Medium Plus Profile or High Profile Implants for Breast Reconstruction?

AS you alluded to, there are different projection types for breast prosthetic implants.  There are low, moderate, moderate-plus, high, and extra-high.  In addition, to this, other factors to consider are saline vs. silicone, textured vs. smooth, as well as round vs. shaped.  All of these factors should be considered during your evaluation in order to assist you in determining which implant would be best for you for reconstruction of your breasts.  

Breast width is, in my opinion, the most important determinant for breast implant size.  I also typically use a high, sometimes extra-high, projection implant as I believe that the projection is necessary post-mastectomy, since the breast tissue has been removed and the reconstruction is now completely dependent upon the implant itself.  This also gives a desired "perky" and "lifted" breast mound appearance.  

Giving you recommendations for volume is difficult without an examination.  However, as stated, measurement of your breast width (from sternum to lateral breast) is important to fit the breast pocket that will be created.  If you have had a tissue expander placed, exchange of an implant for a similar size volume during your second stage, once you and your surgeon have determined that you have been adequately expanded, may also give you an idea of which size/profile-type is best for you.  Hope that this helps!  I hope for an excellent result for you!

Higher profile breast implants are often needed post breast reconstruction to give a youthful perky appearance. Regarding choosing the best implant size for you: It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the below link.

Generally most patients who undergo implant based breast reconstruction where tissue expanders are placed and expanded until the appropriate size is reached benefit from high profile implants. Often I will also use extra high profile implants in patients wanting a perkier fuller look. To learn more visit our site below.

The right size and shape implant to be used after tissue expansion depends on many factors. Most important are the size of the pocket that has been expanded and also your personal preference regarding size and projection.
For a more perky and more projecting shape, a high profile implant will work better than a moderate or lower profile implant. Low/moderate profile implants are wider and flatter when compared to high profile implants with the same volume.
In a small frame patient like yourself I would anticipate using a high profile implant to achieve the perky (projecting) result you are looking for.

The dimensions and volume of the expander should be your guide. If you and your surgeon are happy with the current width (base diameter) of the expander then that is the diameter of the final implant you should use. Similarly, the implant diameter can be chosen smaller or larger compared to the expander as necessary. The fill volume of the expander should be known which can help you decide which volume of permanent implant you would desire. One caution, for a low height implant, the permanent implant will need to be a little larger than the fill volume of the expander to achieve the same "apparent" size.