Confused About BWD Meaning. I Am 12.5 Cm Should my Implant Diameter Be Less Than That?

You have forgotten to take into account the thickness of your breast skin and tissue which is generally 1-1.5cm. Therefore an implant with a diameter of 10 cm, when placed in the breast, will actually make the breast measure 10cm + 1-1.5cm (skin towards outer part of breast) + 1-1.5cm (skin towards inner or cleavage side of breast) = a total of 12-13cm BWD. If you work backwards you can see that a 10cm implant will make minimal difference in your breast whereas placing an implant of 12 cm will probably produce a breast that is 14 -15 cm and likely increase the cleavage (make the breasts appear closer together)/

I appreciate your question!

After performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that 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. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other people’s bodies and your results will probably be different.

Silicone will give you fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly sought after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, is a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.

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. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.

We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.

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

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

The best way
to determine the size that fits your personal perception of the perfect breast
is to try on sizers. This way you can see how they fit on you, how they add to
your current volume, and whether they fit your frame. Although the surgeon can
guide you, only you will be able to tell what is the right size. Try on sizers.
HP implants, which are a more modern shape than moderate profile
implants, fit most women better. They have a more appropriate base diameter for
the average women's chest. Mentor HP profile saline implants have base
diameters that range from 8.8 cm (very narrow) to 13.8 cm (moderately wide).
The majority of women in my practice have base diameters in the 11 to 13
cm range. The HP implants fit them well. The moderate implants have
much wider base diameters for the same volume (often in the 14 to 15.6 cm
range). These implants are too wide for most women that I treat. So
when the base diameter is measured and correlated with the diameter of the
implant, it is most often necessary to use HP implants to achieve the volume
the patient is requesting. At the volume selected, my patient's base
diameters are too small for moderate profile implants. Measuring a diameter and
then telling the patient what volume they can have (in high, moderate or
moderate plus implants) in my mind is backwards. The patients should be
allowed to choose the volume. Then the surgeon carefully considers the
base diameter, projection, profile, manufacturer, and fill material that will
achieve the patients goals of size as well as qualitative look (natural,
intermediate, or bold upper pole fullness or projection), all the while taking
into consideration the patient's anatomic features that will affect the
outcome. HP implants can be made to look very natural or very augmented,
depending on where in the range the implants are filled to achieve a particular
volume. At the low end of the fill range, HP implants do not have the upper
pole fullness that most people associate with the fake look. On the other hand,
a fake over-augmented look can be created with a moderate profile implant if it
is overfilled (a common practice for surgeons that commonly use moderate
profile implants). In addition, too wide an implant will put the volume past
the anterior axillary fold, which in my opinion, looks more fake than upper
pole fullness. So there are many factors that need to be considered.
The experience of the surgeon and the degree to which they explain the
options to you is of utmost importance. Obviously all of my patients look
at photographs and we evaluate the look they are desiring in great detail.
For me, high profile implants are the first choice. I rarely find an
indication to use moderate or moderate plus implants. Look at the outcomes and
judge for yourself. The outcomes should stand on their own. The subtlety
in the final outcome is not achieved by which profile implant is used, it is
determined by the skill in the creation of the pocket, the choice of volume,
and where in the range the implant is filled. Don't let the doctor tell
you what would look good on you. They cannot tell what you perceive to be
the best size.