How to prevent "torpedo boobs" with HP implants?

Question

I would like 800cc HP implants, but I am worried about the "torpedo boob" where they are kind of long and pointy looking instead of round and perky. How can one prevent this?

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Predicting breast shape before a breast augmentation is a difficult task. I usually have patients try breast sizers in a bra to help determine the volume they want. The we utilize the Vectra three dimensional photographic system which takes a 3D picture of you and allows us to simulate your result with any given implant. This is a great aid to my patients to help them plan their operation with me. So I have to wonder; why 800 cc HP? I have used these implants, even larger, but usually on rather tall or wide patients. Without a photo, it's tough for me to speculate on whether you would get "torpedo boobs". You might be the perfect candidate for them, or they might be a bit extreme. Keep in mind that each implant weighs 1 3/4 pounds. Proceed with caution, but I wish you the best result.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, your existing breast shape and the size of the implant relative to your breast base width will influence it the most, a picture would be helpful, please ask your surgeon to comment and best of luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

HP implants tend to make ball shaped boobs. Torpedo shape is likely due to the patient’s particular breast shape prior to surgery. You need to know that HP implants and very large implants both have higher complication and re-operation rates than smaller and flatter devices, so that’s a double whammy you need to accept. Finally, not every person can just jump right into a pair of 800 cc implants, and sequential surgeries may be necessary as seen in my IG.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

As much as we would love to help, without photos, measurements, or an inperson examination there is really no way to guide you in a decision.I would suggest choosing 2-3 photos of a proportionate volumetric look that you are trying to accomplish.  Bring these with you to a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast enhancement and discuss what you would like to accomplish.  From there, you can generate a plan to help you achieve this.I hope this helps and wish you the very best!Warmest regards,-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Breast implant selection is an exciting, but stressful part of the breast augmentation process as there are so many choices. Unfortunately it is impossible to recommend the best implant style, size or shape without an in-person examination that allows for the measurement of key breast parameters, as well as permits an in-depth discussion as to your desired goals and outcome. I would recommend seeing additional ASPS board certified plastic surgeons to ensure that the implants you decide upon are the right ones to meet your expectations.  It sounds as if it may be wise for you to "try on" several of the implants so that you can have a better visual representation as to what they would look like.  Best wishes!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear BrittE92,
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.
Breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

come more form what you had prior to the implants.  If you had pointy breasts, you will still have pointy breasts to some degree and that could resemble a torpedo.  But in most situations where the breasts are rounded and softer, its very unlikely that you will get a torpedo from a HP implant.  With the size you want, your surgeon should be able to help you determine what the best style will be for your anatomy.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

A breast that appears natural and soft tends to be one where the height and projection of the implant harmonize well with our natural chest measurements. If you have a narrow chest, you may not want 800cc HP implants which will appear more torpedo like because you are trying to fit in two large implants to a narrow pocket. Moderate or moderate plus profiles will have less of this torpedo effect. The ideal size is determined by measuring several areas including, chest diameter, several upper body measurements, and current breast tissue thickness. Once you have the measurements, they are all put together to determine the right implant from the right manufacturer. Breast implants of the same cc's can look and feel extremely different depending on the profile and material. In my office, I have the MENTOR breast implant sizing system where different size molds are used to simulate how you appear in your own clothes and help finalize your decision. Hope this helps!
Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Tarek V. Copty, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, unfortunately without photographs it is difficult to answer your question and guide your decision. Every Plastic Surgeon has his or her own technique and preference of implant shape and size. Personally I prefer round high profile implants. For those looking for a more natural look without an obvious cleavage I would use moderate profile implants (less projected implants). Most of the time I like to place the implant under the muscle for many technical reasons. Usually the decision is made during consultation where I can physically examine my patient as well as getting a sense of my patient's desires and wishes. There are techniques to put the implants above the muscle or half way under the muscle or all the way under the muscle. Every patient's desires are different and every patient's chest characteristics are different. The more experience your plastic surgeon has the more likely you will have a successful and happy result.

Best regards,
Tarek V. Copty, MD FACS

Best regards, 
Tarek V. Copty, MD FACS

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the good question.  
  Much of the final look and feel achieved after breast augmentation surgery depends on several factors:
1. The initial shape, size (volume of breast tissue), symmetry of the patient's breasts. In general, the better the preoperative breast appearance the more likely the breast augmentation “look” will be optimal.   The more soft tissue a patient has present, the less important the type of breast implant is.
2. The experience/skill level of the surgeon is important in determining the final outcome. For example, the accurate and gentle dissection of the breast implant pockets are critical in producing long-term well-placed breast implants. Careful measurements (dimensional planning) and careful selection of breast implant size/profile are part of the surgeon's  responsibilities.   
Again, I personally think that these 2 factors are more important than any others, including type (saline or silicone) or model (low/moderate/high profile) of implant.
3. The type of implant used may determine the final outcome, especially if the patient does not have significant covering breast or adipose tissue. For example, some surgeons feel that silicone implants have a more natural look and feel than saline implants because silicone gel has a texture that is similar to breast tissue. In other words, if a patient has very low body fat and/or very little breast tissue, the silicone gel implants may provide a more "natural" result.   For patients with an extreme paucity of soft tissue coverage, the specific type of implant (for example, more gel fill per shell) may be more important when it comes to aesthetic concerns such as breast implant rippling/palpability.
4. The size and model of breast implant used may make a significant difference in the final outcome. Therefore, it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C or D cup” etc. may mean different things to different people.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.
To summarize, my best advice: select your plastic surgeon very carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as  well.   I find that the use of goal photographs and computer imaging are very helpful during this communication phase. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals. 
 Best wishes.

How to prevent "torpedo boobs" with HP implants?

Answers (13)

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