Allergan Inspira — moderate or high profile? (Photo)

Question

I’m scheduled for my BA next month and am torn between moderate or high profile. I want a natural look, but am very small and lost all volume from breastfeeding. Ive decided on with 450cc allergan Full inspira, but need some Help deciding on profile. Everyone is saying I should do moderate, but from what I’ve read the implants drop over time. Here are my photos from the 3D imaging that dr. Geldner provided (north shore Chicago). Great consult btw!

Luis M. Rios Jr., MD · Answer

Often times the most difficult part of a consultation is deciding on a size. In this case it seems like you are pretty comfortable with the size you have chosen. Vectra 3-D imaging is a great way to see if the size you are choosing is going to meet your expectations.
After choosing the size, the plastic surgeon then assists the patient in choosing the appropriate profile. This is very important, because if the profile doesn't match your dimensions, then you can be left with an implant that is too wide or too narrow. If the implant is too wide, the implant can be located in the arm pit. If it is too narrow, there can be a big gap between the breasts.
The plastic surgeon has several tools to use to help determine the best profile. The first and most important tool is to take measurements of your breasts and chest. One of the most important measurements is the breast width. You have a certain breast width and the implants have a certain width. By matching your breast width with a certain implant profile, the surgeon is performing "biodimensional planning."
There a several 450cc implants that have differing widths to accommodate all sorts of patients. A surgeon can have to try to place a 450cc implant in a woman who is petite and 4'11'' or a triathlete with broad shoulders and is 5'10''. That is why companies have manufactured different profiles, so that the surgeon can match a given size with the frame of the patient. 
The surgeon can also take recommendations from the 3D Vectra machine. However, the surgeon needs to confirm the recommendations with a physical exam and measurements. Remember, Vectra 3D is a simulation and is just an estimate of what the results may be. An experienced surgeon will have to let their patients know if he agrees with the simulation.
The last way to check the width and profile, is to actually place the implant on the patient's chest to make sure the implant is not too wide or too narrow.
Using these methods is pretty quick in the hands of an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If a surgeon uses these methods, then he/she can recommend the appropriate profile for the patient.
So in summary, the patient's expectations are very important in choosing the size of the implant to use during surgery. The Plastic Surgeon usually plays a more important role in choosing the profile. More often than not, a certain profile is more appropriate. There are times when a patient might be a candidate for both profiles, but the surgeon needs to take charge and guide their patient to the appropriate profile based on the tools I have mentioned above. 
If you are still wondering which profile might work best for you, return to your plastic surgeon so that he/she can advise you on the best profile. If you match the appropriate profile with the breast width, then we can expect an excellent and natural result.
Good luck!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

The decision for a particular breast implant shape must be balanced between three important points. First, is the size you desire. Second, the with of your natural breast. Third the amount of projection you wish your breasts to have after surgery. Based on your desire for a 450 cc and the photos you have posted, it looks like at that size you will be better off at HP. Continue to discuss your desired outcome prior to surgery with your plastic surgeon.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!  I have found that with most of my patients, we are liking what the fuller projecting (SRF or SSF) implant is achieving.  That being said, for a patient with a wider breast width or someone that is looking for something more "natural", the moderate profile is a lovely choice as well.  I would say trust your gut and your surgeon.  Best of luck!

Andrew Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Tbmessing!  Thank you for your question! 
I'd love to help you select the ideal implant size/profile, but without an in-person consultation, the best we can do is make educated guesses and recommendations. My first recommendation is for you to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon, preferably one who offers digital imaging like Vectra 3-D. This will allow him or her to make a simulation of your body, and to show you what different implant sizes and profiles will likely look like on you. I'd also recommend that you come to your appointment with photos of the look you want for your breasts. This is a  lot more informative than simply indicating what cup size you'd like to be. Your surgeon should also be able to let you try out implant sizers to see what feels right for you. These are just a few of the factors that your surgeon will discuss with you at your consultation. Good luck!

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

The choice of full vs moderate profile implants depends on what the desired volume is and the measured base diameter of your breasts. If your plastic surgeon has recommended the full profile, it is likely related to those two factors. Use the 3D simulations in addition to trying samples on in a bra of the cup size you want. Combining the two should give you a good basis for deciding.

Allergan Inspira — moderate or high profile? (Photo)

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Allergan Inspira — moderate or high profile? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant Profile

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Answer: When to use full profile Inspira implants

Answer: When to use full profile Inspira implants

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