Breast width diameter - how narrow is too narrow?

Question

I know that total amount of tissue and Breast width diameter are major factors contributing to what implant can safely be placed to avoid complications. It's suggested that the implant be slightly smaller than the actual BWD... But for the best look, how much morw narrow should the implant be than the Breast width diameter? How narrow is too narrow?

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size 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

Every surgeon will likely have slightly different practice with implant selection and it is best to consult with a surgeon in person who can measure various aspect of your anatomy and discuss your goals to arrive at the best implant for you. In my practice I try to keep implant base width within .5cm of the measured breast base width. This will ensure adequate implant coverage with native breast tissue while still filling out the entirety of the native breast footprint. 
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonSeattle, WA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You don't want a 150 cc implant floating around in a DD breast with a wide base. Your surgeon who has measured you can guide you to the best smallest and largest sizes for your tissue and frame.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Breast implants do not need to be narrower than the diameter of the breast.
Breast augmentation often increases the breast diameter.
There is no objective criteria, but rather each plastic surgeon will make their own judgment and use their own methodology for implant selection.
Using excessively wide implants tends to distort the natural borders of the breast, including the infra mammory fold which is undesirable.
Using low diameter breast implants limits the implant volume unless a high profile implant is used.
Each plastic surgeon will have their own way of guiding patients through implant selection process.
I suggest patients scheduled multiple in person consultations in the process of finding the right provider for your needs.
During in person consultations, you can discuss implant selection.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Breast width diameter - how narrow is too narrow?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast, diameter, and implant selection

Answer: Breast, diameter, and implant selection

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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

Breast width diameter - how narrow is too narrow?

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast, diameter, and implant selection

Answer: Breast, diameter, and implant selection

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Lift with Implants

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