Choosing Breast Implant Size for the Wide Framed Patient
Proper breast implant size very much depends upon each patient’s individual overall build, particularly when it comes to the size of the chest. Smaller breast implants are more optimal for patients with thinner builds, less sturdy bone structure, and narrower chests. But what about patients with larger builds and wider chests? What size implant will best suit them? The truth is that one size does not fit all when it comes to implants.
Sizing Makes the Difference
Women with larger frames will often also have wider chests with a sturdier bone structure to the ribcage. Implants that are too small may not make the breasts look much different in size than before the breast augmentation procedure. Obviously, this would not be the effect that the patient wanted from having breast implant surgery.
Women with wider chests may be well suited for implants that are larger in terms of their overall volume. They may also benefit from implants that are placed behind the pectoral wall because there is more surrounding tissue, fat, skin, and muscle to properly support the implants and avoid bottoming out, where the implants shift too far down on the chest because they are not properly supported. Patients with smaller builds and more narrow chests may not have enough tissue, fat, skin, and muscle to properly support implants placed behind the pectoral wall.
The cosmetic surgeon will have implant sizers available so patients can try on different implant sizes to find the one that is best suited to their individual size and shape. It is recommended that patients wear at least one sports bra (preferably two, to form a pocket into which the sizers can be slipped). Sports bras are designed to fit snugly over the breasts to stop them from bouncing around during athletic activities. This makes them ideal for giving the most accurate idea of how the breast implants will actually look on the chest.
Choosing the Right Breast Implant Profile
In addition to considering the overall implant size, patients and surgeon should also determine the correct implant profile. The profile is determined by the height of the implant in relation to its circumference (width). Implants with a low profile will have a circumference that is greater than the height. Conversely, implants with a high profile will have a height that is greater than the circumference.
Patients with wider chests will want to consider low-profile implants. High-profile implants will give the appearance of the breasts being too far apart from each other. In extremely exaggerated cases, it may appear that the implants are under the armpits. Low-profile implants avoid this problem because their circumference will cover more of the chest.
As a general rule, women with wider chests will do better with implants that are larger in overall volume, but with a lower profile. However, each patient is different. The cosmetic surgeon will be useful in helping the patient determine the best overall implant size and profile that will give them the results they desire.
Contact Jefferson Plastic Surgery to schedule a breast augmentation consultation.