Yes, your BWD is an upper bound on the widest implant you should consider, otherwise you risk either the implants riding too close together or extending out under the arm. If the volume you desire in a moderate plus has too wide a diameter, you should strongly consider switching to a high-profile implant, where the BWD will be less of an issue.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It is very difficult without seeing you in person to know if the implant sizes you mentioned are the appropriate size for you. Keep in mind that the size difference between the 355 cc and 385 cc are minimal and usually not visible when there is such a small difference. Also, implant size selection is customized based on your measurements, so not every implant will fit properly and has to be within your measurements. We have a device called the Vectra 3D imaging system that simulates what your result will look like based your measurements and on the implants selected for you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

A 12.5 cm wide implant will extend about 1 cm beyond the lateral border of your chest if the BWD is 11.5 cm. I don't think this would be objectionable, providing a skin pinch test indicates sufficient accommodation for the larger implant. Your plastic surgeon can advise you more appropriately.

Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston

Published on Jul 11, 2012

In your note, you are really referring to centimeters in width although you reference inches. One half of a centimeter is not really very much in terms of additional width. You should carefully discuss this with your surgeon and make sure the size you are considering is what you want. And, yes, commonly women do suggest they wish they had "gone bigger" after surgery but many times bigger is not better for the patient necessarily. Visit with your plastic surgeon and make sure the two of you are on the same page. Hope this helps.

J. Wethe, MD

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for the question!

Online consultants cannot give you accurate advice regarding profiles, etc..

Ultimately, carefully selecting a plastic surgeon and carefully expressing your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.

2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.

In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "large C or D cup" etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.

3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.

I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Tom Pousti MD
www.PoustiPlasticSurgery.com
619-466-8851

Published on Jul 11, 2012

BWD is only one of a few important measurements to determine implant size, but implants that are wider are prone to rippling. The desire to "go bigger" is the number one reason why surgeons break the rules, stop prioritizing safety and good clinical outcomes, and keep complication rates unacceptably high (25% of all women will have an unplanned secondary operation within three years of surgery). You should most certainly reconsider your quest for bigger implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012