Do moderate profile implants commonly add fullness to the lower pole?

Dear Doramom1,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Moderate profile implants are not as projecting, meaning they do not stick out as much as high profile implants. While this does not preferentially expand the lower pole, it does give a bit less upper pole fullness, which can generally be described as cleavage. Switching to a higher profile implant is likely to give you more of the fullness you desire. You may also find that going slightly larger on the implants.

Your breasts are low on the chest wall and the lift was inadequate. At this time, I recommend explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method. The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided and nipple sensation (in 95%) is maintained if not injured during your previous surgery. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Saline implants of any profile tend to create lower pole fullness because the saline implant upper 1/2 is easily compressed by the pectoralis muscle which then shifts the saline to the lower pole. I would recommend you get an in depth consultation with a Plastic Surgeon who performs a lot of revision surgery and who’s results are posted on the PS website. Bring your pre revision surgery photos and the operative report. This way you can get an opinion on whether implant exchange and or bilateral Mastopexy can help you achieve the result you are looking for. Good luck!

Implant profile and size have nothing to do with lower pole fullness; it's where the implant sits relative to the overlying breast tissue that matters. In your case, your implants appear to be in good position. The lack of lower pole fullness is due to the breast tissue and nipple position being too low. I cannot see the entirety of the right breast, but it appears to be circumareolar, which, as you can see, is insufficient to reshape the breast or reposition the nipple areolar complex. It is very common for women switching from saline to silicone to complain of a loss of upper pole fullness. My recommendation includes switching implants to a high cohesive, optimally filled implant that is slightly larger than your current, and converting to a full bilateral breast lift.

The higher the profile the more projection and upper pole fullness it will provide. Saline implants look and act like bags of water. I've included a video on the various implant types as well as the pros and cons of each. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon as to why the surgical plan was altered.

All implants will give fullness to the lower pole unless that area is naturally constricted. Your one photo looks nice. Because of your anatomy, you will not have high and fullness in your upper breast areas.

Dear Doramom,
The photograph does not completely show your breasts. To criticize a surgeons work with only partial information is not ethical. Especially when the results that we CAN see look to be quite good. I'm not sure what your goals and issues are, but recommend that you bring them to your PS for discussion. Good luck!

The Pod one posted photo is not of help need better focal length and more views front sides. Best of virtual consult with would recommend exchange of implants to high profile and redo lift or lift to gain symmetry. Feed $10,000-$20,000 best of virtual consult with.

To make a quality assessment regarding the outcome of any plastic surgical procedure, we need quality information.
At a minimum we need to see a complete set of proper before and after pictures.
It would also be helpful to know exactly what was done during surgery.
For this having access to a copy of your operative report would be helpful.
For example, you may have had capsular contractions with your 25 year-old implants.
If that was the case, your surgeon most likely did a capsulectomy or removal of scar tissue around the implants. Performing a capsulectomy by itself, can have a big impact on the shape of the breast, especially in regards to where the perceived volume is.
Implants also come in different shapes and profiles, and this too, can have an impact on the appearance.
If there was a drastic change in the shape of your breast by simply exchanging implants than I’m guessing some other work was done in conjunction, most likely removal of scar tissue i. e. a capsuectomy.
Consider reposting with the proper set of before and after pictures and confirm exactly what was done during the procedure.
If you don’t have before and after pictures then ask your surgeon to forward the pictures they took.
To get a proper second opinion consultation, I suggest scheduling those in person consultations with other plastic surgeons in your community.
For second opinion, consultations always come prepared bring with you a complete set of before and after pictures and copies of your operative report.
These are part of your medical records and you can get copies of them by simply asking your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD