Will High Profile Implants Give "Natural-looking" Breasts?

It all depends on the size.  High profile implants look better in the larger sizes and moderate profile implants look better in smaller sizes.  I usually reccomend high profile starting around 400 to 420cc.  In a 500cc implant, I would almost certainly go with high profile.  Otherwise, they look too wide and flat.

Great question.  There is a lot of confusion about implant profiles.  They are not chosen in order to create a certain look, natural or otherwise.  According to your measurements, your chest is relatively narrow.  With a breast width of 13 cm, it could be a mistake to use moderate-plus or moderate profile 500 cc implants. I suspect they would be too wide for your frame.  That could put you at risk of symmastia (aka “Uniboob”).  So it sounds to me like your plastic surgeon is spot on.

When I choose implant profiles for patients, we start by choosing an implant size.  Then, we match the profile to the patient’s chest diameter and breast width.  If you wanted 300 cc implants, you would likely use a moderate or moderate-plus profile.  Good luck!

Breast implant sizing is an important part of the consultation and your surgeon should help guide your implant selection to match your goals. Given your petite frame and natural breast volume, 500cc HP implants will likely give you significant upper pole fullness. If you were to compare a 500cc HP implant with a moderate profile, the moderate profile would be much wider, with less projection. Based on your chest width, this could give you more "side boob" and less upper pole fullness. I would ask to try on sizers to make sure this is the volume you're looking for. Get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable. 

I appreciate your questionAfter performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that the size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Implants that are wider than this can be more palpable, fall more laterally overtime and also be more palpable. After that we will then choose the implant volume based on the measurements and also looking at any asymmetries you might have. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other peoples bodies and your results will probably be different.Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured. Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak. Implants, indifferent projections. The easiest way to think about it is they called me in a low medium and high projection or profile. Most of the time I use the medium profile which gives people the best in terms of natural look as well as a little bit of projection. High profile implants are for someone that wants  A little bit more of a fuller look. Low profile implants are better for someone that really wants a minimal extremely natural augmentation. Depending upon the anatomic versus round implants there are also subtle differences  in terms of the amount of projection for each profile. During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.In order to limit pain from breast augmentation and speed the recovery process I offer patients Botox into their muscles as well as a long acting numbing medication called exparel. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr SchwartzBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon #RealSelf100Surgeon#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Thank you for your question.  Implant profile is a function of the base diameter of the implant relative to its projection from the chest wall.  For a given volume, a higher profile implant will have a narrower base "footprint" and a relatively higher projection.  It is indeed quite possible to achieve a very natural looking result with a high profile implant, as it is with a moderate or a moderate-plus.  I choose a high profile implant in those patients who have a particularly narrow chest wall (thus necessitating a relatively narrower implant), and in those who particularly ask for greater projection.

High profile implants tend to not look as natural as moderate because the size of the implant is bigger. The larger you go with an implant the less natural your breasts will appear. The high profile is used because you are placing a large volume on a small frame. To have a more natural appearance, you may consider a smaller implant, which will put you in the moderate profile range.All the best,Dr. BlaggAustin, TX

Thanks for your question.Any implant, if selected properly and placed appropriately will give a natural appearing result.  The profile alone does not determine the final appearance of the breast.  Most surgeons will select the profile of the implant, after your desired size is known, by measuring the width of your breast.  This is to select an implant profile that is closest to how wide your breast is.  If an implant is too wide for you, it will look not look natural.  If the implant is too narrow, this could result in too much projection.  If you trust your surgeon, I would trust his assessment that a high profile implant is best for you.Aloha,Shim Ching, MD

Thanks for the question.  The profile of an implant determines how far off the chest they project.  So for a given diameter of an implant a low profile implant projects very little and are more on the flat side and a high profile implant projects very much and are more rounded(like a ball).  They both have the same diameter but have different projections.  The implants that you have picked are on the larger side and for that diameter would likely have a sharp takeoff from your upper pole, creating a more "augmented" look.  You will definitely have large full breasts with plenty of cleavage.  Whether or not they look natural all depends on what your breasts look like prior to surgery.  If you are very flat chested then those implants would not yield a very natural result.  But if you already have some breast tissue those implants could yield a favorable result.  It all comes down to a detailed exam, and a custom fit and unique plan.  I use a predictive approach when analyzing and planing breast surgery.  I take into account many measurements which include your base diameter and the distance from your nipple to your fold with and without stretch.  Then the patient's own personal goals to get the desired look.I hope this helps :)

Breasts and the people that have them come in all shapes and sizes.  Various implants will accomplish different looks and not all implants will work equally well or are interchangeable for all situations.  That said, I find high profile implants to be best suited for women who want a more obvious augmentation, those who desire a larger cup size or a more projecting breast shape, and those who are narrow chested and may not be able to accommodate a wide implant to get the volume and size they desire.  There are definite guidelines for implant sizing and you should consult an experienced plastic surgeon.  

High profile implants will always give more projection and roundness that any other. If your desire is to have a larger size, but you have narrow breasts, a surgeon will recommend high profile implants to prevent the implant from spreading laterally into the armpit. If your desire is to look more natural, then you may want to consider going with less volume and a moderate profile implant. But if you are set on the size, then high profile may be your best option.

Most natural breasts are concave at the top and full at the bottom of the breast, whereas an augmented breast generally demonstrates more fullness throughout the breast, including the upper breast.  A high profile implant provides the greatest degree of fullness to the upper breast of the implant options, yielding a breast shape that mimics the shape typically achieved by a push-up bra.  Though this is not technically a natural look, it is one that many women prefer.  A moderate plus or moderate profile implant will yield a more natural contour to the breast with a slightly smaller change in volume, but will require a bra to achieve a more dramatic cleavage.