Can I use wider implant than my allowable chest area? (Photo)

Hello and thank you for your question. There are many factors at play when choosing the right implant for you. The base diameter of the breast footprint and and implant diameter are two important variables to take into account. In general most surgeons don't lean towards choosing implants wider than the measured breast base diameter because then they will either have to either create a wider pocket (going into the axillary region) to make it "fit" properly, or have the implant possibly be "pushed together" by a smaller pocket. This may as you alluded create more fullness in other parts of the breast and may be more likely to have notable implant countours in thinner patients. The best advice is to seek a follow up consultation with your surgeon or have another consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to confirm you measurements with a physical exam and discuss your options.

Dear Lisa Wu,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Small differences between implant width and breast width are typically okay, but when you exceed it too much you could risk the look you are wanting. You may want to consider a smaller implant that fits the breast space better. I've included a video on implant selection that I hope you find helpful.