Breast Implants before & after photos
79%
948 reviews
Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Breast Implants Cost $6,600 average cost

Can Breast Implants Be Positioned to Look Natural?

Hi I have a question, I am going to get breast implants done this December and I'm having a lot of trouble deciding whether I should go high profile or moderate plus.

I am 160 pounds, 5'7" with a 25-inch chest. I am looking for a natural look but also volume. I have also seen a lot of pictures of women who had their breast implants done and it looks like it is in a much higher position, creating a "fake" look. I'm wondering if they could be positioned to look more natural? Thank you.

Asked 28 months ago by 2bkya9108nv in Canada
Sort 20 expert answers by:
+2

Avoiding the "Porn Star" Look - Go Smaller

Without photographs, I can only make a few general comments... Go smaller: The mid-range projection will probably look less like a melon than the high-profile implant. Go silicone: Silicone ripples less than saline. Go under the muscle: Better camouflage for the implant to minimize rippling. Also, the muscle will mute the upper pole projection of the implant so that the overall result is more "tear drop" shaped.
Michael C. Pickart, MD
Ventura Plastic Surgeon
+2

Avoiding overly fake looking breast implants

Hi, It is possible to avoid overly fake looking implants. Some things to keep in mind. The profile of an implant equates to the projection of that implant. For a given volume, the higher the profile, the fatter and narrower an implant is. As a result, higher profile implants tend to provide more fullness and a rounder appearance to the upper portions of the breast - i.e., a more fake look. Higher profile implants tend to be really useful in women with relatively narrow breasts who want... more
Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+2

Natural looking breasts

To choose the right implant for you requires a good consultation. I usually go over things in great length and work out a surgical plan with the patient. You have to talk with your doctor and tell him/her what size cup approximately you want . I usually show and demonstrate implants for patients and have them go home to evaluate the volume that I suggested. A natural result is usually achieved when the proper implant is chosen. Going to large will give the "fake" look. more
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Natural appearance of breast with implants

I believe that implants can look natural in many women. However, this depends upon several factors. One of the most important factors is the amount and shape of your existing breast tissue. If you have very little breast tissue (small A cup or less) the breast will always look more round, a shape many feel is not natural. In these cases, silicone implants are more helpful. If you have more breast tissue, the chances of having a more natural, conical shape to the breast is better. Again,... more
David B. Reath, MD
Knoxville Plastic Surgeon
+2

"Natural" means "what can occur in nature"

As Dr. Aldea nicely stated, so many patients come in wanting a "natural" result but what they really want is something quite full, just a bit less than Pamela Anderson. What "natural" means is "what can occur in nature" and this includes, at it's best, a straight line from the upper pole to the areola with no excess fullness or bulge. I prefer that patients pick the "look" they want out of numerous pictures of mine that I show them and forget this... more
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Natural appearing implants: There is an answer!

Unfortunately the most commonly used type of implants (high profile) and the most common type of placement ( submuscular/dual plane) cannot deliver the natural 'tear drop' effect that you desire. There are also big problems associated with anatomic implants placed in conventional planes( they work well in subfascial carefully designed pockets). This is why I use a very unique methof of breast augmentation that I call 'cold-subfascial augmantation.' the... more
Rian Maercks, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant sizing

Much of the final “look” achieved after breast augmentation surgery depends on several factors: 1. The initial shape, size (volume of breast tissue), symmetry of the patient's breasts. In general, the better the preoperative breast appearance the more likely the breast augmentation “look” will be optimal. 2. The experience/skill level of the surgeon is important in determining the final outcome. For example, the accurate and gentle dissection of... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Natural look

Here are a few tips to get a natural look: 1)  don't go too big.  Big implants tend to look more "fake". 2)  put the implant behind the muscle.  This helps to give a smoother transition from chest wall onto the breast, and less of an obvious ridge at the top of the implant. 3)  you may want to avoid the high-profile shape, which accentuates upper pole roundness. If you follow these steps, your surgeon should be able to help you get a... more
Thomas Fiala, MD
Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants-profile and positioning

With most of my patients I prefer to go under the muscle. When there is more tissue above the implant it provides more camouflage from the rippling. Most of my patients choose silicone because the rippling is less obvious than with saline. The difference between high profile and moderate plus will change the projection of the implants. Discuss with your surgeon your desired result and ask to see pictures of other women who have moderate plus profile and high profile implants. more
Joseph G. Bauer, MD
Alpharetta Plastic Surgeon
+1

A natural-appearing breast augmentation

In my experience, an appropriately sized, round implant placed in the sub-pectoral pocket under a breast with adequate tissue coverage is really all you can do to provide an increase in breast volume with a natural look. Be conservative and choose an implant that is sized for your individual body and breast type.
Andrew P. Trussler, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Moderate plus is your best bet

2b, Moderate plus will be the more natural looking implant for you.  High profile implants fill the upper breast very visibly and it sounds as if that is what you are trying to avoid.  see video
Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

How to decide what style breast implant is best for me.

The dimensions of the implant are the most important. Your surgeon should measure your breast and chest width. Based on this, there are several implants that will fit your frame, including different styles such as high or moderate profile. Try on the different styles in the sizes that fit your frame and look in a full length mirror, including from the side, to see which you like better. Also put on different types of tops and look. In my experience, very few first time augmentation... more
Tracy Pfeifer, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

The most natural looking and feeling breast implants are sub mammary textured silicone gel

I would not be so concerned about the high profile verses moderate plus but what implant placed where would look most natural. In my opinion the most natural looking and feeling breast augmentations are accomplished with peri areolar incisions with a textured silicone gel breast implant. I tend to use high profile because most women want to have their breast stick out from their chest rather than bulge into their arm pit area. This method of breast enlargement often fools the patient's... more
Carl W. "Rick" Lentz III, MD
Daytona Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Natural looking breast implants

When choosing a breast implant, there are several considerations. First is your own body and breast tissue. Second, is the desired result. If you have thin breast tissue, then you have a higher chance of having obviously operated looking breasts. If you have a fair among of existing breast tissue, then the implants will be less obvious. High profile implants will project further for a given volume. These tend to look less natural than a moderate profile or a moderate profile plus... more
David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fake appearance of breasts following augmentation

SEE VIDEO BELOW: You should definitely let your surgeon know your desires and bring in pictures to demonstrate your desired appearance. Generally speaking, the "fake look" is what many patients seek and request; excessive upper fullness. Many individuals who receive low lying natural appearing breasts complain that their goals were not achieved. For example, I am surprised that you are considering High Profile. This is clearly not a natural appearing breast. Natural breasts sag... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Natural looking implants

There are several key factors to having more natural looking breast implants. 1. The smaller the implant the more natural(most patients ultimately will sacrifice natural for increased size) 2. The more gel-like the implant the more natural. Gel looks and feels more natural than saline. 3. The more tissue provied by the patient the more natural, i.e. breast tissue, fat and muscle 4. The implants must be ideally centered in the breast, ideally just a tiny bit below the nipple level. more
John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon
+1

Natural Look after Augmentation

I totally agree with you. I do not feel that "fake look" is a good look. The key is using an implant which "fits your breast" and is not larger than the base of your breast. I also find it helpful to bind the top of the breasts for several days post-op to prevent the implants from riding too high.
John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Speak with your physician about the look you want with Breast implants

Position of implants can create a look, however, size and dimensions of the implants can also create a look. I have patients who come in and say the same thing. This is not such an uncommon request in my practice. I and my Nurse Practitioner spend time with patients to make sure I give them the look that they want. There are a variety of shapes and sizes in the implants so that is why I measure a few times to really lay out the options for our patients. I would suggest that you discuss with... more
Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD
Westchester Plastic Surgeon
+1

Factors affecting a natural look with implants

There is no simple answer to what makes a "natural" shape and size with implants since there are so many factors. For example, a believable size depends on the size of the person, the dimensions of the chest, and the amount of exising breast tissue. High profile implants are selected whn the volume of the implant requires the high profile shape in order to match the base diameter of the breast. A trade-off here is that the angle from the upper chest into the upper breast is sharper... more
Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implant positioned for natural look

The other N word - "natural" - is one of the most abused, disassociated and over-used words in our language. Tragically, it is used, frequently by young people as synonymous to "attractive" -- and yet -- the two are NOT the same (As an example, no one would pay for the truly "natural" surgically unaltered appearance of the unaugmented / nor lifted the breasts of a 70 year old woman ...). An attractive Breast Augmentation depends on finding a good plastic surgeon... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon
Use of this website and the posting of any reviews or other content on this website constitutes acceptance of the RealSelf® Terms of Service. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. © 2011 RealSelf, Inc. All rights reserved.