Breast Implants for Petite, Very Thin and No Fat Tissue: 180 Round Moderate or 160 Tear Drop? (photo)

I recommend round silicone gel implants placed retro-pectoral since they look and feel more natural and less likely to ripple.  At size 32 each 100 cc's of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change.  160 or 180 cc implants would take you about 2 cup sizes higher.  The profile of the implants is irrelevant in the retro-pectoral position since the muscle compresses it.  Round implants are softer since rotation can distort the appearance of tear drop implants.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

I would measure your breast width and select a moderate plus profile smooth round silicone implant based on the desired final breast width. Sub muscular placement. I do not think anatomic implants have much benefit and are firm. If they rotate then you will need revision surgery which costs you more money. My instinct tells me 200cc about right. Good Luck!

After reviewing you pictures, I would recommend the round silicone moderate or moderate profile plus implant (depending on how much projection you would like to have).  There are people who I would recommend the Natrelle teardrop implant for but would rather they have a bit more tissue.  The round, smooth implant will be softer, not as firm as the anatomical shape and I think you may like that more.  The implant definitely needs to be placed under the muscle and I usually place incision in the folds of each breast.  You should have a beautiful result.  A 160 or 180 cc implant are small implants.  You may be a B cup.

Thank you.

The size of the implants are based on a combination of a patient's goals and objectives and her anatomy. In order to provide a natural looking augmentation, the surgeon needs to evaluate many factors including soft tissue coverage, skin laxity, chest wall width, breast imprint width, the shape of the breasts and relative level of constriction to ensure that the breast implants are appropriate for your body. There are a number of factors which require an in person consultation to review to ensure that the size is appropriate for a patient including aesthetic goals/objectives, lifestyle, and lifestage. You should focus on choosing a surgeon that best understands these aspects for you, and then allow him/her guide you on the appropriate size and profile.

There are several variables in determining implant size.  When recommending implant size for my patients, I consider the followings: 1) patients' anatomy (height, weight, chest width, chest height, amount of breast tissue) and 2) patients' desired look/goal.  Without knowing your chest measurement and breast tissue amount, I cannot give you any recommendation.  You should visit with board-certified plastic surgeon who will examine you.  Try implant sizers to get a rough estimate of the size you may want.  As you know, bra/cup size will vary depending on the brand.  Good luck with you.
Dr. Sugene Kim

The best way to judge how you will look (with regards to size) is to try on sizers before your surgery. You are very thin (not a bad thing!) but in someone as thin as you I would definitely recommend silicone gel implants, behind the pectoralis muscle. The shape (tear drop, or round) really doesn't make much difference, in my practice we will almost always just use the smooth round gel implants. The larger you go, the less "natural" it will look. You are considering quite modest (in terms of size) implants now, so that range will be as natural looking as is possible. Good luck!

Matthew Concannon MD

I think it would be in your best interest to visit with a plastic surgeon to gain advice that is specific to you. This forum will provide guidance but should not be construed as formal medical advice. That said, different surgeons have preferences for different implant shapes and types. They tend to use implants that work best in their hands and with their honed techniques.

The difference in shape between a moderate profile and anatomic (tear drop) implant under 200cc in size is not significant in the upright position. I think all of the differences in implant size and shape that you are debating are extremely minor and will not make visible diffferences to you afterward. But to hedge your bet and be assured of the most natural result possible, go with an anatomic shaped implant that is under 200cc in size.

I think you will get a great result with whichever implant you choose.

The fact that all responding surgeons are split 50-50 should tell you that there is no "right" implant. 

Some argue that a submuscular round implant over time and from the contracting forces of the pec major muscle will render the implant tear drop shaped. 

Others will argue that in very thin women like you a round implant may give you too much upper pole fullness and therefore won't look as natural as an anatomical due to the differing take off angles at the top of the implant.

Because you don't have much native breast tissue, your final aesthetic result is highly influenced by the implant shape. For that reason, if you want to look more natural I would recommend you get an anatomical implant. 

I hope this helps and good luck.

Without an exam it is very difficult to assess what would be best for you.  You need to be examined in person and your goals for results need to be reviewed.