Would breast implants be an option for my AA breasts? My goal is to have natural looking and feeling breasts

Question

I have AA breasts and I'd like a breast augmentation but I have a very small frame and no subcutaneous fat. My goal would be natural looking and feeling breasts, would implants be an option?

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is always more challenging to make a patient natural looking when the natural breast is small. Breast tissue draping over implants tends to soften the apperance and provide camoflauge to the underlying implant. Smaller breasted patients have less camouflauge.

I think of three things to make the patients with smaller breasts as natural at possible:
1) under the muscle - sub muscular implants allow an additiona layer of tissue to help soften the look of the upper ple of the implants.
2) Common sense size -- the implant must fit your frame, but the larger you go the less able you are to hide the fact that you have implants.
3) Soft silicone- Implants are now available in different firmness. A soft ( standard) silicone  will take on a tear drop shape inside the body and tend to look and feel more natural paticularly in the slender patient.

I hope this helps.

Michele DeVito, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implants can give you upper pole fullness. If you go with a implant that is not to big, you can achieve natural looking breasts. Find a implant that compliments your body and you can have natural, fuller breasts.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
A small implant should give you a natural look. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm not sure you really have options other than an implant if you want larger breasts. It does not sound like there is fat to transfer. You can work with your surgeon to find an implant size/shape that will be help with your goals.

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes, it is possible to get natural looking and feeling breasts despite your current size. For the desired outcome, choose proportionately sized implants as well as an experienced board certified plastic surgeon.

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi jj62,
Based on your description, it's hard to say if you'd be a good candidate for an augmentation. Breast implants can be round or shaped/anatomic, and each has a distinct look. For women who start with minimal breast tissue, the implant can help to better shape the breast--but the lack of coverage can be an issue that leads to higher rate of implant palpability.
I'd suggest meeting with a plastic surgeon for a consultation--he or she can walk you through the process, use try on sizing and measurements to better understand your goals, and discuss what implant type or style might be best for you.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, WA

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Jonathan Heistein, MD · Answer

You can definitely achieve a natural looking and feeling breast augmentation.  There are several different styles of implants available, and your surgeon can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.  Some will look and feel more natural than others.  But, whichever style you choose, if you choose a smaller size, then this will keep you from looking unnatural.  Your surgeon should be able to easily show this to you during your consultation if you can try on the different implants and see what they look like on you.  Best of luck!

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are a great candidate for breast augmentation. You should get sized. It sounds like you want to go with a conservative look which can absolutely be achieved. Implants are safe and results are predictable. You should look for a board certified plastic surgeon and can find one at plasticsurgery.org.
Best of luck to you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jj62,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery