How important is breast width diameter and staying under or right at it with the implant I choose? (Photo)

Dear Esmith4,
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

The breast width diameter (BWD) is a measurement across the breast cavity that indicates the maximum width that an implant will fit in. Any implant with a width that is equal or less than your BWD measurement, which in your case is 11.5 cm, will fit proportionally into the breast. The current size of implant being recommended to you (325cc, 11.4 cm) is a great choice according to your BWD measurement. Choosing an implant that exceeds the width of your BWD measurement will increase the risk of developing cosmetic complications. Overall, choosing an implant with a width of 11.5 cm or less would be the safest and most proportional option for your frame.

For Breast implants, we offer both saline and silicone breast implants depending on each unique patient case and their individual aesthetic goals. He is a master at his craft, and blends surgeons skill and years of experience to create gorgeous results.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Biodimensional analysis is important to determine a hypothetical maximum anatomic capacity. Everyone, including many plastic surgeons, are focused only on breast width when there is another measurement that is just as important: nipple to fold distance on stretch. I can see that the surgeon who created this photo marked 6 cm on the right and 5.5 cm on the left. I am assuming that that was not on stretch, but if it was, then you are going to have problems (low nipple position or worse, double bubble) with using an implant greater than around 275 cc. For an implant that is 350 to 375 range, the distance should be 8 to 8.5 cm. To answer your question, choosing an implant greater than the breast base will put you at risk for implant palpability and wrinkling.

Breast width diameter is more of a gimmick than anything else. Using bwd to determine implant size usually ends up too small. This notion was dreamed up by a surgeon about twenty years ago. Many younger surgeons bought into it. It’s totally irrelevant. You could easily get 365

Breast width diameter (BWD) is an important factor to consider when choosing breast implants, as it helps ensure a natural and proportionate look. Staying within or close to your natural BWD can help prevent complications and achieve a more balanced outcome. Implants that are too wide for your chest may lead to a “fake” or disproportionate appearance, while those too narrow may not provide the desired fullness.Your plastic surgeon will consider your BWD when recommending implant sizes that are suitable for your body. It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals to determine the most appropriate implant size and shape for you. Remember that your desired shape and size is a personal choice and together with your surgeon you can find a great implant for you.

It is best for the implant width to not exceed your breast base for best look and fit. For larger sizes, then going up in profile, which decreases the width, gives women have larger implants that still fit their frame.

You need to follow the advice of your surgeon. The difference between the thee implants is less than a quarter inch. It sounds like you need to discuss this with your surgical team.

Breast width is a helpful factor to consider when choosing an implant, but there is a bit of wiggle room. I like to use sizers during surgery. This helps me ensure my patients achieve the look they are wanting while respecting the limitations of their anatomy. I've included a video on this that I hope you find helpful.