How popular are UHP implants?

Thank you for your question about breast implants. Pictures would be helpfulI can say this:  UHP implants are more popular in Fort Lauderdale, FL than they are in Tennessee.Ultra High Profile breast implants exist in order to provide a desired large breast volume without being too wide in base width diameter.Yes, large breast implants in small-framed women have a tendency to have higher long term problems.To be sure what is best for you, see two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons in your area for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have breast implant surgery.I hope this helps.

These are more typically used for reconstructions after mastectomy as there is significant loss of projection when the areola/nipple is removed.  For aesthetic augmentations, the Style 20 or High profile implants are usually sufficient.  However, I agree with you that for the larger reconstructions in the 600+ range in patients with narrow chest walls, the UHP are a good choice.  However there is nothing "natural" about the results these implants provide.  

In my practice UHP implants have been invaluable for my breast reconstruction practice, but have not found a home in my cosmetic practice.  They offer unnatural projection even for narrow breasted women.

I think only the breast implant manufacturers can give the percentage of ultrahigh profile implants that are used but it does not appear to be a common scenario. They would be most useful in larger volumes were a narrow base is required. They are often used also in breast reconstruction following mastectomy for breast cancer.

UHP implants are usually for the very narrow chested gal who desires "LARGE ROUND" breasts. They are very round and firmer than HP implants in general. While there is a place for them in my practice I do not use them very often. I hope this helps.

Different people have different ways of approaching breast augmentation. Many plastic surgeons go with a dimensional approach where the base width of the chest wall is basically the starting point for which implant to use. Then, depending on how much overall volume is needed for the desired postoperative appearance of the patient, as well as other factors, the profile of the implant more or less falls into place. So if I have a patient with a more narrow width to her chest wall and desiring a lot of fullness, then I would be much more likely to use a high-profile or an ultra high profile implant depending on which one seemed appropriate. I do caution patients, however, that as they go larger and larger with an implant that it does place more stress on the tissues and can lead to earlier drooping or ptosis in the future. Hope this helps.Good luck and take care, Dr. Howell

Great question. Profile in terms of moderate plus, high, etc relates simply to how much the implant projects off of the chest wall. In a general sense, for a given volume, as the profile increase from moderate, moderate plus, high, and finally ultra high profile, the width of the implant narrows while the projection from the chest increases. For example, let's say each style has an implant that has a volume of 300cc. A 300cc implant with a moderate plus implant will be wider at the base but only project to a certain degree. A 300cc implant with an ultra high profile will be narrower but will project further from the chest wall. In examining a patient's anatomy, one of the most significant measurements is the base width. In patients who have a narrow chest (short base width) but who also want large volume augmentation, a higher profile will be required to give the patient a higher volume with a narrower base. Hopefully this makes some sense for you. In general, I rarely find UHP necessary in my practice and if possible try to steer away from them as I feel the look can look a little too projectile/conical. As for risk factors, all profile implants have essentially the same risk profile. Good luck!

Thank you for your excellent question.  UHP implants are not as commonly used as HP or MP/MP+ implants, but are good options in those patients with a really narrow chest, but who want larger implants.  That said because of their narrow chest width they can lead to unnatural appearing breasts.  The risks of UHP use are not dissimilar to any implants, with increased risks coming with larger implants, not necessarily profiles. Hope this helps.

Ultra high profile or UHP implants are Mentor implants which provide the most projection for a round implant. Their use in augmentation is primarily in the woman with a narrow chest who desires as much projection as possible. There are no additional risks using an UHP implant versus a high profile. However, large implants do increase the risks of skin stretching and malposition. A more common use for UHP implants is in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. These implants replace the lost breast tissue nicely in the larger breasted woman without increasing breast width.

Thanks for your question. I've been using these devices more and more over the past few months now that more sizes are available. Most of my experience has been using them for our breast cancer reconstruction patients, but I've used them for cosmetic augmentation as well and been very pleased. They provide really nice projection, which is what I like. Plus, I've seen less ripping with the newer styles so far. Best wishes.