Will a moderate profile implant work for a person with a thin frame, narrow chest and very little breast tissue?

As you know, we use the breast with as a general guide for determining which implants might produce certain appearances. These are only guidelines. The implants which you have mentioned are quite close in size and only differ in height and width by a number of millimeters. If you prefer more width, central fullness, and upper pole fullness, then you should not hesitate to go with the

I think you are perhaps wiser than your present surgeon (at least if s/he remains rigid in their "suggestions"). Since breasts do not have "sharp" beginning and ending points to accurately measure (and BTW, do you measure the present base or the anticipated new base--slightly wider?), 12 cm is only an approximation! I think you should choose the volume of your implants first, add about 10-20% to accommodate for submuscular compression, and then choose the base width (profile) that fills you from side to side properly, not necessarily and automatically "less than 12cm diameter." Wider-profile (moderate profile or moderate plus profile) implants also retain more vertical height, giving better subclavicular "fill." High profile implants DO NOT give more "upper pole fullness" once they drop into their final position--they have a narrower diameter both horizontally AND vertically! Yet I hear this error all the time!Smooth round Sientra moderate profile implants in the 350-410cc range are 12.5-13.0cm diameter. Allergan and Mentor make cohesive implants (smooth, and textured) as well, but it's much more about surgeon selection than implant selection. Choose another surgeon for consultation and see if his/her thought process is more akin to yours. I think you are right to ask this question as you will be unhappy with a over-projecting "Betty Boop" look. Also, do not forget that there is a middle ground with moderate plus profile implants by other manufacturers. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Hi Dmd,I supposed you are confused by now. All of the answers are good ones.  The narrower base of the Sientra high profile would be a better fit.  If you go online and check websites that show hundreds of BA patients, and give the size and profile, you will not be able to tell the difference from who has had moderate or high.  This fact may help you.  Your surgeon is trying to make your plan work best for you, so you can reach your goal and not have a "side-boob" going on.  The difference in the projection from a moderate to a high is just millimeters, so no cause for alarm.  I hope this helps you a little.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Thanks for your question.  It is always important that you go with the implant size that you are most comfortable with.  Your surgeon can make suggestions based on your measurements and their experience, but in the end you should be involved in the decision because otherwise you will have doubt afterwards especially if the size is not what you envisioned.  Moderate and moderate plus profile implants will definitely be more "natural" looking than high profile.  Meet with your surgeon again if you are unsure. 

Find someone who has a Vectra 3D camera. They can simulate what any implant would look like on your frame. Go to the website below and you can find a surgeon with this technology.

In general, I am not a big fan of low profile implants because they tend to be rather flat and wide. The only way to discuss implants with you is in person.

To help my patients achieve their goals, I consider two factors when selecting implants for my patients:1. Dimensional planning2. Gel Implant Sizing systemDimensional planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can review this with you during the consultation.Gel Implant Sizing system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural fuller look. Hope this helps.Dr. BasuHouston, TX

It is helpful to look at photos of oatients with a similar size and body frame when compared to yours. I don't use high profile implants at all so that would not be anything I would suggest. 

I personaly prefer moderate profile implants in my practice becuase of natural look. I like to base my size decisions on overall apearence of patient and not always on measurements of chest.  It is free form art and not math that is important to determine implant size.  Moderate profiles look more natural.    

Thank you for the question. Ultimately, careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be an important part of the preoperative and intraoperative planning process.   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're 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 which operation and/or 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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "small C cup" etc or "better cleavage” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.  The use of  in bra sizers and computer imaging may be very helpful during this communication phase.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.  I find that the use of temporary  intraoperative sizers ( with the patient in the upright position)  allows for accurate selection of breast implant size/profile to achieve patient's goals as precisely as possible.I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to patients with petite frames), helps.