BWD of 18, 34AAA - can Motiva mini implants help me achieve a full 34A size?

Question

Hi- I'm 5'2" 125pounds and my BWD measured a few times by me and my husband is 18cm. I made sure I did this nipple to nipple, using the right side of a flexible measuring tape. I am concerned that my BWD seems so much larger than other women's. My bra size is a 34AA. I would like to get motiva mini implants so that I can fill out a bra and be a full 34A size. Is this reasonable? Or will I need much larger implants because my chest is so wide? Thank you

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to meet with you and discuss your concerns.  Scheduling an in-person consultation gives you the times to try on implants with different clothing styles for your personal evaluation.  Schedule a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goals.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

Dear Molly'smav,
  I am a little confused by what you are calling your breast width.  You use the term  BWD, but when I think of the breast width for implant sizing,  I am not looking at the nipple to nipple distance, I am looking at one breast at a time, and measuring with calipers from one pectoralis border to the lateral border of the breast where it meets the chest wall. That usually correlates with the lateral border of the pectoralis.   In any case,  this measurement is in the range of 10 or so to 16, with an average width for a 375 cc implant being in the 13.5 range for a moderate profile implant.
  If you want a Motiva mini Ergonomix around 170 cc to be a 34 A,  the chart says it is 10.25 cm wide.  So remeasure each breast at the level of the nipple, side to side where they meet the chest wall.  If you get 10.25 or or more, you should have no problem finding a small implant that will make you an A.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear molly'smav,

breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. 
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.
Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.
Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.
You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Emily C. Wirtz, MD · Answer

Petite or Ballerina type breast enhancements are wonderful options for women who prioritize shape over volume. Based on your height/weight I would be surprised to see an 18 cm BWD. Your base width is the width and height of your breast footprint on your chest and is a little narrower than the breast itself considering skin etc. A small enhancement with a Motiva Round gel may be great for you to give fullness while maintaining a soft breast. Please note that the smallest Motiva implants available are 150 cc (Ergonomix gel) and 205 cc (Round gel). I recommend having an examination and consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon familiar with these implants. Best of luck on your journey!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

Another point which is often under appreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins"). 
A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.

When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:
-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)
-Breast sizers (rice bags)
-Goal photos
I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant.

With regards to your specific question, Breast Width Diameter (BWD) typically ranges from 11–14 cm. It is measured horizontally from the edge of the sternum (cleavage) to the outer edge of the breast tissue (lateral fold). I would suggest remeasuring as your measure is uncharacteristically large for such a petite individual.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You can do smaller Motiva (we offer them) implants for the size you wish to achieve.

This would be discussed during consultation with a plastic surgeon. This would include measurements- base diameter is the width across one breast, helpful in confirming implant size fit.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change.  I recommend small low profile implants placed retro-pectoral.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Paul E. Chasan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I have been in practice for over 30 years and breast surgery as well as revision breast surgery is a large portion of my practice.  I just submitted a paper to the Aesthetic Journal on wide chest/narrow implant breast augmentations.  In this group of patients who have a wide chest but a wide chest width, I have been using breast implants with a much smaller base width then the breast width.  The outcomes have been beautiful and I would recommend this for you.  You should be able to have an excellent result and still retain a fairly small breast. Best wishes to you.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

Breast width is the actual width of the breast not the distance between nipples. You are more likely to have a breast width of 9.5 to 10 cm. Please see a board certified experienced surgeon to discuss the Motiva product line. A lower profile implant may be the best for you.  Good Luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From your description it sounds like you may have measured incorrectly.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.  During this important meeting measurements will be taken of your breasts and you can discuss your surgical goals with your surgeon.  Small implants can often be used to create a conservative augmentation and provide subtle fullness.

BWD of 18, 34AAA - can Motiva mini implants help me achieve a full 34A size?

Answers (10)

More Breast Implants Questions

Is it common to change your mind between your first consultation and the surgery on your desired outcome/goals?

Breast implant sizing - Is it ok to go one cm more than my breast width?

Thoughts on breast implant illness - how likely is it for implants to trigger an autoimmune disease?

Are Gummy implants suppose to move?

Congenital Symmastia repair + breast implants - should I replace my implants with a smaller size? (Photo)

4’10”, 100 lbs. - What CC recommendation would you advise? (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS