BWD is 12" according to 2 doctors - but my dr said it's 10". Considering 190-215: width is 9-5-10. Too small? (photos)

Question

I want to fill out my bra without padding (prob 1-2 cups) and want side projection. I fear looking too big/ not fitting into my clothing. I wear a lot of deep Vs. sientra sizing chart below-concerned too narrow. why would doctors have measured me with 2cm difference. So much variance so I'm concerned. Doc is looking between mod plus and high profile ( chart below.) Said due to mild droop would help w lifting a bit. true? too softball like?not trying to have huge boobs just fill out my clothes

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. 
 Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery.
There are several steps taken to select a specific size/profile breast implant for a specific patient.  I prefer to have a wide selection of implants (all profiles) available in the operating room. I use intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allow me to select the breast implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high-profile) that would most likely achieve the patient's goals. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison. I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.
Ultimately, 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 words such as “natural or huge” 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.
In your case, my best advice: more communication. It will definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.
I hope this (and the attached link/video, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery sizing concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The measured base diameter is the external width of the breast, so the implant has to be narrower than that in order to fit inside without causing problems. An external measurement of 12 cm is fairly narrow, so the implant width would need to be no more than 11 cm. If the implant volume is high enough, it is possible that you could avoid the lift. This cannot be determined with an online consultation, but might be something in the range of 235-255 cc mod+.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. 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 breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.

BWD is 12" according to 2 doctors - but my dr said it's 10". Considering 190-215: width is 9-5-10. Too small? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast Augmentation - Size Selection

Answer: Breast Augmentation - Size Selection

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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

BWD is 12" according to 2 doctors - but my dr said it's 10". Considering 190-215: width is 9-5-10. Too small? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Breast Augmentation - Size Selection

Answer: Breast Augmentation - Size Selection

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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