If I choose an implant that has a greater width that my BWD, will that be wide enough to cover my frame? (Photo)

Thank you for posting your question. My name is Dr. Javier Soto. I am a board certified plastic surgeon from Colombia. I understand. The physics of it is that if you choose an implant with a wider base then you should have that curvy figure on the side of the breast, but you also have to have in mind that it also depends on the technique used to place the implant. If it’s submuscular, retroglandular or dual plane. Normally, I choose the size of the implant and the technique when we have the face to face consultation, because the consistency of the skin, the size of the pectoralis muscle and the desired incision can change our surgical plan.
Please keep giving us feedback about your process, and I hope my answer comes to help.Javier Soto, MDPlastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Thank you for your question about breast implants.

Selecting the most appropriate breast implant size for breast augmentation is a personal decision that ultimately you have to make. An in-person consultation with implant sizing is best.

It depends on your height, weight and breast base width diameter.

To know what might be right for you, see two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have breast implant surgery, and to determine appropriate sizing based on your goals.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for your question. While base witdth can be exceeded there are a few concerns:
Too wide can make you look heavy.
Because implants can only go so far to the middle too wide can make the nipples look too inward.
Too wide and you may feel or see rippling the outer edge of the implant if you do not have enough breast tissue to give good coverage.
I agree with you that the curve of the implant should balance with the curve of the hip, but I hope these considerations make sense. The link below offers some implant thinking as well. Best wishes.

Without photos of your breast anatomy - will be difficult to give the exact opinion but usually BW is the footprint of your breast to help determine implant sizing. And you don't necessarily have to choose moderate profile to get the side boob look (going up in cc's on higher profile will increase the BW, but if you don't desire more projection then stick with the lower profile implants). So going bigger in BW than your actual BW will help with the side boob look, perhaps a little more than what you have estimated -maybe 1 cm more (but again, there are no photos of your breast to give a better opinion). Also the second part is the surgeon's technique - there needs to be some lateral pocket dissection enough to give the side boob look but not too much to allow lateral displacement of the implants in the near future. Discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon to get the results you breast will allow.

Thank you for your question and for describing your aesthetic goals so clearly. Wanting implants that enhance lateral fullness and frame coverage is a very common and achievable objective.
Your breast base width (BWD) is a key reference point when selecting implants. Choosing a width slightly greater than your BWD—such as a 12.75 cm implant for a 12.5 cm base—can help extend the implant subtly beyond your natural breast footprint and contribute to more visible “side boob.” However, the final look depends on more than just width.
Implant shape and profile also play a critical role. A round implant tends to offer more upper pole and lateral fullness, while an anatomical (teardrop) implant may provide a more gradual, natural slope with less side projection. Similarly, moderate profile implants create a wider base with softer projection, whereas high-profile implants are narrower but project further forward.
In addition, your chest wall anatomy, soft tissue elasticity, and the surgical plane (under or over the muscle) all influence how the implant will sit and how much of it will show from the side.
To achieve the result you’re aiming for—enhanced curves with smooth lateral blending—a personalized sizing session with test implants and imaging can be incredibly helpful. This allows you and your surgeon to find the ideal width, shape, and profile combination tailored to your frame.
Warm regards,Op. Dr. Güray YeşiladalıBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for your question. Choosing an implant size involves many factors including your breast measurements, the quality of your breast skin and tissue, and your desired appearance. Without doing an in person exam, it seems that the implant you described should fit your frame well based on your described measurements. Make sure you have an in depth conversation with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Thank you for your question and providing a photo. You can easily achieve what you desire by using an implant with a wider base dimension. I have been in practice for over 25 years and found you can easily go 1 cm wider than your base dimension. I do believe choosing an implant that fits dimensionally well is very important. Your PS should measure your internal BD at surgery ( which may be different from the external BD), and choose the best implant dimension and profile to achieve what you want. I hope this helps

Hi. It looks like the photo is what you desire as oppose to your current situation. You need to be very careful that in your quest to have "side boob" the dissection is not overdone laterally. If it is, the implant may displace to the side of your chest creating a very large and unsightly gap in the middle of your chest. Good luck. Dr. PG

We used to NOT have different implant widths or "profiles" to choose from.

Now there are many more options which are mainly designed to fit a woman's breast "hand in glove" and avoid stretching the tissues beyond their normal limits.

Going with a wider implant may indeed get you "side boob" but your surgeon will have to carefully judge the ability of your tissues to hold such an implant.

Hello.The choice of a breast implant should be made based on the unique characteristics of your breasts, and breast measurements are a critical part of that decision. I would advise against choosing an implant that is wider than your base width. This will require over-dissection of the pocket and will put you at increased risk for implant malposition in the future. Breast plants come in a variety of profiles which differ in projection and base width. If you seek an implant with greater volume, perhaps a better choice would be a higher profile implant. Importantly, you should choose a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Good luck.

Choosing an implant that slightly exceeds your breast base width (BWD) can help achieve the curvy, filled-out appearance you’re aiming for. Here are some important points to consider regarding your choice:
Width and Frame Coverage: Selecting a 360cc moderate implant with a width of 12.75 cm when your BWD is 12.5 cm is a good approach. Implants that are wider than your BWD can enhance your side profile and provide the fullness you desire. This can help create that curvy look you’re aiming for.
Consideration of Projection: While width is crucial for achieving the right coverage, the projection of the implant also plays a role in how it will look on your frame. Moderate projection can help maintain a natural contour while still offering some side fullness.
Potential for Side Boob: If having some side boob is important to you, choosing an implant that fits your frame can help achieve that look. However, it’s essential to work closely with your surgeon to ensure that the implant’s placement aligns with your desired aesthetic.
Consultation and Fit: During your consultation, discuss your goals with your surgeon and bring any visual references. Trying on sizers can give you a better idea of how the chosen implant will fit your frame and achieve the desired appearance.
Individual Anatomy: Remember that each person’s anatomy is different, and factors like skin elasticity and natural breast tissue will influence how the implants settle and look after surgery. Your surgeon will consider these aspects when recommending the best option for you.
By carefully selecting your implants and working closely with your surgeon, you can achieve the curvy figure you desire while ensuring a comfortable fit.