Motiva Implants - Should the ‘arc length’ match my nipple to IMF distance?

3 mm is unlikely to make or break a result.

However, when sizing, dimensional planning would suggest that the implant be centered on your breast mound. If the implant is larger and the arc length exceeds the native NIMF distance, it will give the appearance of significantly greater volume above the NAC.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Thanks for your question. In short, 3mm is unlikely to be a significant determinant of your result. What matters is that you choose an implant of an appropriate width & height for your chest, and of an appropriate projection to achieve your goals. Your surgeon should factor in the dimensions of the implant into their operative planning such that the implant is positioned appropriately with the nipple centred on it and the level of the incision in the lower fold of your breast is adjusted accordingly. Choose your implant alongside your surgeon. Using some 3D imaging simulation software may help you communicate the result that you are looking for.

Dear Lrosax,

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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

A 3 mm difference in the arc length of the implant versus the nipple to inframammary fold of your breast should not affect your result. Small modifications of the placement of the incision for your augmentation will still allow the nipple/areolar complex to be positioned correctly in relation to the implant and have your inframammary fold incision sit exactly in your inframammary fold. Have a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon with dimensional measurements of your breast to confirm this. Best wishes.

External measurements are not an exact representation of the distances under the pectoralis muscle.
Generally, speaking, using an implant that has a much greater diameter than your natural breast diameter will either cause the implant to ride high or the surgeon has to open the IMF, which is in my opinion, a bit treacherous and can lead to significant postoperative problems like implants bottoming out.
In a nutshell, anytime, excessively large implants are used to chance of undesirable side effects, complications and need for revision surgery will go up.
The bigger the implant the more likely postoperative problems are.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community
There is a lot of information to go over before being ready for this procedure.
In general, the outcome of breast augmentation surgery is usually based on three variables.
The first is the patient candidacy for the procedure, which is important to understand.
The second is implant selection in regards to shape size and type.
The third is provider selection.
Of these providers selection is the most important variable. In the hands of the right plastic surgeon everything falls into place.
In the hands of the wrong plastic surgeon, poor decision can be made and the chance of having problems and needing revision surgery goes up significantly.
This may seem obvious, but finding the right plastic surgeon turns out to be more difficult than most people realize.
I recommend patients have multiple consultations before selecting a provider and considering scheduling surgery.
The more consultations you have the more likely or to find the better provider for your needs.
By having multiple consultations, you’ll begin to get more familiarized with intricacies and become a better more informed consumer.
There’s no correct number of consultations needed to find the right provider.
The more consultations you schedule the more likely you are to find the best provider.
The biggest mistake I make is having only one consultation and then scheduling surgery.
Recognize that breast augmentation surgery has a pretty high revision rate.
Many people estimate revision rates are 25% within the first five years.
The chance of having revision surgery and the problems that indicate having revisions can be decreased significantly by approaching the procedure correctly to start with.
Good luck,
Mats Hagstrom MD