Question about BWD

bandit310 · 09-14-2009, 08:26 AM

Hi Dr. Mele--I have a quick question about matching BWD with implant diameter. My BWD is 13. I want a naturally looking C if possible. I think I have decided on silicone 325cc. My Question is which would be a better fit for my BWD. Mentor 325cc HP has a base diameter of 11.4 and Mentor 325cc mod+ has a base diameter of 12.3. I seems to me like the 325cc mod+ would be better. I want as close to an unoperated look as possible. I have pics in public album if you want to take a look. I am 5' and 110lbs. Ribcage 29". Thank you so much in advance!

Dr. Mele · 09-15-2009, 01:20 PM

Dear bandit310:

Thanks for your question. Base width diameter is one of the most important measurements I take in the evaluation for breast augmentation. It is much more important for saline filled implants as they seem to "enforce" their diameter on the breast more so than silicone gel filled implants.

Since I have never seen you I can't recommend a specific implant for your breast augmentation, but maybe this will help>

Ideally, I like to keep the implant's base width one centimeter less than the the final width I expect after augmentation. This allows for a centimeter thickness for the native soft tissues (skin, fat, breast, muscle). So in your case, if the desired final base diameter is 13 I would use 12 for the desired implant width. With gel implants, there is a bit more modification which comes from experience. It depends on skin tightness, muscle thickness and how wide the chest, breast and muscle are.

Projection is another consideration. The final projection is a function of the implant's projection, plus your native breast tissue projection. Again adjustments are made depending on skin laxity and muscle development/tightness. The less native breast tissue the more I lean towards a higher profile. It just fills the bra cup better. The moderate profile implants also give a very nice cosmetic result, and tend to look more "natural".

The two implants you mentioned are pretty similar so if that is the right volume for you, both should give a nice result. While base diameter is important, I think I would make my decision more on the desired projection. Unless you have a measuring tape, I don't think you will notice a big difference with these base diameters.

mayb38dd · 10-03-2009, 06:17 PM

Hi Dr. Mele,
I'm new to all this and live a ways away from any docs,so I've have no consults as of yet. You and the team in Santa Rosa are the closest on this site,but still a days trip which I don't have the freedom for in my schedule at this point. This forum has been really helpful, but there are a few terms I'm a little fuzzy on and can't find the answers to..

Can you answer for me exactly what the needed measurements are and how they are taken?
I'm assuming BWD is taken around both breasts through the nipple area measuring from the outter sides.
BMD is maybe breast middle diameter? Where do you take that measurement?
The crease to nipple measurement seems pretty self explanatory...crease to the nipple, right?
Is the ribcage measurement taken just below the crease area?

I've been comfortable with a large chest being a 36D most all of my life, but the girls have dropped(w/o the fluff) and I'm looking to be on the larger side.
I like the sound of high profiles, unders, 500ccs or greater.
If i took my measurements correctly,
My ribcage is 29.5"
My BWD is 16"
My crease to nipple is 11cm

Thanks for your time

m

09-14-2009, 08:26 AM	#1
bandit310 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Kansas Posts: 96 Thanks: 10 Thanked 30 Times in 28 Posts	Question about BWD Hi Dr. Mele--I have a quick question about matching BWD with implant diameter. My BWD is 13. I want a naturally looking C if possible. I think I have decided on silicone 325cc. My Question is which would be a better fit for my BWD. Mentor 325cc HP has a base diameter of 11.4 and Mentor 325cc mod+ has a base diameter of 12.3. I seems to me like the 325cc mod+ would be better. I want as close to an unoperated look as possible. I have pics in public album if you want to take a look. I am 5' and 110lbs. Ribcage 29". Thank you so much in advance! __________________ -

09-15-2009, 01:20 PM	#2
Dr. Mele Certified by the ABPS Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 276 Thanks: 120 Thanked 291 Times in 153 Posts	Base width diameter vs Projection for the same volume Dear bandit310: Thanks for your question. Base width diameter is one of the most important measurements I take in the evaluation for breast augmentation. It is much more important for saline filled implants as they seem to "enforce" their diameter on the breast more so than silicone gel filled implants. Since I have never seen you I can't recommend a specific implant for your breast augmentation, but maybe this will help> Ideally, I like to keep the implant's base width one centimeter less than the the final width I expect after augmentation. This allows for a centimeter thickness for the native soft tissues (skin, fat, breast, muscle). So in your case, if the desired final base diameter is 13 I would use 12 for the desired implant width. With gel implants, there is a bit more modification which comes from experience. It depends on skin tightness, muscle thickness and how wide the chest, breast and muscle are. Projection is another consideration. The final projection is a function of the implant's projection, plus your native breast tissue projection. Again adjustments are made depending on skin laxity and muscle development/tightness. The less native breast tissue the more I lean towards a higher profile. It just fills the bra cup better. The moderate profile implants also give a very nice cosmetic result, and tend to look more "natural". The two implants you mentioned are pretty similar so if that is the right volume for you, both should give a nice result. While base diameter is important, I think I would make my decision more on the desired projection. Unless you have a measuring tape, I don't think you will notice a big difference with these base diameters. __________________ Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, FACS Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery Certified by the American Board of Surgery www.DrMele.com

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10-03-2009, 06:17 PM	#3
mayb38dd Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: northern california Posts: 159 Thanks: 90 Thanked 73 Times in 58 Posts	Hi Dr. Mele, I'm new to all this and live a ways away from any docs,so I've have no consults as of yet. You and the team in Santa Rosa are the closest on this site,but still a days trip which I don't have the freedom for in my schedule at this point. This forum has been really helpful, but there are a few terms I'm a little fuzzy on and can't find the answers to.. Can you answer for me exactly what the needed measurements are and how they are taken? I'm assuming BWD is taken around both breasts through the nipple area measuring from the outter sides. BMD is maybe breast middle diameter? Where do you take that measurement? The crease to nipple measurement seems pretty self explanatory...crease to the nipple, right? Is the ribcage measurement taken just below the crease area? I've been comfortable with a large chest being a 36D most all of my life, but the girls have dropped(w/o the fluff) and I'm looking to be on the larger side. I like the sound of high profiles, unders, 500ccs or greater. If i took my measurements correctly, My ribcage is 29.5" My BWD is 16" My crease to nipple is 11cm Thanks for your time m