What's the difference between moderate, moderate plus, and high profile implants?

Question

Looking to get breast implants and confused. Good cleavage is desired, but not too much. Thank you!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

The different profiles refer to the relationship of width vs. projection in a given volume.  The higher the profile the more narrow the implant width.  A decision is based on your chest and breast base measurements, as well as, asymmetries between the breasts.  In addition, I will have patients try on the different implant profiles and you can get a pretty idea of how it will effect your look in terms of cleavage and projection.  For the most part an experienced breast surgeon is going to make the decision easy for you by recommending what is best.  Ask to see pictures, ask to try them on, research your choice of surgeon.  Good Luck!!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

In
the retro-pectoral position, the profile of the implant is irrelevant.  The muscle provides compression and
determines the projection.  If you look
at the manufactures physical dimensions of the implants, you will find that the
numerical value is often approximately 1 centimeter different between the low,
moderate and high. Sientra Textured Round Implants:Volume                                   Centimeters450-low
profile                        3.2
cm435-moderate
profile              4.6 cm440-high
profile                       5.4 cmBest Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Its   way of adding more projection or volume or cup size with an implant that has the same base diameter so when women with the same chest want different cup sizes we can offer different implants GOOD LUCK

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

These are implant profiles that change the width and height (projection) of the implants.moderate, moderate plus, high profile (width decreases from left to right while the projection increases)Dr. ES

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

This is a common question and unfortunately is due to manufacturer marketing issues.  Allergan has appropriately named their implants low, moderate and high profile.  The difference between each is the base diameter and the projection.  Low profile implants have the widest base diameter and least projection where as high profile implants have the most narrow projection and most projection for the same implant volume.  Unfortunately, Allergan gel implant volumes are strange, 286cc, 304cc etc.Mentor's first implant was really a low profile implant based on base diameter and projection.  When they introduced a "true" moderate profile implant they had a marketing problem-what to name it.  So they named it the moderate profile plus implant.  So this implant is equal to Allergans moderate profile implant.  Since the introduction of this implant Mentor has changed the name of the original "moderate profile" implant (remember it's really a low profile implant). The newest name is the Mentor Moderate Classic Profile implant.  The long and short of it is that Allergan's moderate profile = Mentor's moderate plus.  High profile are the same for both.  The only other difference is that Allergan implants, for the same volume, have just a bit more projection.It's all a bit confusing so you'll need to have a detailed sit-down with your surgeon.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

The profile of an implant will determine a certain amount of projection for a given volume. In general, a patient with a small chest diameter and a narrow breast will require a high profile implant to achieve a large cup size. A patient with a wider breast and more space between the collarbone and the top of the breast could fit a lower profile with more volume. In simple terms...the larger the breast size desired, the more projection is needed to fill the breast. Hope this is easy to understand, but it is a good question.

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  These terms refer to the level of projection (amount the implant sits off the chest) for implants produced by the Mentor Corporation.   For a given volume of silicone gel or saline,  a higher projecting implant will have a narrower base and will be taller than a lower projecting implant.  Most patients will tend to do well with a moderate plus projection.  In some circumstances, like with a very wide chest or when combining an augmentation with a lift, your surgeon may choose a lower profile implant.  I typically reserve the high profile implants for women with very narrow chest/breast widths.   High profile implants often do not look as natural and may cause excessive stretching of the overlying breast tissue, resulting in more problems long term.  Make sure you visit a board certified plastic surgeon to have all your questions answered.  Good luck!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Think of the implants as low, medium, and high projection off your chest ( forward projection).  As you go higher in forward projection, the implant width narrows ( less side boob) for the same volume in the implant.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

Very simple. Take a handful of dough, play dough or clay and make a ball. That is ultra high profile. Now take the same ball and smoosh it down and spread it out to about 2/3rds of the height;it is now wider-that is moderate plus profile. Now smoosh to about 1/2 the height;it gets even wider-that is moderate profile. Finally smoosh it to 1/3rd the original height-that is classic profile. All the same original volume just different heights and width combinations. If you start out with a bigger piece of play dough you now have a higher volume that you can smoosh into the various profiles.The wider the implant the more cleavage BUT the limit is how close your normal breasts come together. You would benefit by the use of the VECTRA imaging system analysis.

Todd B. Koch, MD · Answer

There are 3 implant manufacturers.  They use different terms to describe their implant shapes as you described.  When you go for your consultation, your Plastic Surgeon will guide you.  Which is the best profile for you depends on several factors such as your measurements.  Don't get caught up on the terms.

What's the difference between moderate, moderate plus, and high profile implants?

Answers (12)

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