I am wondering if going with an implant that is 2 cm smaller than you measure is going to cause any issues?

Question

I know many factors are taken into consideration when choosing an implant size and profile, but I am wondering if going with an implant that is 2 cm smaller than you measure is going to cause any issues? I am wanting to go with a more augmented look and to go with a higher profile I either must pick a HUGE cc implant size or go with a smaller base width than I measure.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! It won't pose any issues per se, but you won't have as tight of cleavage or as much upper pole fullness with a more narrow implant. I've found that with cohesive moderate profile implants, we can get the correct width and hold the upper pole nicely. Maybe that is something to consider. Good luck!

Sibel Atalay, MD · Answer

That’s a great and very insightful question, you’re absolutely right that base width, projection, and overall implant volume all play a role in how your final result will look and feel.
If your goal is a more augmented, fuller appearance, selecting a slightly smaller base width (around 1–2 cm less than your breast measurement) can help create that rounder, higher-profile look you’re describing. It allows the implant to project forward a bit more, giving that enhanced upper-pole fullness many patients associate with a “done but still elegant” result.
However, it’s important to find the right balance, going too narrow for your chest width can lead to gapping between the breasts or an unnatural transition from chest wall to implant. When done correctly, though, a small adjustment like 2 cm typically doesn’t cause issues, especially if the implant is well-positioned and sized to your tissue and frame.
A higher profile implant achieves projection without needing to dramatically increase the cc size, but it also concentrates volume in a smaller area. That’s why many surgeons prefer to fine-tune base width rather than chase a larger volume number. The goal is always to match your chest anatomy while sculpting the silhouette you envision.
If you’re aiming for a curvier, more defined upper contour, a slightly smaller base width with a moderate-plus or high-profile implant can absolutely deliver that, as long as your soft tissue allows good coverage and blending.
During sizing or 3D simulation, ask your surgeon to show you both dimensions side by side, one true to your base width and one about 2 cm smaller. Seeing both profiles on your frame usually makes the choice crystal clear.
Dr. Sibel Atalay, MDBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon & Destination Doctor

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear 81818181,

breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. 
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.
Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.
Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.
You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

I cannot think of any circumstances that going with a narrower implant than the chest wall will cause any particular problems.  If you look at the different profile measurements, the difference in width is often extremely small.  Probably the best way to proceed is to discuss carefully with your plastic surgeon  your overall expectations and how to achieve this.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

If implants are lacking the proper width, it may create a wider space between your breasts and reduce the upper pole fullness. Many factors enter in to selecting the right implant. This should be done with your surgeon who will have much more knowledge and experience in making these decisions and can guide you through the process.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing.  Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.  
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan.
With regards to your specific question, narrower implants are not as problematic as wider implants. However, they will under-deliver on upper pole fullness and medial fullness/cleavage.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.The one who measures the breasts should be the surgeon instead of the patient.There are a lot of different types and sizes of implants in the market to meet different requirements of patients.If you have projected breasts high profile implants will not work for you.Recently most of the plastic surgeons tend to choose moderate to low profiles with smaller sizes. Higher projections and bigger sizes will cause more problems instead of others.Let your surgeon to choose the optimal implant according to your wishes.Best luck

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

When considering breast augmentation, the most critical component to the operation is implant selection. Most breast surgeons will take a number of measurements including your base width, sternal notch to nipple distance, and distance between the nipple and the breast fold. All of these play a role in deciding appropriate implant selection, with base width being the most critical. Your selected implant should match your native breast footprint to make sure there is harmony between implant position and your native breast tissue. I typically counsel patients that .5cm difference between the selected implant and your natural base width is acceptable, but I do not recommend a difference larger than this for the reason I mentioned above. 
Sean M. Fisher MD Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Base width is one of the factors used when selecting an implant but there are other considerations.  I encourage you to meet with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you for consultations to listen to varying opinions.  I've also included a video that I hope you find helpful when selecting an implant.

I am wondering if going with an implant that is 2 cm smaller than you measure is going to cause any issues?

Answers (11)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Breast lift options - how can I avoid scars? (Photos)

Unhappy with the results - how can I improve the asymmetry? (Photo)

What is the risk of complications from not using an internal bra after previous implants, lifts and weight loss?

6 months after submuscular breast augmentation, one breast is still more projected. What can be done to fix this? (Photos)

4 year old implants - Do I look like I need a lift or new implants? (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS