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

Question

I've just started researching breast augmentation surgery. My personal style is very vintage, 1940s and 1950s. For instance, I love the shape of Gina Lollobrigada's breasts in this picture. I would welcome a slightly conical shape but I know that conical implants are not available in the USA. Would it be possible to mimic this sort of shape with a high profile round implant? For what it's worth, my small B-cup breasts already have a slightly conical shape to them. Thanks!

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Leland Deane, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

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

George Volpe, MD · Answer

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.

Dana Khuthaila, MD, FRCSC, FACS · Answer

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

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

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

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

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!

David J. Wages, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Almost any specific result can be attempted.  One must remember that the 1950's appearance is mostly due to the type and shape of bra one wears and not the appearance of the nude breast.  One could place an implant for augmentation and perform a mastopexy (breast lift) and attempt to achieve this appearance.  However, the duration of this outcome can not be promised to last forever as the tension on the tissues due to the implant and skin tightness will eventually relax and one would see a different result.  I would recommend a face to face consult with a Board Certified Plastic
Surgeon who has experience in breast surgery. During your visit your surgeon
should be evaluating your health to determine if you are a good surgical
candidate and examining your tissues to get a sense of what type of procedure
your tissues will allow. Only with a hands on exam can this be determined.
During the consult you and the surgeon should be understanding of the goals and
realistic outcomes of your choices. Once an exam and opinion is rendered then
you can decide if surgery is right for you. Good luck.

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

Answers (18)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (18)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

I have wide hips, short waist and small chest. Will anything make me more proportionate? (photos)

Will I eventually have to remove my breast implants from old age?

Allergan Inspira SRLP 280 vs SRM 345 for broad-shouldered athlete? (photos)

Do I have star gazing pseudoptosis and are my implants too small and narrow? (photos)

I have a wide sternum bone could anything could of been done differently to correct that just A LITTLE TINY BIT MORE? (photo)

Dual plane or submuscular for me? I can't decide if I want round textured or smooth (Photo)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS