I have a breast width of 11.5cm, will I be limited to a specific size implant?

Question

I have a 32 cm Band and 11.5cm breast width I don’t want anything more than 450cc but will I be limited in my choices due to my current standings?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

We like to use the breast width as the key measurement when recommending implants for our patients.  If you go much smaller than your breast width, you end up with 'lumps' not breast augmentations.  If you go much bigger, you end up with too much sideboob.So to answer your question, you are not 'limited', you can chose anything that you want but ideally you select an implant 11.5cm +/-1 for best fit.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to diameter of breast implant versus diameter of breast (band width). 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, every patient undergoing breast augmentation surgery should understand that their anatomic starting point will limit the outcome of breast augmentation surgery. The use of a larger breast implant (than what is safely "allowed" by the patient's anatomy) can be problematic;  potential problems include breast implant displacement/malpostion issues ( such as bottoming out, lateral displacement, symmastia...)  and/or significant breast implant rippling/palpability.
  
Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.

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. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining 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. For example, I have found that the use of know words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.

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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.

I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Since there is no way to say definitively over the internet which size would be optimal for you, take comfort in the fact that the surgeon uses your unique measurements and is able to provide you with a general range.  In many cases the board certified plastic surgeon can best be your guide as they’ve met with you in person and heard your aesthetic goals. You may consider doing 3-D imaging; however with nearly all the breast cases we’ve performed, we’ve found patients enjoy doing a live “try on” session where they actually can “try on” the implant in a non-padded bra in our office.  This does not give an exact measurement of outcome, rather it gives a nice idea of what to expect. For patients who desire a more natural look we like to recommend the shaped implant.  For patients who desire a more full, voluptuous look we recommend a higher profile implant (like Inspira). Remember that all breasts have at least some amount of asymmetry (we like to say they’re like sisters and not twins).  An in-person consult is the best way to discuss your questions.   Be sure to find a surgeon with the following credentials:  *Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery -- The gold star symbol   *A member of the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) -- The circle symbol  *A member of the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) -- the Queen Nefertitti symbol with a Triangle.   My best, Brian Coan, MD, FACS

Eric YK Li, MD · Answer

I agree with the previous authors in that ideally its not a good idea to choose an implant that has a larger base width than your breast base width, as it can produce an unnatural mound-on-mound appearance.  That being said, even respecting your breast base width, there are still a plethora of options available in terms of volume since other variables such as implant projection/profile and height can be varied to meet your needs.  Ultimately, the way to sort through all these variables and arrive at the right implant for you is to have an in-person discussion with your plastic surgeon.  Hope this helps.   As always, seek proper consultation before treatment and best of luck!

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

A: implant size
The best way to pick implant size is based on your breast and chest width and not the volume. As the implants get bigger, they get wider. When the width of the implant fits the width of your chest, it will look nice and fit your frame. If the implants are too small, you will have a gap between them and they may look too far apart. If they are too wide, they will make you look top heavy as they may be too wide and stick well out past the sides of your chest. There are ways to get a bigger or smaller look. This can be done by picking a different implant profile. The higher the profile, the narrower the base width of the implant. If someone has a very narrow chest and wants to be big, they should consider a higher profile implant. If someone has a broad chest and they do not want to be too big but want to avoid the gap and still have cleavage without projection, they should consider a lower profile implant such as a moderate. There are options in between these such as the moderate plus.  A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who takes careful measurements and talks to you about your cup size goals will be able to assist you in your decision. I prefer the underarm incision so there is no scar on the breast. Good luck!

Dr Ennis Destin and Miami Fl

I have a breast width of 11.5cm, will I be limited to a specific size implant?

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Answer: Breast width and augmentation

Answer: Breast width and augmentation

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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I have a breast width of 11.5cm, will I be limited to a specific size implant?

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast width and augmentation

Answer: Breast width and augmentation

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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