Will larger, lower profile implants create more lower pole fullness? (Photos)

Question

I had a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction. My original implants were Mentor Boost SMPB 390 cc. I then had to have a capsulectomy and traded my implants for Natrelle SCF 450 cc. I now have a lot of upper pole fullness which I don't like. My breasts look squared even with a padded bra. I plan on having surgery to trade implants. My surgeon wants to stick with a Natrelle high profile implant due to rippling. She is suggesting Natrelle Soft Touch. However, I am concerned that I will be left with the same problem of upper pole fullness and maybe worse, because of more rippling. I'm wondering if trading for a moderate profile implant, but larger would create more fullness. She said that if I go lower profile I would look flatter. I wonder if going lower profile but larger size would give me fullness without looking too flat.

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos, and sorry to learn about your disappointment with your result this far. I agree with your concern about the unnatural upper pole fullness most evident on the profile view.

Of the three dimensions associated with every implant (diameter or width, volume, and projection) he most important is diameter. It is true that a lower profile implant will indeed result in less projection, but for most of my reconstructions I use Moderate Plus rather than high profile. The Natrelle implants have a firmer shell and can sometimes be more evident. The Motiva Ergonomix is probably the most natural in appearance with less rippling, but is not yet approved by the FDA for breast reconstruction in the USA.

Discussion your concerns with your plastic surgeon or seek a second opinion but it is indeed possible that a larger volume with less projection may achieve the look you want, albeit with a greater risk of rippling if less cohesive. Best of luck to you.

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Will larger, lower profile implants create more lower pole fullness? (Photos)

Answers (1)

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