How do you know if you have wide breasts? (Photo)

Question

How does a person know if they have wide breasts? Is there a ratio, measurement, calculation? What is wide set breasts?

Woo Jung Kim, MD, PhD · Answer

The size of the chest is determined by measuring the circumference of the base line and the circumference of the nipple, which is the middle of the chest. There may be some difference between underwear brands.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Wide breasts vs wide set breasts are two different concepts. The breast width, or "base diameter", is a measurement. Wide set breasts refers to the distance of the breasts in relation to each other, and can refer to excessive space between the breasts, or can also mean the breast tissue sits more off to the sides than towards the center, regardless of the breast width itself.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

pinkvock I appreciate your confusion, however breast width is determined by the measurement of the base diameter of your breasts. There really is no such thing as wide breasts, because base diameter is usually related to size and dimensions of each individual. Usually tall, thinner women have a more narrow base diameter than women with larger torsos. It does not appear that you have excessively wide breast base diameter from your photographs.The key is choosing implants within the base diameter of the breast so they do not stick out into the armpit and look fake. Discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear pinkvock,Thank yo for your question. Breast width is measured by a parameter called base width. This can be measured by your plastic surgeon in consultation, and is an important measurement for surgical planning. There are other measurements, such as the distance from your nipple to inferior mammary fold are also important. Hope this helps,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There can be two different measurements you are referring to.  One is wide set breasts which is the distance between the two breasts.  This is determined by your sternum and cannot be changed.  There is no specific measurement to deem a person's breasts as "wide set".  The other measurement is the width of the breast itself.  This measurement is frequently taken by your board certified plastic surgeon during a consultation.  It helps to determine a range of implants that may best fit the breast space.  It is not uncommon for the two breasts to be slightly different widths.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and you do not look wide at all... in fact you look normal.  When choosing an implant style based on the volume and outcome you desire, wider implants are selected for wider breasts and when trying to diminish a generous space between the mounds.  What makes you ask this question?

Andre Levesque, MD · Answer

Dear pinkvock,Surgeons will measure the base width of the breast to help select an appropriate size implant for a given chest.  Whether someone has a wide breast I typically consider how far if any the breast is lateral to the anterior axillary line.  We typically see this in women with larger breast or women that have had augmentation with larger implants.There is also wide spaced breasts which I think of how wide is the space between the breasts.  This can be changed some with implant placement but this maneuver has its risks and rewards.I don’t know of a specific measurement that indicated whether someone has a wide breast as it depends on height, weight, and how the breast is attached to the muscle and where on the chest wall they are located.Best Dr. L

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

I measure the width of the breast itself during consultation as it is very helpful in choosing the best style of implant to recommend (which should be similar to the width of your breast).  "wide set" breasts would be referring instead to the distance between the breasts.  Some women's breast have very little space between them and some have a wider distance between them.  It is difficult to violate that natural separation too much, as it can create contour problems.  Sometimes petite women will have a breast that is 12 cm wide.  There is no "normal" but I would consider a breast less than 11 cm narrower and greater than 13 cm wider.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Measurements are taken by the surgeon during the consult.  This enables the surgeon to make the recommendation for breast implant volume.   Moderate profile implants usually work well with wide breast.  Try on sizers in your surgeon's office for a clear understanding of the volume being added.

How do you know if you have wide breasts? (Photo)

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