Why get high profile implants? Who is the best candidate for these?

I appreciate your question!

After performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that the size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other people’s bodies and your results will probably be different.

Silicone will give you fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly sought after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, is a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.

We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Patients who have a narrow base diameter are the best candidates for a high profile implant.  The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question! With all of the different implants available today, patients can now have a truly customized breast augmentation procedure. Whether a patient is a better candidate for moderate or high profile implants depends on the patient's overall aesthetic goal. High profile implants can definitely have a fuller look. When consulting with your board-certified plastic surgeon, he or she can help you determine which implant is best for you based on your examination and discussion of your goals. Good luck!

High implants give a very bubbly fake look - which is what some women desire. However, if a woman is in need of a breast lift as well, moderate profile is usually recommended. It is difficult to speak for your case without assessing you in person. Please seek a board certified plastic surgeon to have an in person consultation. Regards,

In women that have a more narrow chest and desire larger implants "high profile" implants are usually recommended.  They are also recommended for women that desire a breast with more projection rather than width.  I recommend discussing these options with your plastic surgeon in order to determine which is best for you.  

Hello,Truth be told, HP implants have the highest complication risk profile. They are most commonly used in error: to give a woman the largest implant possible to fit under her breast diameter. This is a mistake, and really represents an simplification of the concept of biodimensional planning. HP implants cause the most tissue expansion and thinning, and make a woman more prone to rippling, malposition, and capsular contracture. Best of luck!

I agree with many of the doctors who have written previous. I am not a huge fan of high profile implants in the average breast augmentation patient. I find them too over projected and too narrow, leaving a larger space in the cleavage than I or the patient would like.  I do like them in women who want to be quite large (>600cc), perhaps their second or third set of implants, and who have a fairly average base width. I also find them useful in women who are very small with narrow frames. 

Dear sporty23,implant profile is a very important consideration. Many patients wrongly assume that the higher the profile the better. The truth is, the more profile (or projection/height) and implant has, the narrower its base has to become. This has several problematic consequences. The first is that the patient loses width and therefor cleavage of the breast. The second is the breast becomes more narrow and pendulous, often falling lateral and onto the side of the chest, and third, high profile implants have a higher risk of bottoming out because they exert more pressure on the inframammary fold than moderate profile implants. High profile implants do have a role in symmastia repair (when I need to narrow the basewidth) but otherwise I try to avoid them.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Profile terminology will vary from one manufacturer to the next. The terminology matters less than the correlate dimensional measures.
As one goes up in profile the footprint or BWD of the device will shrink and the projection will increase for a given volume. I have found that full profile Allergan implants correlate closely with high profile Mentor implants. These devices exhibit higher projection than similarly sized moderate (+)/moderate profile devices. Ultra high profile is simply the next step upwards in projection.
Patients are encouraged to stay within the boundaries defined by their BWD. This is the best way to avoid the dreaded "fake" look. I generally recommend that patients with smaller frames who are seeking more than a modest augmentation consider a higher profile device.The higher profile device will impart greater projection and thus a less subtle result but will allow for a more significant augmentation than a similarly sized Mod/Mod+. Thus, the ultimate question is one of volume. Is the volume you can achieve via a similarly sized Mod + profile implant adequate to reach your desired goals. If not, a HP will afford you more volume at the cost of subtlety.
With regards to your specific question, moderate plus is the most common profile in my practice. It allows for the most reasonable volume in given BWD. I will typically reserve high profile devices for smaller framed individuals or those seeking a less subtle more dramatic change. When sizing my patients, I determine a BWD and then allow them to select a volume from across the different profile options (with most selecting Mod (+)).
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

on a narrower chest but the patient has to be accepting of the risks that come with this.  I encourage patients to choose what they want (over letting your surgeon tell you this is all you can have), as long as they are fully informed and understand the long term issues.  And it helps if they don't look ridiculous with that size as well as that is when I will intervene on the side of sanity.  My priority is to get as full a breast as possible and to have a great cleavage with upper poles level.