How does the breast width diameter size affect the choice of implant size?

Hi. To appropriately discuss implant size and choice, you really need an in person evaluation by a plastic surgeon with good experience with breast augmentation. Obviously, you've met with a surgeon. Opinions and preferences will vary somewhat from one surgeon to another surgeon. Personally I start with the base width of the patient as the starting point for the footprint of the future implant. Even with the base width though, there are different opinions on that and it is not as exact as a lot of people make it out to be. If you are wanting to be smaller than 375 cc then definitely go smaller. If you have any hesitation on the process so far then certainly consider getting a second opinion. Tissue characteristics, and desired postoperative size, and patient anatomy all factor in to the proper selection of implant volume as well as profile. I go over all of that all in detail with my patients at the time of their consultation.
I would recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon with good experience in this area. He or she can thoroughly review the options with you so that you can make a good and well-informed mutual decision.

Breast width allows for range of implant sizes. Usually, the implant diameter will be smaller than the breast diameter, but does not have to max out- you can’t put an implant that is wider than the breast width.

You can go smaller than 375, can try high profile also which may fit your body better.

Further discussion with your/a plastic surgeon is recommended until you feel comfortable.

-When you choose an implant that is wider than your breast width, you can expect to have more "sideboob" post-operatively.
-You certainly do not have to go with an implant that is the same width as your current breast width. Many of our patients go with a width smaller than their own, and they are very happy.
-Breast implant sizing is very important prior to your operation.
-We have all of our breast augmentation patients decide on their implant size weeks prior to their operation.
- When I first sit down with my breast augmentation patients at their initial consultation, we discuss their goals, the technique of the operation, post op recovery, and potential complications. Then, one of our very experienced staff members does "sizing," using actual silicone implants and a bra. This allows our patients to find which implant size feels best.
- At a "pre-op" appointment, two weeks prior to the breast augmentation, our patients go through the sizing process again to confirm their choice.
-We have found over the last 13 years that having our patients pick the implant really helps make certain the correct size is used. Very occasionally a patient picks an implant that just seems way too large or way too small to meet her goals. In these cases, we will help guide them to a better choice. However, this rarely needs to be done.
- I have seen patients from other practices where their plastic surgeon picked the implant for them, rather than have the patient decide, and in some cases the implant chosen by the plastic surgeon was too large.
-Thanks for your question, and best of luck to you!