Can High/ultra High Profile Implants Be Damaging to a Woman with Little Breast Tissue?

asked 1 year ago by pfsvp in Seattle
Latest answer by Gregory A. Buford, MD
Question viewed 565 times
Tags: damage, high profile, risk

I read an article that suggested that high and ultra high profile implants over 350cc could potentially lead to increased soft tissue damage and chest wall deformities. I am an A cup with a small amount of breast tissue, a 28" chest, and about 12.5 BWD. I know that this issue hasn't been studied extensively, but I wonder if it is something I should consider when talking to my surgeon about profile.

11 answers to Can High/ultra High Profile Implants Be Damaging to a Woman with Little Breast Tissue?

High-profile implants are sometimes useful

The article you mentioned caused quite a bit of debate. If you have had a chance to see the original article, look at the published discussions that follow it, as they point out that the problems attributed to high profile implants occur with other types too, and there was no evidence presented that the high profile types cause them more frequently. So they do have a role, and you should discuss which type is most appropriate for you with your plastic surgeon. The process should be first... more

Richard Baxter, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

High profile breast implants

As Dr. Baxter said, the article you are referring to out of Texas caused quite a reaction because it almost implied that HP implants are certain to cause problems and are some kind of malpractice. They are not. They actually are quite useful in the right situation. Certainly, if you can get the result you want with lower profiles and smaller implants there are fewer consequences to the tissues such as thinning and stretching. But if the lower profiles won't... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

The Pros and Cons of using Large Breast Implants in Petite Women

Good question. This issue HAS been studied extensively but the findings are not always shared with patients for fear of offending and losing them. I THINK we can agree that there are physical limitations on what size / volume breast implants can be used in certain women. An A cup - never-been-pregnant woman will not have enough breast skin to allow placement of certain large implants. In addition, just placing the biggest possible breast implant in every women will NOT result in attractive... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Are UItra High Profile implants damaging to breast tissue?

I would agree with Dr. Baxter. There is very little evidence to suggest that high profile implants have any potential for damaging breast tissue and, in reality, if you have very little shape to your breasts they actually might be beneficial. Since you are currently in Seattle, my recommendation would be to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon such as Dr. Baxter and discuss with him your concerns. I hope that helps! see video

Gregory A. Buford, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Ultra high profile implant.

The truth is any profile implant and not necessarily a high profile implant can cause tissue damage and alterations in the chest wall over time.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

High profile implant risks

THis is not only true for high profile implants. In general, there is a battle between non-biological implants that do not change and the surrounding biological environment (muscle, skin, fat, bone). As the non-biological material produces pressure on the biological tissue, then tissue will atrophy and change shape (re-mold). In general, the higher the pressure, the more the tissues will atrophy, stretch or re-mold.

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Large Breast Implants

Breast implants should be chosen based on the patient's anatomy and tissue quality. If a larger than appropriate implant is placed, there is good chance that the tissue will be thinned and the results will not look natural. Additionally, the long years of a larger than appropriate implant may cause additional stretching of the skin due to gravity.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Implant choices

You have an excellent question that is always best to have answered in person. I usually use high profile or moderate plus implants in women that have narrow chest walls that want larger implants. The larger the implant, the more potential for problems.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Implant problems

Clearly stated - larger implants have more long term complications. That said, you need to respect the dimensions of your body to get the best results. There is a proportionality that needs to be recognized - and respected.

David A. Lickstein, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Can High/ultra High Profile Implants Be Damaging to a Woman with Little Breast Tissue?

Dr Baxter has given an excellent answer to your concerns, with a site discussion. Please take to your in person evaluations so you can discuss. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j., Blinski

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast implants

What you are describing can happen with any implant. In general, the larger the implant, the greater the weight and thus the greater the risk. High profile, moderate profile etc are just descriptions of the thickness of the implant to the base.