How to measure chest width?

There are many different methods described and it's really up to the plastic surgeon in their experience and what they're comfortable with. Some use actual measurements and some artistic surgeons With a tremendous experience just eyeball it.  Depending on the surgeons experience both can be extremely effective. I would recommend you see a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of plastic surgery who has a great experience and breast augmentation. Best of luck

Thank you for your question. The way plastic surgeons measure is really based on there preference. Some have been doing this so long the usually can just tell. Surgeons all have there different methods. As long as you choose a board certified plastic surgeon with experience you will be set. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago 

Thank you for your question.  Most surgeons will take some various measurements of your breast to help guide the choice of an optimal implant.  The breast width is a linear width taken from the inner part of the breast where it meets the sternum to the very outer part just below your armpit.  This can be as narrow as 10-11cm in a very thin patient and over 16-17cm in a very large patient.  Most patients will fall around 12-13cm.  This measurement is important when choosing the base width of your breast implant:  too wide can increase your risk of symmastia (uniboob) or leave you too full on the outer aspect and cause trouble with your arm bumping into the breast.  If the implant is too narrow, it will not give uniform fullness across the upper pole of the breast and leave you hollow in the upper inner and upper outer aspect.  Your surgeon will help guide you with the optimal implant volume and dimensions.  Good luck.  

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

Hi, we measure breast width...not so much chest width. Basically the width of one of your breast in the horizontal plane. The width of the implant needs to match the width of your breast... P

Hi there, Thank you for your question. When assessing patients for breast procedures we perform a variety of measurements. The measurements required would depend on the procedure being performed. Speak with the surgeon you have the consultation with. Best, realdrsix

A number of measurements will normally be used to calculate your chest width for use during your breast augmentation. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will have their own methods of doing this and they are likely to vary depending on the specifics of the procedure you’re planning. As there’s no standard way of measuring chest width, speak to your own plastic surgeon about the measurement method they use and let them deal with the practicalities. As long as you choose a reputable plastic surgeon and communicate your requirements clearly, the method of measurement isn’t too important. 

Your PS will be able to measure you and be able to show you the chest and breast width. Generally the thickness of the breast tissue and the chest width are used to assess the best base width for an implant. It is the base width of the implant that is the key measurement and it need to fit your breast / chest. 

Thank you for the question.  You will find that there are many different  "methods" of measuring breast width;  do not be surprised if you receive conflicting information online and from different plastic surgeons as well. In other words, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to diameter of breast implant versus diameter of breast (band width). 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 (and the attached link/video, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.