Is it possible to get a 1950s-style breast shape with implants? (photos)

Breasts are fat and gland-filled skin. Youthful, predominantly glandular breasts are dense, firm and enclosed in youthful, taut, elastic skin with great tone. Breast shape is determined by the "container," since there is no bone or cartilage to "shape" the breast. Older breasts are more fatty and less dense in most cases, and are enclosed in stretched, less elastic skin with decreased tone--hence the sag or droop (ptosis) we see in more mature breasts. Of course size and genetics also play a role here, and there are as many breast types as there are women--one of the things that make them so wonderful!So let me give you an example: if I hand you a brand-new latex balloon in the shape of a horse and ask you to blow it up, what do you get? ANSWER: a small, medium, or large horse. What you are asking is the equivalent of giving me a horse balloon and asking for a kitty cat when I inflate the balloon. And the answer is the same . . . . . . except for the fact that there are more cohesive (firm) shaped implants that can actually shape breasts to some degree. But no kitties from horsy balloons!I hope my somewhat light-hearted answer helps you understand what others are telling you--breast shape can only be influenced to a certain (usually minimal) degree by choice of implant. Rather, it is much more the province of your brassiere choices to get the look you want after you achieve the size that allows some degree of breast shaping by proper bra choice, just as the actresses in Mad Men and other shows depicting women from half a century ago. You should really concentrate on choice of surgeon so you get the best result possible. Choosing some bozo who promises things s/he really can't deliver could lead to much anguish and may destroy the ability to achieve even some of your goal. For more information, you may wish to click on the web reference link below for my Comprehensive Guide to Breast Augmentation. Best wishes! Thanks for the interesting question. Dr. Tholen

Will depend upon your current breast shape/ anatomy and implants/ bra. An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations.

That look, while nice, is almost certainly due mostly to the type of bra. Implants can provide shape as well as volume but mostly they provide volume. This is very controversial because implant makers claim that some types are more effective than others when providing shape. Best of luck. 

Today there are a huge array of implant styles, shapes, sizes and profiles. Your job is to convey what you want to your plastic surgeon and he/she will pick the best implant 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 link below.

Frankly, without an in person exam, I couldn't say for sure. Choosing an implant depends on many factors such as your "breast footprint" that require a "hands on" approach. So, I would first suggest that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss. Obviously, a bra is going to go a long way in achieving your desired look, but the right implant for your frame could possibly help. Best, Dr. Nazarian

It is usually impossible for a surgeon to guarantee a shape that is desired by a patient. Often, the pre-existing breast shape dictates the postoperative shape to a degree. Other factors include the amount of sag in the breast and the looseness of the skin. Also, the profile of the implant plays a role. A higher profile implant will yield more projection than a low-profile type implant.

Thank you for the question and photo. As many of the plastic surgeons here mentioned the look is made possible by the external bra however conical shapes are available in implants that are anatomical shaped and high profile. The final look also depends on what your breasts look like now. I would highly recommend you visit a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in anatomical implants to get examined and measured to find the appropriate implant to meet your goals. Best of luck..Dr. Khuthaila 

This look is primarily achieve with the bra and not the actual breast.  I do think an Inspira implant would be a good choice.

The short answer is no, unfortunately. What you see in the era is the combination of NO breast implants with conical bras, enhanced with tight corsets around the waiste.  Remember the implants were not even around till the 60s. 

You have chosen an exceptional role model in Gina Lollabrigida! Today there are a multitude of choices regarding breast implant size and shape, and considering the fact that your breasts already have a conical shape, makes the possibility even better. In your case physical exam would be optimal, but you are on the right track regarding higher profile implants to help achieve your goal. Be certain to select a board certified plastic surgeon in our area with lots of experience with breast augmentation because your desired look is somewhat different. Good luck!