How do I measure my breast size and chest width for a BA surgery?

Thank you for your question. Selecting the correct implant  is among the most important decisions in a successful breast augmentation procedure. There are several factors to consider and the placement of the identical implant will not produce the same results in all patients due to differences in:1. Dimensions of the breast  2. Diameter of the chest 3. Volume of the breast tissue  4. Height and weight 5. Breast shape, including ptosis and asymmetryI rely on 3 methods to advise my patients: 1. Dimensional planning  2. Gel implant sizing  3. 3-Dimensional Vectra imaging system.At the time of consultation, measurements are taken allowing for dimensional planning to select the implant which best fits the base diameter of the breast.  Gel implant sizing is performed to allow you to visualize augmentation with the various sized implants.  While some practices choose not to use imaging; Vectra 3-D imaging has been a very important method in my practice in selecting the correct implant size and shape as it allows you to see what you will look like following augmentation with any of the available implants. The best advice is to choose the surgeon that you feel most comfortable with who is also board certified. Best wishes, Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to explain how to measure your breasts. I would return to your surgeon and have them show you so that you can gain a better understanding. 

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.
 
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.

If you have a caliper, that is how we measure breast width...whether current or desired (in the case of a narrow or constricted breast)...and then we subtract the thickness of your breast tissue from the overall measurement to determine what range of implant widths would work in your breast. But there are other factors in determining what implant size will fit...the tightness vs. pliability of skin, tightness of breast tissue, the amount of upper pole fullness (ie: how natural vs. how "obviously implanted" a look a patient desires), etc. I would advise that you find a surgeon who you trust and whose results you like, and who spends a sufficient amount of time discussing the procedure with all options and pros and cons. Spending much time asking for opinions on implant size on forums from surgeons who cannot examine you in person are much less helpful.

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Congratulations on your decision to have a breast augmentation! Our patients are very happy with this procedure. With regard to generic measurements, less than 11 or 12 is small, and greater than 14 is large. The base width is measured by measuring the medial and lateral borders of the breast, and subtracting the amount of tissue that is contributed by by your skin thickness (usually 1 -2 cm). The size, profile, shape, texture, and type of implant (e.g., saline, silicone gel, “gummy bear”) is based on your desired versus existing breast size and shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality. Of course, you will need an in-person consultation to evaluate you for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. I suggest that you find a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of patients who have had similar procedures. Good luck!
Best,

Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS

Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Texas “Top Doc”

A Breast Width Diameter (BWD) greater than 14cm would be large and smaller than 12 would be small. However BWD measurement on a patient will vary depending on who is doing the measurement and there artistic sense. For you to try and decide what implant will fit you without relying on the years of experience of your surgeon would be an exercise in futility.