I am very petite and am scared my implants will make me look top heavy (Photo)

Hello, thank you for asking us this question. It is a very common question and many people express the same concerns when it comes to choosing size. I would see if you can go back in for some more sizing to finalize on a breast size. You can also discuss whether or not a moderate profile or high profile implant will help you in the cleavage department.

Thank you for you spot on question.
As a female Plastic Surgeon, I share your concerns.
You are very petite, so the key is that together with your Plastic Surgeon, you understand exactly how the implant YOU choose, will look on your petite body. Please be sure to share your thoughts on what is important to you. If you want cleavage, the implant will need to be wide enough, so that it will give you the cleavage by your chest bone (sternum), but also be wide enough on the sides of your breasts, because your nipples are a little off center and are off to your sides.
Please be sure you also share how much upper pole fullness you want, that way your surgeon can help you understand what each profile =projection in each projection category will achieve on your body. There are low profile, moderate, moderate plus, high profile and high profile plus projecting implants. This should help you understand that there are many options that will help you achieve your goal. Very often petite patients, like the case I show on the home page for breast augmentation on my website, is 4'11 and 102 pounds. She wanted a conservative augmentation, so WE chose a 190cc Low profile smooth silicone breast implant. This is the look that she wanted. The key is that you work with a board certified Plastic Surgeon who will help YOU choose
1. the implant size in volume(cc) you want,
2. the implant width that achieves the cleavage you want
3. the width that allows your already lateral nipples to look more central over your augmented breast mound , and a Plastic Surgeon
4. who helps you choose the correct implant projection to get the upper pole fullness YOU want.
All this can be achieved during your in depth consultation. During my consultations I have patients try on different projecting and width implants. I wrote about this in 2010 in our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. Here is what I published
"The finesse in the preoperative implant-selection process evolves as the plastic surgeon allows the patient to actively participate in the process while only offering patients implants to use for sizing that are tissue and dimensionally appropriate in width, height, projection, and volume so that the implant ultimately selected will fulfill the patient's preexisting soft-tissue and chest wall requirements. Many patients will only reveal their unrealistic expectations through this type of patient-centric preoperative sizing process. Three-dimensional imaging may also help to evaluate patient expectations; however, the software is costly.
To achieve high rates of patient satisfaction and low reoperation rates for size dissatisfaction, the plastic surgeon must actively involve the patient. This method does provide the patient with that important decision-making power, but it must be masterminded by the plastic surgeon who has measured and evaluated the objective data from the clinical examination so that the patient is guided to choose the appropriate implant that will safely fill her unique breast dimensions yet provide her with an aesthetic result with which she is satisfied. As always, as plastic surgeons, we must not only merge scientific data with the artistry of plastic surgery but also practice the art of medicine in our approach to patient care. Bravo to Drs. Hidalgo and Spector for reminding us that the patient's desires are a critical part of this implant-selection process." 23. Casas,LA., “Preoperative Sizing for Breast Augmentation”. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, February 2011, Volume 127(2):1006-1007.
Remember if you are not sure, postpone surgery until you are. Also, remember with virtual consults you can talk to other Plastic surgeons to best understand your options.
Good Luck!

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. I agree that the implants sound a bit large for your frame and based on your anticipated goals. A moderate profile implant will likely improve your cleavage and side boob better than the high profile and will help to keep the weight down. Hope this helps.

Hi and thanks for your question. You are a good candidate for breast implant. I recommend round implant with dual plane technique for you. Round implant can give a more natural result with upper pole fullness for your case. You have not enough breast tissue, because of this I recommend dual plane technique for you. In this technique upper part of implant is covered by chest muscle and breast tissue, lower part of the implant is covered by breast tissue. With this combination you can get good result. This operation takes 1.5 hours and can be done under the general anesthesia. You should stay one night at the hospital to get rid of the anesthetic drugs affect. After surgery you should use sports bra and breast band for 6 weeks. Two weeks after the surgery you can start sports but you should wait for 6 weeks to use your arm strongly.
Best of luck.