-450cc "Moderate/1600" implant.  I'm concerned that this wouldn't get me quite to my goal, so I've been also considering the 500cc Moderate Plus implant that has similar base diameter, but more projection.I've got somewhat of a mental block about the large size implant, even though I have a wide chest/shoulders/breast diameter.  Any advice that you can offer until my preop appointment?

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

The use of sizers in your bra  preoperatively does not accurately correlate with the size of breasts achieved with sub muscular implants. I think that it is very important that you communicate clearly with your surgeon to maximize the chances of achieving your desired breast size.

	In my practice, the use of photographs of &ldquo;goal&rdquo; pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as &ldquo;natural&rdquo; or &ldquo;C cup&rdquo; 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.

	I use  intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.

	I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.

	I hope this helps.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

I always prefer to use the moderate profile plus saline implants.  The reason is that they are adjustable on the table to a large degree.  The moderate profile plus implants and usually be "over filled" by approximately 80cc.  I you go with an implant in the 450cc range than it can be fill to over 500cc with added projection.  Your surgeon can adjust them on the table.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,
This is a dimensional assessment that you need to do with your surgeon at pre-op to figure your best implant dimensions As each surgeon has his or her own way of doing things, you will only get confused reading options on this topic here.
Enjoy your new look.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

It is important to pick an implant with the appropriate base diameter that matches your own anatomy.   Think of an implant as the base of the breast pyramid.  An implant does not look like a breast, it forms the base of the new breast pyramid.  An implant will simply give you a bigger version of your existing breast and will not make you look like anyone else.  The best information about which implant to use will, of course, come from your plastic surgeon.  It is good to bring in pictures of your 'ideal breast shape'.  From all of this information your surgeon will be able to select the right implant to give you a result that is closest to your expectations.

Implant Sizing for Wide Chest?

Answers (8)

Answer: Discuss your options with your surgeon

Answer: Discuss your options with your surgeon

Answer: Take care in selecting implant profile and volume

Answer: Take care in selecting implant profile and volume

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.

Implant Sizing for Wide Chest?

Answers (8)

Answer: Discuss your options with your surgeon

Answer: Discuss your options with your surgeon

Answer: Take care in selecting implant profile and volume

Answer: Take care in selecting implant profile and volume

Browse related questions

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.