Should I Choose High Profile Implants or Moderate+?

Hi Luna27!

Awesome question and thanks for the photo...I tell all my patients," See 10 plastic surgeons, and get 9.5 differing opinions and plans!". There is art and science in medicine in general, but a lot more emphasis on art when it comes to plastic surgery!

I have been using a higher number of Moderate Profile PLUS implants for my patients as of late because of the increased fullness in the upper pole of the breast. I feel the HIGH profile can at times give too much fullness and may give a more "artificial" post-operative look. However, I do take a number is measurements which individualize each patients needs and adjust my choice according to the patients goals and anatomy. I also have recently incorporated a 3D imaging computer into my practice which helps patients "see" what their potential result will be before surgery....patients love this new technology and helps me assist them in THEIR decision.

Looking at your photo, though, I would recommend a silicone implant because your new breast will be just about all implant...meaning that you will have little breast tissue coverage and therefore will have an implant that you will be able to feel...I personally think that my patients with your anatomy are much happier with gel implants in general. The exact profile will depend on your breast base width measurements and your post-op goals, but I am a fan of the MP+ for a more conservative profile and HP for less "natural" appearance.

This is my two cents worth and I hope it helps!

Regards-

Dr. C

johnconnorsmd.com

Best for you to spend most of your effort picking your plastic surgeon rather than your implant. It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the link below.

I boils down to what you want.  Be VERY CLEAR on what you desire!!! Most women want good size (notable) breast when it is all said and done.  Based on what you want the plastic surgeon will advise you if that is possible.  In general HP implants give you more projections with a narrower width.  If your plastic surgeon uses sizers during surgery then he/she can place difference size and projection sizers in to determine the best permanent implant for you.

Dr. ES

Of course this varies with each patient and a final decision would only be made after a full consultation. However,  if you are looking for a quick and easy answer, I would prefer saline moderate plus filled 2/3 of the way or Silicone high profile.

In regards to implant size and type, there are many variables in recommending
implant size/type. I base my implant recommendation on patients' body
(chest height, chest width, existing breast tissue) as well as their
desired look. Review before and after photos and see what kind of look
that you want. Please share your desired look with your plastic surgeon
and see if she can meet your expectation.Implants come in different types (silicone, saline), shape (round, anatomic), and profiles and volume. More meaningful recommendation can be made based on direct examination and in-person consultation. Please visit with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes.