Is 175cc high profile enough to achieve full B cup? (Photos)

Hi canadiangirl1,

There are a lot of things that needs to be considered when it comes to breast augmentation.
Implant profile is one of the important considerations to make. Many patients wrongly assume that the higher the profile the better. The truth is, the more profile (or projection/height) and implant has, the narrower its base has to become. This is associated with several problematic consequences.

The first issue is that the patient loses width and therefore cleavage of the breast. The second is the breast becomes more narrow and pendulous, often falling lateral and onto the side of the chest, and third, high profile implants have a higher risk of bottoming out because they exert more pressure on the inframammary fold than moderate profile implants.

High profile implants do have a role in symmastia repair (when I need to narrow the base width) but otherwise I try to avoid them.

Also, determining whether you need simply a breast implant versus a breast lift or both can be somewhat complicated. It depends on a number of factors including skin laxity and current nipple position.

Generally speaking, if the nipples are lower than the inframammary line the patient will most likely need a breast lift. If the nipples are at or above the inframammary line we can generally get by with just breast augmentation depending on the size of the implant the patient wants. I often use an implant when I perform a breast lift because it provides more upper breast fullness after the lift. Also, price range for breast lift is around 10k to 15k depending on whether you need a lollipop or a donut mastopexy.

Another important consideration to make would be the breast implant type and sizing selection. In fact, this 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, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

The short answer is that it's difficult to give you good advice without a long consultation and an in-person examination.  The answer is different for everyone.It is important to realize that the ultimate breast size and shape depend upon so very many variables.  A 300 cc implant on a petite woman with a thin frame may look quite large, but that same implant in an overweight woman may be barely noticeable.  Size and shape of the result depend upon the volume of the implant, the shape of the implant, if it is over or under the muscle, your skin and its resilience, stretch marks, the degree of breast sagging, chest circumference, amount and distribution of the natural breast tissue, etc.  For this reason, it is impossible to give reliable advice based simply upon height and weight, or even photos. The only way to approach reliable predictions is with an in-person examination with a board certified plastic surgeon, the use of sizers, 3-D imaging, and most importantly, relying upon the skill, expertise, and experience of your chosen  Board-Certified Plastic surgeon.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate
for a breast lift with an augmentation.  175-225cc should accomplish your goal of a natural looking result.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Without examining you it's difficult to give specific advice, but the photos you've included of other women's breasts would be more consistent with a full profile. The exact sizing comes down to measurements which require an in-person consultation. Best of luck! 

Cup size does not match up with implant volumes very well. You are best to do a baggy test with the bra you want to fill with the volume suggested to see if you achieve your goal.

Your surgeon who has examined and measured you will be the best one to discuss the range of sizes that will work best with your tissue and frame. Please go back to your surgeon and discuss sizes again. You might ask to try on the different sizes so you can decide what you do like.

Thank you for your question and photos
There are several variables to be considered when answering this question. It is always difficult to make a diagnosis based on photos alone, however, you do appear to be a good candidate for a breast lift with implants. When you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon, they will perform a set of measurements that will help determine whether or not a lift is necessary and what approach they will take. This will determine the type of incisions you will have. Another variable that needs to be discussed is what you are wanting. If you are wanting a fuller upper pole to your breast, then an implant will be necessary.  If you are just wanting the breasts to be a little perkier and don't mind the size, then only a lift is necessary. And to have the nipple in proper position over the implant, may require a lift. I hope this is helpful

The answer to your question is best answered by your board certified plastic surgeon who will measure you (chest and breast width) and be able to see how much breast tissue you actually have yourself.  Your goal photos have a look more like a moderate plus profile to me than high profile.  However, your surgeon has selected a smaller size high profile implant which might also work to achieve this look- it all depends on your measurements.  Best wishes!

I think you are definitely going to need some type of breast lift. The size of the implants is something for you and your surgeon to discussed and usually is based on the dimensions of your breasts and other factors determined at your examination. The difference in the volume of the implants you're talking about is not that much, and it may be worth considering the larger size if you get you closer to your desired look. Talk to your doctor.

If you are seeing an experienced board certified plastic surgeon, he will get a feel for what you want to achieve and make his recommendation to you.  Trusting your surgeon is a large part of recovery.