A question many women ponder is why their breasts are far apart, leaving them with a wide cleavage or dissatisfaction with their breast appearance. While the size and shape of breasts often take centre stage in discussions about aesthetics, the spacing between the breasts, or cleavage gap, plays an equally vital role. We will explore the factors contributing to widely spaced breasts, how breast implants or surgery can affect this spacing, and solutions to achieve the cleavage you desire. It is also one of the most common questions I hear during the consultation.

Wide Cleavage Gap: What Causes It?

A wide cleavage gap refers to breasts that sit far apart on the chest wall, leaving a visible space between them. Several factors can contribute to this, including genetics, breast shape, and chest anatomy.

Genetic Factors

The distance between your breasts largely depends on your natural anatomy. If your chest wall is broad or the position of your breasts sits wide apart, your cleavage will naturally have a more significant gap. Breast spacing is not something you can alter through lifestyle changes or exercises—it’s a structural feature determined by your bone and tissue anatomy.

Breast Shape and Size

Breast shape plays a critical role in the appearance of your cleavage. Women with more tubular or teardrop-shaped breasts often experience a wider gap. Smaller breasts may also appear further apart if there’s less natural tissue to fill the area.

Chest Wall Anatomy

The underlying chest wall structure—including rib cage shape and pectoral muscle positioning—can determine how close your breasts are to one another. A concave or outwardly shaped rib cage can make the breasts appear further apart, even in women with larger breast sizes.

Gap Size Between Implants

For those considering or who already have breast implants, achieving the perfect cleavage is a key goal. However, the size of the gap between breast implants can depend on several factors.

Initial Breast Positioning

Breast implants cannot move breasts closer together than they naturally are. If your natural breasts are far apart, the implants will likely follow that same positioning, maintaining a wide cleavage gap. Surgeons carefully assess your anatomy before surgery to ensure realistic expectations are set.

Implant Shape and Type

The type of implant used can also influence cleavage appearance. Teardrop-shaped implants might create a more natural slope but can sometimes emphasise a wider gap. Round implants can offer more fullness, potentially reducing the perception of a gap.

Surgeon Technique

The surgical approach is critical. Surgeons can adjust the implant placement slightly to minimise the appearance of a gap. However, this adjustment is limited by anatomical constraints, as placing implants too close together can lead to complications such as symmastia (where the implants meet in the middle, creating a ‘uniboob’).

Why Do Implants Go Further Apart With Time?

While breast implants can initially improve cleavage, they may shift or move apart over time, creating a wider gap. Several factors contribute to this:

Natural Tissue Stretching

Over time, the skin and supporting tissues around the implants may stretch, especially in larger implants. This stretching can cause the implants to drift further apart.

Gravity

Gravity affects everyone, and implants are no exception. The weight of the implants may pull the breasts apart slightly over the years, especially if adequate support is not provided post-surgery.

Capsular Contracture

Capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms tightly around the implant, can cause the implants to shift. Depending on how the contracture develops, it might pull implants apart rather than closer together.

Ageing

As the body ages, changes to the skin, fat, and connective tissue can affect the positioning of the implants. A loss of skin elasticity and tissue thinning can exacerbate implant movement.

How Can I Bring My Boobs Closer Together?

If a wide cleavage gap is a concern, there are ways to bring your breasts closer together, both surgically and non-surgically. Here are the most effective options:

Breast Implant Revision

If you already have implants and feel the gap is too wide, a revision procedure can adjust the positioning of the implants. We may alter the implant pockets to bring the breasts closer together, but this must be done carefully to avoid complications.

Fat Transfer to the Cleavage

Fat transfer, also known as fat grafting, involves harvesting fat from one area of the body and injecting it into the cleavage area. This technique can fill in the gap between the breasts and create a more natural, fuller appearance without altering the implants themselves.

Customised Implant Placement

For those undergoing breast augmentation for the first time, we can tailor the procedure to optimise cleavage, taking into account your unique anatomy. As an experienced surgeon, I can dissect the pocket to achieve the look you desire within the limits of your anatomy.

Supportive Bras and Taping

While non-surgical options won’t permanently change breast spacing, certain bras or boob tape techniques can enhance cleavage temporarily. This can be particularly useful for specific events or outfits.

How Can I Get a Better Cleavage?

Improving cleavage is not solely about narrowing the gap between your breasts; it also involves creating fullness and definition in the area. Here’s how:

Choosing the Right Implant

Selecting the correct implant size, shape, and type is crucial. Round implants often provide more upper pole fullness, enhancing cleavage. However, the choice should align with your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Adjusting Implant Placement

Submuscular placement (under the chest muscle) can create a more natural slope and improve cleavage. On the other hand, subglandular placement (above the muscle) might enhance upper fullness but is not suitable for everyone. Under the muscle will often have a wider gap.

Post-Surgical Care

Proper post-surgical care is vital for maintaining cleavage. Wearing the right support garments and following our advice can help prevent complications or implant drift.

Can Implants Be Brought Closer Together?

The idea of bringing implants closer together is a common request during breast augmentation consultations. While it is possible to reduce the gap slightly, there are limitations:

Implant Pocket Adjustment

During surgery, the implant pocket can be adjusted to position the implants closer together. However, we must carefully balance this adjustment to avoid overcorrection, which could lead to complications.

Tissue Expanders

In rare cases, tissue expanders may be used before implant placement to prepare the chest area and allow for closer implant positioning. This technique is typically reserved for reconstructive surgeries rather than cosmetic ones.

Limits of Anatomy

Ultimately, the natural spacing of your breasts is determined by your anatomy. While surgery can improve the appearance of cleavage, it cannot completely override the structural limitations of your chest wall. When you naturally have a wide breast bone then you will always have a wider cleavage.

Final Thoughts: Achieving the Cleavage You Desire

A wide cleavage gap can be a source of frustration, but understanding the underlying causes and available solutions can help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re considering implants, fat transfer, or a revision procedure, consulting a skilled plastic surgeon is essential to achieving the best possible outcome. I specialise in tailored breast augmentation procedures designed to enhance your natural beauty while respecting your anatomy.

If you’re concerned about a wide cleavage gap or want to improve your breast appearance, book a consultation today with Mr Nassab Plastic Surgeon Manchester and Cheshire. We’ll work with you to develop a customised plan that meets your aesthetic goals and boosts your confidence.

FAQs

1. Can exercises bring my breasts closer together?

Unfortunately, exercises cannot change the spacing between your breasts. While pectoral exercises can strengthen chest muscles, they won’t alter the position of your breast tissue. They can even cause the implants to sit wider apart as muscle contraction causes separation.

2. How long does it take for implants to settle?

Implants typically settle within 3–6 months after surgery, during which time they may drop and fluff, slightly altering their position.

3. Can fat transfer be combined with implants?

Yes, fat transfer can complement implants by adding volume to specific areas, such as the cleavage gap, for a more balanced appearance.

4. Is it possible to fix a wide gap after breast augmentation?

Yes, a revision procedure or fat grafting can help address a wide gap, but the outcome depends on your anatomy and the initial surgery.

5. What is the best implant type for a narrow cleavage?

Round implants often provide the best results for enhancing cleavage, but the ideal choice depends on your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals.