Why does the same profile/cc implant look different on each individual?

It is not possible to choose a size based on how it looks on another person.  This is why it is so important to try sizers on to determine what is the best size for you.  At that time you also discuss the shape characteristics that you like so the surgeon can try to achieve your desired look.

Why does the same size implant look different from person to person? The reason is that everyone's anatomy is different. 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. . 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.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:

Thanks for this great question, everyone reacts differently because each individual persons unique tissue characteristics will determine how their chest wall/breast tissue will expand with the force of the implant

Correct, breast implants even if the exact same one and size will look different on each person. You must consider existing breast tissue, chest frame & dimensions. You should seek an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon & try on sizers for an idea of your end result size.

The reason that different people appear to have different results with similar implants is because everyone has slightly different anatomies. There are so many factors that affect the end result of breast augmentation surgery. These include extrinsic factors such as implant pocket position, implant pocket size dissection, implant size, implant profile, implant type, and surgical technique. There are also intrinsic factors including chest width, amount of native breast tissue, amount of muscle tissue, skin thickness and quality, breast tissue quality (fibrocystic vs. fatty), among others. The fact that there are so many variables makes the surgery interesting and sometimes difficult for surgeons.

Your final appearance is a combination of the implant used and your anatomy.  Each patient requires individualization of their surgery to help them obtain their desired goal.  In addition, volume alone is not the only factor that determines outcome.  The shape of the implant is important as is the response of your tissues.  You should also remember that time changes appearance after surgery.  Photos taken early after surgery will look very different than those taken later even in the same patient. I have attached two links showing the same size implant with very different outcomes due to the patient's anatomy before the procedure.  If you look at photos before surgery, you should search for patients whose appearance is similar to yours, rather than whose look you desire.  By limiting your search to patients who look like you before surgery, you can get a better idea if surgery will give you your desired outcome. 

The same implant will look differently on different women, because no one is exactly the same. Even identical twins often have differences as well. The height of the person, width of their chest, and amount of breast tissue are big contributors to the differences in women. Even two breasts are not exactly alike in most women. Your surgeon will help determine what size and shape implant will look best for you.

Every patientis built differently, and therefore implants will often look different on the various individuals.  That is also why an exam in person is essential.

You are absolutely correct that breast implants look different in different women. A lot of patients aren't aware how variable the results are among different women with the same size implant. A specific dress in a given size looks different on different women for the same reason: Their bodies are different. The appearance of breast implants are affected not just by the amount of breast tissue, but also by the skin envelope, the tone of both the breast tissue and the skin, and even by the ribs and the breast bone. Click on the link below to see a breast augmentation case. Her implants would look very different in a woman  who weighed more or who had no skin envelopes and tight, tight skin.

You are absolutely correct in that the same breast implants may achieve a very different outcome for different patients. Much will depend on each individual patient starting point. For example, patients may start off with a different volume of breast tissue natively, different chest wall contour ( concave versus convex)  and more or less breast skin elasticity.The best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery 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 are 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  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 “C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.  The use of computer imaging may be very helpful during the communication process.



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 hope this (and the attached link) help.