Clavicle reduction osteotomy is an effective procedure for reshaping wide shoulders. By removing a segment of the clavicle bone, the distal shoulder is drawn inward toward the more stable sternal segment. This not only decreases bideltoid width but also softens the square appearance of the shoulders, creating a more tapered upper torso.
How Shoulder Narrowing Affects Overall Body Aesthetics
Changing the shape of the shoulders can also influence how other parts of the body are perceived. In theory, narrower shoulders may make the breasts appear larger and the hips slightly wider. However, it can also have a less favorable effect on the waistline by diminishing the contrast between the shoulders and the waist.
The most noticeable secondary effect is on the breasts, due to their close anatomical proximity. It is easy to imagine that a narrower shoulder width could make the breasts look fuller in some patients—although this effect is likely modest on its own.
But what if shoulder narrowing is combined with breast augmentation?
A Case Study: Shoulder Narrowing and Breast Implant Exchange
To evaluate the impact of this combination, I reviewed the six-month follow-up of a tall female patient who underwent both clavicle reduction and a breast implant exchange. She originally had 550cc silicone implants and desired the largest available size at that time—800cc silicone implants—a 45% increase in volume. In her shoulder narrowing procedure, 2.5 cm of clavicle was removed from each side.
At her six-month follow-up, her overall body shape had changed noticeably. The shoulders appeared more proportionate, and the breasts looked substantially fuller, enhancing her feminine silhouette. The combination of these two procedures produced a more harmonious and balanced upper body contour.
Dr. Barry Eppley
World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon