Is the width recommended by my doctor too narrow?

Thank you for submitting your question. Although breast implant profile is an important decision, breast width can be the most important pre-op measurement when planning for a breast augmentation. I am not sure how you determined that your breast width is 11.5cm but it will be measured during your consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Based on the breast width, the implant width can be determined. If you are uncertain about the breast implant sizing choices by your PS, you can always go on to do other consultations before making your final decision on who to go with for surgery. However, keep in mind that if your PS is a board-certified plastic surgeon, his/her expertise in selecting the ideal implant for you should be based on experience, physical exam of your anatomy, and expertise. Hope this helps.

Dear a.swede.with.questions,
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

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

While breast width measurements are useful, there are other considerations when selecting the right implant for a patient. If you are wanting a more natural look and you are a thin person you may want to consider a profile that's lower than ultra high. Patients with minimal natural breast tissue have a higher likelihood of seeing and/or feeling the implant. For this reason, among others, it may be recommended to place the implant beneath the muscle. I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons near you to hear varying opinions.

There are multiple reasons for implant rippling. The one that your facing is likely not enough breast tissue. Also your breast width diameter is an external measurement. The breast pocket where the implant fits in is smaller than the diameter we measure with the calipers. So when choosing an implant it’s likely going to be more narrow than the breast width diameter.

Hi. If your width is 11.5 cm and you want a seminatural result, I believe high profile is a better option. If you want sideboob, you should get a wider implant. To avoid rippling, we place the implant under the muscle especially in patients who don't have much fat.