Will High Profile Implants Give "Natural-looking" Breasts?

It all depends on the size.  High profile implants look better in the larger sizes and moderate profile implants look better in smaller sizes.  I usually reccomend high profile starting around 400 to 420cc.  In a 500cc implant, I would almost certainly go with high profile.  Otherwise, they look too wide and flat.

Smooth round high profile saline implants can be used to create either natural or fake looking breasts, depending which implant you choose to achieve a particular volume.  If the implant is filled to the low end of the range, it is more natural.  If you choose a smaller implant and fill it to the maximum volume, it will look more projected.  Silicone implants, however, have fixed volumes and projections, so there is less flexibility in this regard.

The majority of patients that come to see me requesting natural appearing breasts after their breast augmentation, however natural mean a lot of different things to different people. I once had a patient request a natural result, but she brought me pictures of Pamela Anderson as what she wanted to look like after the surgery. Reviewing pictures and being open with your plastic surgeon is very important so that your surgeon can help you decide on the best implant for you to meet your desires. High profile implants are great for patients that want to more volume. The benefit of the high or extra high implants is that women can place larger implants without looking wide. Before the extra high implants many women that wanted larger implants were having to use implants that were too wide for their body. Using implants that are too wide for your body is what can make you look heavier than you should. Here in Miami I commonly use high profile implants as many of the women are very thing and want to have larger implants. They have been extremely happy with the results. Also with the new silicone implants patients can use a larger implant and still have a very soft naturally appearing breast, which was not true with the saline implants.

Breast implant sizing is an important part of the consultation and your surgeon should help guide your implant selection to match your goals. Given your petite frame and natural breast volume, 500cc HP implants will likely give you significant upper pole fullness. If you were to compare a 500cc HP implant with a moderate profile, the moderate profile would be much wider, with less projection. Based on your chest width, this could give you more "side boob" and less upper pole fullness. I would ask to try on sizers to make sure this is the volume you're looking for. Get a second opinion if you don't feel comfortable. 

I appreciate your questionAfter 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. Implants that are wider than this can be more palpable, fall more laterally overtime and also be more palpable. After that we will then choose the implant volume based on the measurements and also looking at any asymmetries you might have. 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 peoples bodies and your results will probably be different.Silicone will give you a 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 more 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, are 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. Implants, indifferent projections. The easiest way to think about it is they called me in a low medium and high projection or profile. Most of the time I use the medium profile which gives people the best in terms of natural look as well as a little bit of projection. High profile implants are for someone that wants  A little bit more of a fuller look. Low profile implants are better for someone that really wants a minimal extremely natural augmentation. Depending upon the anatomic versus round implants there are also subtle differences  in terms of the amount of projection for each profile. 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 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.In order to limit pain from breast augmentation and speed the recovery process I offer patients Botox into their muscles as well as a long acting numbing medication called exparel. 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 SchwartzBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon #RealSelf100Surgeon#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Thank you for your question.  Implant profile is a function of the base diameter of the implant relative to its projection from the chest wall.  For a given volume, a higher profile implant will have a narrower base "footprint" and a relatively higher projection.  It is indeed quite possible to achieve a very natural looking result with a high profile implant, as it is with a moderate or a moderate-plus.  I choose a high profile implant in those patients who have a particularly narrow chest wall (thus necessitating a relatively narrower implant), and in those who particularly ask for greater projection.