What are the pros and cons of ultra high profile breast implants? I am narrow & very petite, with 10.5 cm width.

Question

I am considering revision surgery. I am looking into 375/400 cc ultra high profile to give me more projection and volume than my current 250 cc HP. What are the pros & cons of UHP? Can some doctors point me to pictures of their patients with UHP implants? I can't find many pictures online. Thanks!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bewbs14,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

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Craig S. Rock, MD, FACS · Answer

The pros of ultra high profile implants are the ability to create greater projection and an increase in overall breast size while utilizing an implant that is appropriately matched to the underlying breast base width.  The cons of using ultra high profile implants for breast augmentation are related to possible over-stretching and over-thinning of the breast tissues.  In the short term, this could create an easily visible and palpable implant in a breast that has a "stuck on" implanted appearance; potential long term implant complications can also increase.Since the appearance that results from any given implant varies from patient to patient, however, I would recommend that you consult with board-certified plastic surgeons experienced at performing breast augmentations (and who have used UHP implants for augmentations in the past).  At the time of consultation the surgeon should be able to discuss how the change of implant would alter your breast size and appearance, as well as the risks that would be involved.Best wishes.

Michael J. Weinberg, MD · Answer

Thanks for this question.You are planning a big change which is likely unwise given your small frame. It's frequently disappointing to patients with narrow chests when it comes to choosing their breast sizes. The implants that make sense for them long term are often smaller that they would like.Ultra high profile implants have two main effects on a normal breast i.e: not a reconstructed breast. The breasts frequently look unnatural with the breast taking the shape of the very round implant. The second is that the breast thins permanently making the implant more visible, more palpable and falling more away from the chest.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I use these implants for patients that want a large volume and are very very narrow chested.  Do not focus on the implant profile per se.  Get the implant that fits your body and volume requests.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although you will receive many (and differing) opinions online, none of the opinions will be relevant to you specifically, when it comes to your specific anatomy and personal goals.  For example, I have many very happy patients who have utilized  ultra high breast implants to achieve their desired outcomes. These patients have ranged from very petite to larger patients.  In other words, nothing will replace in-person evaluation including a careful physical examination and careful communication of goals when it comes to providing you with specific/relevant advice.Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. ***Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, 
I have found that the use of words such as “natural or fake look” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery for petite patients) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultra High Profile implants are typically used in breast RECONSTRUCTION after cancer when all the breast tissue is removed. They can cause severe stretching and bad results when used in aesthetic breast augmentation.

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

UHP implants give an overly projecting and less naturally proportioned appearance.  Personally I use HP implants on large breasted patients (significant loose skin who need and desire a large volume implant)  but avoid UHP since in my area patients generally seek a more "natural" look.  Others may disagree but to me they represent an extreme implant contour.   The linked video will provide helpful information for you.Best wishes,
Jon A Perlman MD FACS 
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Extreme Makeover Surgeon ABC TV 
  
Best of Los Angeles Award 2015, 2016 
  
Beverly Hills, Ca

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The use of ultra high profile implants in breast augmentation, especially in very thin women, will produce a very stark look to the breasts as the transition from the very thin overlying soft tissue to the breast implant will be very abrupt. They are usually used in breast reconstruction after breast cancer. Best of luck.

What are the pros and cons of ultra high profile breast implants? I am narrow & very petite, with 10.5 cm width.

Answers (8)

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