How to measure BDW with tape measure? (Photo)

Question

When I was at my consultation my PS measured my bdw and he said it was a 10.5. When researching online, I found u can use a caliper he did not. nor the same place. So I'm just wondering... I know my husband isn't an expert but is willing to help. I tried doing it by myself I added the pic that I used. All the women that I see my size are not 10.5. They are at least a 11-12.I know everyone is different.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Floridian,  Thanks for submitting your picture and your goal picture. From observing your picture, your breasts appear to be small A cup size and your goal picture appear to be full C cup size.    Every patient who come to my office for breasts augmentation surgery, gets circumference measurement of the chest (just above the breasts) and breasts (at the nipples level) in inches. The difference in inches is the cup size.  Since you did not provide your chest circumference, lets assume that currently you are 32 small A cup. To become 32 full C cup, you will need implants with volume of 375 cc. For 34 full C cup - 450 cc.   Please realize that not all results are the same, because experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good and satisfying outcome.  So, do you due diligence and choose wisely.   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and natural looking.                Best of luck,                                   Dr Widder

William J. Hedden, MD · Answer

I would suggest letting your plastic surgeon help you with that otherwise it can get confusing. Most plastic surgeons would find your numbers to be off.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question and for sharing your photographs. I think you have done a good job at measuring your BWD which would be the distance from A-B in your drawing.  Each surgeon will use their own measuring method and it's best to trust their style as it leads to predictable results.  Hope this helps.

William R. Burden, MD, FACS · Answer

To improve accuracy and documentation of breast dimensions, 3D imaging can be used.  There is an added benefit to the 3D imaging, you can render an image simulating the size and shape of the breasts with the implant selected.  Typically, the base width is determining by measuring the distance from the edge on the sternum to the outer edge of the breast.  The curvature of he chest wall may vary.  The width measurement should take into account this curvature.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There's no standard for measuring the dimensions of the breast part of breast augmentation. I personally use a plastic ruler but a measuring tape calipers are perfectly acceptable.

Tracy E. McCall, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, anatomy isn't exact. You don't have a strong line marking where one thing begins and another ends most of the time, and the tissue stretches, so the measurements change. This measurement does involve a little bit of "eyeballing". The idea is to get you into the right size range. I've never met an aug patient who had a 19 cm base diameter. Reduction patients, yes, their breasts are often too big for their chest wall. Your breasts are narrow and you do seem to have a small chest. I think your plastic surgeon's measurement could well be accurate. That's fine. The measurement is just used to get you into the right implant for your body. This isn't something you'd be advertising at a cocktail party. You do have some breast asymmetry. You will have some asymmetry post op as well--that is fine, nobody is exactly the same. Good work on showing a picture of what you'd like to see. I find that to be one of the best ways to understand patients' wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I don't think I have ever seen a women with a BWD of 17-19.  One measures from each side of the chest( laterally and medially to the sternum.  Most are between 9-13.  I use a tape measure or a caliper.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

While I also prefer calipers, I can use a tape for the same purpose. Depends on your experience. From your photos, unless you are super tall, your BWD does appear to be somewhat narrow so 10.5 would not be surprising. I don't believe I have ever seen 17-19 cm, even in heavy, broad 6'4" transgender patient.Presumably you saw a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast augmentation surgery in which case you can be comfortable with their expert evaluation.

William A. Wallace, MD, FACS · Answer

While there may be slight variation in the measurement of your breast between one plastic surgeon and another, the measurements you're obtaining seem much different. A 17-19cm base width, in my experience, is very unusual. I do encourage you to have a consultation with more than just one plastic surgeon prior to undergoing your procedure, if only to reassure yourself your choices are correct. Good luck!

Steven M. Camp, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.In general the dimensions for measurement are standard but each person may have their own technique or type of ruler to determine this.  In my practice I use both a tape measure and calipers and then this is confirmed with additional 3-D imaging.  In my practice this allows for a very uniform measurement that is reproducible and consistent for each patient.Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon that can communicate well with you about your goals, and preferably on with ASAPS membership-The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.Best Wishes

How to measure BDW with tape measure? (Photo)

Answers (12)

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