Can I Make My Shoulders Wider?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in shoulder widening surgery. My height is 188cm, waist measurement 72cm weight of 69kg and bideltoid measurement of 47cm. I have already tried the gym but even with 15kg of added muscle weight my shoulders look the same.

A:Thank you for your inquiry and sending your pictures. Unlike shoulder reduction, shoulder lengthening is more challenging due to the soft tissue attachments of the shoulder girdle. As a result there are limits as to how much shoulder widening can be done buy clavicle lengthening. In my experience that is usually 15 to 18 mm per side, and rarely 20 mm per side. While I always would like more, at least 25 mm per side, I have yet to see a patient in whom I can make that occur. Therefore in looking at shoulder lengthening one has to decide is the result that can be achieved worth the effort. In that regard I have attached some imaging of your shoulders and what I believe the outcome of the surgery would be.

Dr. Barry Eppley

World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon