Medium Plus Profile or High Profile Implants for Breast Reconstruction?

Generally most patients who undergo implant based breast reconstruction where tissue expanders are placed and expanded until the appropriate size is reached benefit from high profile implants. Often I will also use extra high profile implants in patients wanting a perkier fuller look. To learn more visit our site below.

This is probably one of the most difficult parts of breast reconstruction. I use the dimension approach to determine base diameter and projection and then see what is available. I always make sure there are an assortment of sizes and projections for me to use as well as the sizers for trial during the surgery. This is usually left to your surgeon at the time of surgery after discussion as to size and shape with you. Your plastic surgeon may suggest doing something to the opposite... more

The decision for implant projection depends on the width of the expander (which is based on the width of your natural breast) and the volume that you feel comfortable with. Choosing an implant for reconstruction differs significantly from a cosmetic procedure because there is no longer overlying breast tissue. The goal is not to augment what is there, but to replace what isn't. For this reason, most women seem to choose high profile implants because they feel more comfortable... more

Hi Naomi. I assume you are having both breasts reconstructed. If just one side, the remaining breast has to be considered so there is a good match. Basically, we use measurements to determine what implant is best for you. The base width of the expander and its projection are all important as is the fill volume. If you are having reconstruction with the style 410 silicone implants, the measurements are very important. In general, we try to match the implant to the pocket dimensions... more

In my practice, I limit my breast implant choices to medium plus and high profile implants in most cases. This provides excellent projection of the breasts and limits lateral fullness of the chest wall. In your particular case, both medium plus and high profile implants would be suitable. The dimensions of the breast that you desire in terms of breast height vs. width dimensions is a matter of personal taste and must be addressed with your surgeon. Your base diameter is an important... more

Naomi - Thanks for the question. It is a challenging one. The reason it is so hard to answer is there are many unanswered questions - These include: What was the size and shape of the tissue expander? How much was it over inflated? What is the shape and position of your other breast? Are you planning on surgery on the other breast? What is your normal breast diameter? It would be simply a wild guess to provide you numbers without an examination. Sorry we can't provide more information. more

To achieve the "perky" look after post mastectomy reconstruction, I generally recommend either high profile (Allergan style 20) or ultra high profile (Allergan Style 45) silicone implants.   The choice of the implant will depend on your surgeon's assessment of your base width and desired implant height.  In addition, your surgeon will also likely reference the volume currently in your tissue expander implants.

The right size and shape implant to be used after tissue expansion depends on many factors. Most important are the size of the pocket that has been expanded and also your personal preference regarding size and projection. For a more perky and more projecting shape, a high profile implant will work better than a moderate or lower profile implant. Low/moderate profile implants are wider and flatter when compared to high profile implants with the same volume. In a small frame... more

The dimensions and volume of the expander should be your guide. If you and your surgeon are happy with the current width (base diameter) of the expander then that is the diameter of the final implant you should use. Similarly, the implant diameter can be chosen smaller or larger compared to the expander as necessary. The fill volume of the expander should be known which can help you decide which volume of permanent implant you would desire. One caution, for a low height implant, the... more

Hello, After removing tissue expanders, implants are of course placed for long term use. The kind (shape and size) of these implants is chosen based upon the shape you wish to achieve but also how successful expansion has been. You can only make a reasonably good-looking breast mound if the tissue to cover it is soft and "ready." High profile and moderate profile implants are both good, but to choose between the two requires that we know how expansion has gone and what your... more

This is a relatively easy question if all the information is available. FIrst, I figure out what tissue expander was used. Then as I am filling it up, I ask the patient what volume inflated did she feel matched the other side. We both agreee on this number. Then I match up the implant that reflects the base width and projection that we have achieved. This can then be a high profile or moderate plus profile implant in most cases.

While implants are the same, patients are different. There are a multitude of factors that might determine how an particular implant will "look" in your breasts. Most plastic surgeons use a dimensional approach to choosing implants, looking at the width and projection. The cc's is a by-product of this analysis so we do not go so much by the absolute number of cc's. You also have to remember that side effects and complications are considered in choosing an appropriate implant for... more