Deciding between 345cc moderate and 385cc high profile

Question

5’4/120 pounds/32B. I do not want a super fake look. I want an sig volume change but I want my breast to have more volume on the lower portion of the breast (how they naturally are now). I am getting silicone under muscle. The largest moderate profile he rec was 345cc. I did not think they looked big enough when tried on. 385cc HP filled out my shirt more. Will the HP look too round at the upper pole area for the look I’m going for? Or will it look similar to my natural breasts just bigger?

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing.  Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.  
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan.
With regards to your specific question,  relative to the moderate profile will project further and deliver greter upper pole fullness as a consequence of the greater volume (Remember 40 cc is essentially equivalent to a shot glass). Submuscular placement will to a certain extent flatten the roundness of the upper pole.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
I suggest going in and trying on the implants again. Bring a tight fitting shirt so you can get an idea of how they will look. In my experience, patients usually wish they had gone bigger. Best wishes!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Higher profile implants will produce more upper pole fullness than a moderate profile implant.  If you are wanting a more natural look the moderate profile under the muscle is more in line with your goals.  I encourage you to return to your surgeon to further discuss your desired results.  I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear ailujdracis,
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Deciding between 345cc moderate and 385cc high profile

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Answer: Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you.

Answer: Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you.

Answer: Implant size

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Deciding between 345cc moderate and 385cc high profile

Answers (7)

Answer: Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you.

Answer: Choosing the right size and profile breast implants for you.

Answer: Implant size

Answer: Implant size

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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