Follow-Up Question: 385cc or 415cc? What is full profile?

Question

Age: 26 Height:5’7 Weight 115 lbs Currently: 32A (I don’t even fill that) Frame: narrow/slim So I did a resizing yesterday and I’m wondering if I should do 385cc or 415cc (with full profile)? Originally it was 365cc but I felt that was a bit small. I went over with my patient coordinator to go from originally 365cc to 415cc with doctors approval I was super excited but now I’m also nervous wondering if that may be too big?? I also have very little breast tissue.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Profile terminology will vary from one manufacturer to the next. The terminology matters less than the correlate dimensional measures.
As one goes up in profile the footprint or BWD of the device will shrink and the projection will increase for a given volume. I have found that full profile Allergan implants correlate closely with high profile Mentor implants. These devices exhibit higher projection than similarly sized moderate (+)/moderate profile devices. Ultra high profile is simply the next step upwards in projection.
Patients are encouraged to stay within the boundaries defined by their BWD. This is the best way to avoid the dreaded "fake" look. I generally recommend that patients with smaller frames who are seeking more than a modest augmentation consider a higher profile device.The higher profile device will impart greater projection and thus a less subtle result but will allow for a more significant augmentation than a similarly sized Mod/Mod+. Thus, the ultimate question is one of volume. Is the volume you can achieve via a similarly sized Mod + profile implant adequate to reach your desired goals? If not, a HP will afford you more volume at the cost of subtlety.
The difference between higher and lower profiles for a given volume is projection and for a given width is volume (with the high profile implant being greater in both scenarios). The moderate plus is the most commonly used profile in my practice. It allows for the most reasonable volume in given BWD. In my practice, low profile implants are the least commonly used (widest and flattest). I will typically reserve high profile devices for smaller framed individuals or those seeking a less subtle more dramatic change (the opposite of natural). 
Smaller framed patients tend to prefer HP implants as their BWD can be restrictive with regards to volume. An HP implant will provide greater volume in the same BWD footprint. But remember "natural" while difficult to define often implies a good match between frame, volume and projection. If the goal is natural more conservative sizing/volumes are recommended.
In general, the difference between a moderate and Mod (+), in reality, is very small (on the order of millimeters). Anecdotally, most feel that moderate profile devices are too flat. In my practice, I generally classify profile based upon patient preference. A higher profile provides a more dramatic look (size for size) vs. a moderate/moderate + profile which is relatively more subtle and understated. That being said the vast majority of patients will select a moderate + profile device.
With regards to your specific question, full profile implant will be narrower size for size than it's moderate counterpart. It will also project more and be less subtle. However, I would not struggle over 30 cc as this will make a subtle difference at best.  
In my opinion, the key to a "natural" look is conservative sizing with an eye towards anatomy and frame. Smaller framed individuals by "nature" do not typically have very large breasts. The value of a higher profile device is allowing a smaller framed patient to achieve a greater volume without overstepping the bounds of the BWD.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. The implants that you are considering are very close in size. I would not worry about going too big. You surgeon will likely approve this increase in size without repeat consultation because the difference between implants is negligible.Profile is a way to describe the width vs projection of an implant. I would trust your PS decision to choose the correct profile for your frame. Best of luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.   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.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear PrettyBrownn_16,Breast implant type and sizing selection 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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Follow-Up Question: 385cc or 415cc? What is full profile?

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Follow-Up Question: 385cc or 415cc? What is full profile?

Answers (7)

Answer: Breast augmentation, 385-415cc

Answer: Breast augmentation, 385-415cc

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Implant size and type

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.