Does your breast base width determine your implant width size?

It's important to know what size bra you currently wear. Is it a 32, 34, 36 bra, and, of course, the cup size. The strap size is important to know because that affects the diameter of the cup and subsequently the diameter of the breast implant that we choose. We also need to know your height, your weight, and it's helpful to know your dress size as well.  In addition, it would be very helpful if you include photos of yourself. A front view, a side view, and a three-quarter view are most helpful. This will let us see if there are any breast asymmetries, if the breasts are narrow, if the breasts are wide, what your chest wall looks like, and this will also help us make a decision as to the best size breast implant for you.  In my experience in general, if a woman wears a size 36 AB bra and would like to be a C cup, which is the average size that women wear and the average size bra that is sold, she needs a volume of approximately 350 to 390 cc to make that change. This becomes less if she's wearing a 34 bra, because it has a smaller strap size and the cups have a smaller diameter. A smaller diameter implant would then be a volume of approximately 300 to 350 cc. In the same way if she was more petite, maybe a double zero or size one and wore a 32 AB bra, then to become a 32C cup she would only require about 250 to 300 cc.  This is a general number, and of course there are other factors that will affect this. For example, if she has a chest wall issue where the chest is slightly sunken, this is called a pectus deformity, then she would require a little bit more volume to first bring her chest to a level position and then move forward to the projection of a C cup. This may require implants of about 50cc more. It's important to examine the patient and have complete information to make this decision.  breast implant size1.   32 a   to 32 c   needs about 250-275 cc2.   34a    to 34c     needs about 300-350 cc3.   36a    to 36 c     needs about 350-400 cc4.   You will be a double dd or larger  with 400 Your doctor will work with you to choose the best implant #shape and #implantprofile based on your goals and measurements.  In my practice, about 15-20% of the patients are good candidates for silicone #shapedimplants.  The profile is determined by the amount of projection versus roundness that the patient desires, as well as the size of the implant and size of her chest. The profiles are usually described as high, moderate plus and moderate.

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. This does not make me a better surgeon, or a worse surgeon.  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.

Base width of your breast should correspond roughly to the base width of your breast implant. If your implant is too large you may have rippling or distortion of the implant. It seems that the implant chosen may be too large for your torso. Perhaps you should get a second opinion if you are uncertain.Best wishes,Dr.Bruno

Great question!  Yes, the breast base width guides the surgeon on the correct implant width.  Sometimes the base width is hard to measure, so if you are doing it yourself it maybe inaccurate - but if your surgeon is doing the measurements then it should be fairly accurate.  Generally you do not want to place an implant with a larger width than the breast width as this can cause the implant to stick out into the armpits.  I usually stick with an implant that is the same or slightly smaller base width to avoid this.  If you desire more size but limited to the width, you can always go to a higher projection.  The Inspira line actually has an extra-full implant that has more projection than the full.Best of luck and hope this information helps!- Dr. Roger Tsai@DrRogerTsai

To simply answer your question, yes the bass width of a breast  is the determining factor for size of an implant because they're based on circumference.  However now with technology, I use the 3-D imaging system made by Vectra to properly assess each patient's dimensions and show them what different sizes and profile implants look like on the patients exact body. I highly recommend that you use this technology in order to get the look that you were looking for.

There are a number of measurements which are important in the planning of a breast augmentation including: breast width, nipple to IMF distance, nipple to sternal notch distance, tissue pinch. Each is important but their true value is in the sum of the whole. One measurement does not a decision make.

Traditionally, breast width is made at the level of the nipple (typically the fullest point on the mound). However, depending upon who is taking the measurements there may still be some variations noted. Studies have actually demonstrated this variability and the subjective nature of the measurement due to interrater reliability.It is generally advisable to choose an implant that will mirror the footprint of the breast on the chest wall. This means choosing an implant with a base width at or slightly smaller than the measurement (remember the variability!). By doing so, we can create a more natural look and avoid the fullness on the outside which has become a hallmark of less subtle breast augmentation surgery.Patients should also remember, all measurements aside, there exists a limit to what will fit in any given patient. It is wise to follow your board certified surgeon's advice in this regard. There is no replacement for experience. 

The best decisions are always made with as many data points as possible. As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

I appreciate your question.



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.  



Silicone will give you a 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 more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.



Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.



These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are 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.



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

Great question. Your breast width serves as a guideline and measurements are only one way to make a recommendation. If you follow the measurements then you're likely to get a natural result because the breast implant fits the breasts. When you go beyond the numbers, then you're more likely to get a fake result. Bigger also implies more risks and over 350 cc is higher risks, in general. My guess is that you told your surgeon that you wanted big and so he/she recommended over 500 cc. If you did not ask for a big cup and the surgeon just wants to go big on you, it might be better to get a second opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO 

In general I would say you want your implant base width to be smaller than the actual breast base width.  If you go too large in your natural breast base width then you run the risk of having "breasts in your armpits".  If you are still in doubt then I suggest seeing some more Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area for a second opinion. Best of luck to you

Implant sizes cannot be determined by height and weight alone. It is best to have an in-office evaluation so that careful measurements can be taken to determine the best size implant for your chest diameter, several upper body measurements, and current breast tissue. Once you have the measurements, they are all put together to determine the right implant from the right manufacturer. It is preferable to avoid using an implant that is wider than your chest width to avoid implants that sit in the armpit area. Some patients are willing to accept that to maximize the size of their implants, but the surgeon would have to also be willing to accept that to perform the procedure. To have a more natural balanced size, it is best to avoid implants larger than your breast diameter. Hope this helps!

Johnson C. Lee, MD

Plastic Surgery