Is the gap between my breasts because of my anatomy or is the implant too small?

Question

I’m 5’2, 130 lbs with a BWD of 11.5 I got a 275 cc moderate projecting implant All I stressed to my surgeon was I didn’t want a large gap between my breasts and I wanted slight lateral projection to give an hourglass appearance. There is about 3 fingers of space between my breasts. I didn’t really care about having large breasts I just wanted them to come together when wearing a brallete or sports bra but they look like two balls and there is no cleavage. Is this caused by anatomy or implant

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Cleavage will depend of many factors, in particular position of breast base, "breast footprint". If it is closer to the midline and there is some tissue there, patient will have natural looking cleavage before and after augmentation. However, when breasts are positioned lateraly on the chest, when ribs are very steep and amount of breast tissue close to the midline minimal, it would be very difficult to create cleavage just with proper positioning of implants. It will also depend of the insertion of the pectoral muscle to the chest bone. In cases where satisfactory cleavage can not be created with implants, fat grafting of the medial aspect of the breast to create bulk and cleavage, may be considered. Hope this helps.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Unfortunately without an in-person examination, or full series of photographs, it is impossible to offer advice.

Martin Benjamin, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello! This is a very common issue after breast augmentation and is usually multi-factorial. Anatomy, implant selection and surgical technique all play a role. If you have something called pectus carinatum (ribs stick out) it may prevent the implants from being closer together. An implant of 275cc in my experience (even in a moderate profile) really does limit how much cleavage you may have but this of course depends on your chest measurements prior to surgery. Finally, if the implants were placed in a submuscular plane (underneath the muscle), the surgeon must ensure that the muscle is released adequately so that the implant may fall as medial as possible to give you the best cleavage possible. Make sure to discuss all of these points with your plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Genius188143,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment, it would be difficult to determine what went wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to answer your question without an examination or photos.  The location where the implants naturally settle is influenced by your anatomy. There are techniques used to help improve cleavage, but it is limited.

Is the gap between my breasts because of my anatomy or is the implant too small?

Answers (7)

Answer: Gap between breasts

Answer: Gap between breasts

Answer: Cleavage

Answer: Cleavage

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Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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Is the gap between my breasts because of my anatomy or is the implant too small?

Answers (7)

Answer: Gap between breasts

Answer: Gap between breasts

Answer: Cleavage

Answer: Cleavage

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.