James Lee, MD

Thank you for your question! Over the muscle placement (subglandular) can create a fuller, rounder look without extra muscle involvement, which can sometimes be ideal for patients looking for a strong, noticeable upper pole fullness. For naturally smaller and leaner patients, there’s a higher chance that the implants may be more visible or feel less natural, especially in the upper part of the breast, which is why visibility can sometimes be a concern for patients with less breast tissue. However, under the muscle placement (submuscular) can provide a more natural look, especially for patients with small breasts and a lean build, as the muscle helps to camouflage the implant. In your case, the choice depends on your priority for either a fuller look with quicker recovery (over the muscle) or a more natural look with minimized implant visibility (under the muscle). Both options can be tailored to give great results, but based on your thin frame and small natural breast size, the recommendation for under the muscle might indeed help achieve a softer, more natural result.

Thank you for your question! This is a very common question I often run into when in consultation with patients. Pregnancy can cause significant breast changes, including fluctuations in size, shape, and skin elasticity. While larger implants may provide the look you want initially, the natural breast changes during pregnancy might affect that look post-pregnancy, potentially leading to the need for adjustments or a revision down the line. It is recommended to wait until after childbirth and breastfeeding, if possible, to minimize these changes on your new implants. It is always best to discuss these options directly with a board certified surgeon.

Thank you for your question! Achieving the "side boob" effect and ensuring the implant covers your frame depends on several factors, not just implant width. When choosing an implant, it's crucial to match the implant's width to your breast base width (BWD) for the most natural and proportional result. A slight difference, such as the 12.5 cm BWD you mentioned with a 12.75 cm implant width, is typically fine and can help achieve that slightly fuller, more curvy look you desire. However, going significantly wider than your breast base width may lead to complications like implant malposition (lateral displacement) or an unnatural look, especially over time. While choosing an implant with a slightly larger width than your breast base can enhance side fullness, we also need to consider factors like your overall chest width, tissue elasticity, and skin quality. The implant should complement your natural anatomy to avoid unwanted stretching or unnatural results. Overly wide implants might give the desired effect initially but could cause aesthetic or functional issues over time. For example, the implant could shift to the sides, creating a gap between your breasts. Ensuring the implant fits your frame well is key to both short-term satisfaction and long-term stability! Ensure to discuss your goals thoroughly with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the most suitable approach for achieving the desired outcome.

Thank you for submitting your question and photo. Whether implants alone can provide a sufficient lift or if you should consider a breast lift (mastopexy) depends on the degree of sagging (ptosis) and your desired outcome. If you have mild sagging where the nipples are at or slightly below the inframammary fold (the crease under the breast), implants alone might provide enough lift to achieve a satisfactory result. If the nipples are significantly below the inframammary fold or point downward, implants alone are unlikely to provide the necessary lift. A breast lift is recommended to reposition the nipples and remove excess skin. Upon assessing your photo, if you want the nipples to be higher and more centered, a breast lift may be necessary. Implants alone do not significantly change the nipple position. Ultimately, a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is essential to determine the best approach for your specific needs and desired results.

Thank you for submitting your question! Patients often spend a great deal of time deciding between sizes of implants. The difference between breast implants that are within 50cc of each other is generally quite subtle and typically not noticeable. For example in your case, the difference between 275cc and 300cc implants is only 25cc, which is a very small volume change and usually doesn’t significantly alter the overall appearance or feel. Most people, including yourself, are unlikely to perceive a noticeable difference in size or shape with such a minor variation in implant volume. The size and profile of implants are based on your desired breast size, your chest wall measurements (BWD), and breast tissue quality. While the difference between 275cc and 300cc high profile implants is small, it is best to consult with your surgeon and try on sizers to help you decide which size best meets your expectations.