Implants for petite contortionist with bony sternum? (Photo)

Question

Hi, I am 22 y.o. petite girl and I train contortion. I am an AA cup, and I would like to have a full B or small C, with a full profile. Height 152 cm / 5’ Wight 38 kg / 83 lb I have a bony sternum, and not sure if it is also wide. I don’t think I have a pectum excavatum, but something linked to my thinness. Will my bony sternum be so visible after implants? Will my implants be far apart? What type of implants would you advise?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. 
 Based on your photographs, I think that you are starting at a good place and should have a very nice outcome with breast augmentation surgery. I also think that your goal photographs are realistic (achievable),  understanding that no patient ever looks exactly like another person.

There are several steps taken to select a specific size/profile breast implant for a specific patient. These steps will vary from one practice to another.  I prefer to have a wide selection of implants (all profiles) available in the operating room. I use intraoperative sizers and place the patient in the upright position to evaluate breast size. Use of these sizers also allow me to select the breast implant profile (low, moderate, moderate plus, high-profile) that would most likely achieve the patient's goals. The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison. I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.

Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.

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 "full B, small C 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 helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
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.  
  
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 liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.
  
Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.
  
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.
  
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.
  
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

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a Breast Augmentation Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

Sean Kelishadi, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You have a beautiful breast footprint and will therefore have beautiful results afterwards.  Since you are so lean, your bony anatomy of your ribs is more apparent, but you do not have any "abnormalities" like the pectus conditions that you mentioned.  In fact, I think you will have a great result with breast augmentation. In someone like you with so little subcutaneous fat, make sure the implants are placed submuscular to give the shape you so desire. Make sure to seek consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by 
the American Board of Plastic Surgery; the really good surgeons are also
 members of prestigious societies within the profession such as ASPS 
(American Society of Plastic Surgeons) and ASAPS (American Society for 
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) -- membership can be checked on their 
respective websites. It is important to pick a surgeon with 
expertise in aesthetic breast surgery. Also, do not base your decision 
on price -- price shopping usually ends up with suboptimal results as 
you end up getting what you pay for. It costs a LOT more money to fix 
work that isn't done right the first time. The "great" plastic surgeons 
have great reputations not just because of their work, amazing reviews 
on yelp, realself, etc and strong instagram and social media followings,
 but also because they are great people and will strive to give you the 
best value for your money. 
There is a lot that goes into implant selection -- your breast 
volume, the amount of cleavage you want to achieve, your base width, 
your rib shape/projection, tissue elasticity, etc. Also, when it comes 
to bra sizes, most women are not accurately sized for their bras. Please
 keep in mind that a breast implant is a round object and has a certain 
diameter. Your base width on each side of your chest will determine "how
 big of a ball" or what diameter implant you can reliably go up to with a
 socially acceptable cosmetic outcome. The implant will "augment" or 
increase the size of your breasts to an amount acceptable to you and 
your surgeon. There is no correlation between height and weight and base
 width; therefore you need an in person examination to be accurately 
measured. 
The most important thing to consider is really the size and look that
 is appealing to YOU with the implants you choose. Many surgeons have 
sizing models whether using bras with implants or computer simulation. Go with what is acceptable based on your 
measurements and makes YOU the happiest, and make sure to weigh the pros and
 cons of the options you are considering. You can also compare the different profile implants and see which  look you like  
most. The profile of the implant will determine how much upper pole 
fullness and overall projection you portray. Usually, the higher the 
profile of the implants, the more upper pole fullness you achieve, but in some cases it may  give a faker appearance. If 
you were my patient, I would have you try on implants of different styles and
 see what shape and size made you the happiest.
I hope this helps answer your questions 
and I wish the best of luck to you! Instagram @sskplasticsurg
Sincerely,
Dr. Sean Kelishadi

Brian K. Brzowski, MD, FACS · Answer

I don't think you are likely to end up with the "bad results" that you've shown.  In fact, I think you stand to have a wonderful result.  Be conservative with your size, give some consideration to the use of a shaped implant, and DEFINITELY go with a more cohesive device such as the Sientra Style 107 or Natrelle Inspira Soft Touch.  I have one of the most extensive experiences with these devices, and I can tell you that the results are remarkably better than the older style implants.Lastly, I have marked your photograph with your expected cleavage after surgery.  Unfortunately there isn't an easy way for me to upload this to show you on RealSelf.  I'm happy to share that image with you in an online consultation if you're interested.Bottom line:  you should experience a beautiful result.  Go for it!  Do your homework, but press on.Best of luck.

Implants for petite contortionist with bony sternum? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: You will do well with breast augmentation

Answer: You will do well with breast augmentation

Answer: I could show you.

Answer: I could show you.

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Implants for petite contortionist with bony sternum? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: You will do well with breast augmentation

Answer: You will do well with breast augmentation

Answer: I could show you.

Answer: I could show you.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.