How much pre-existing breast tissue is needed for breasts to look and feel completely natural? (Photos)

Question

For someone with the amount of breast tissue that I have, would it be possible for an under the muscle implant to be imperceptible? I would be looking to go up by 1 or max 2 cup sizes It is very important to me that my breasts look and feel (even when squeezed with significant force) completely natural. If that’s not possible I would rather wait a few years until I’ve gained weight and do another fat transfer surgery. Thank you for your input!

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

Your photos suggest you have adequate tissue to provide good coverage of implants. This is especially true as you are considering modest sized implants and going under the muscle. They will be barely perceptible. Implants are never completely imperceptible as an experienced surgeon can always feel them.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

The more native breast tissue that a patient has....the better the camouflage of a properly sized and placed silicone breast implant. You are an excellent candidate for implant based breast volumization surgery (breast augmentation). I usually do not recommend fat grafting to breasts alone as the amount of fat that survives in the breast is highly variable (only 30-50% of the injected fat truly survives). The unpredictability of breast fat grafting makes it more challenging and sometimes patients must perform the procedure 2-3 times to obtain the desired outcome.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Based on your photos- I think you would have an excellent very natural look.  However, with squeezing- it will never 100% percent feel like native tissue. An implant is always different.  Silicone feels more natural than saline but neither is native breast tissue and won't feel exactly the same as such. Hope this helps. All the best

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Brave90437,
I almost always place implants submuscular. It lowers the rate of capsular contracture significantly. In addition, it looks much more natural because the muscle provides covering over the implant so its not as round on the top. I've also noticed the implants drop less over time when they are protected under the muscle.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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

In the decision making process for breast augmentation, the nature of the pre-existing breast, and the implant are important in surgical planning. You appear to have young breasts with healthy underlying tissue. Under the muscle placement is preferred in patients with very little breast to cover the implant, and ripple-prone saline implants. The down side of under the muscle placement is the breasts will move unnaturally whenever the pectoral muscle is flexed. I would suggest that in your case going above the muscle with non ripple prone silicone implants is best. This will give you a natural appearance, without the issue with breast distortion from under the muscle placement. Another thing to consider - do you really need to be bigger? Your current shape is perfect - the breasts are big enough to be feminine, but not so large that they would impede athletic activities. Also, large breasts make fitting of dresses more difficult. Most models do not have very large breasts for this reason. Search your heart, and find a board certified plastic surgeon for advice.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

If interested in implants 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 profile implants. 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. There is always the possibility that the implants might be seen or felt on the side of the breast or under the breast where there is little or no muscle. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Patrick Felice, MD · Answer

From your pictures, it appears that you had a good result from fat injections. Implants, even when place under the muscle will always be perceptible, even though they are soft, they are palpable where there is no muscle coverage, particularly on the outer and lower side of the breast. If you want no perceptible changes in your breast with an implant, I would suggest further fat injection at some point. Hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

From the photos submitted it appears you are a good candidate for a breast augmentation.  Based on the volume increase you are considering the result should appear very natural.  There appears there would be adequate tissue for good coverage of the implant, but to say it would feel 100% natural is unrealistic with any amount of breast tissue.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you go with gel implants and do not go too large, then your breasts should feel quite natural when squeezed. Do not plan to gain weight just for a fat transfer.

How much pre-existing breast tissue is needed for breasts to look and feel completely natural? (Photos)

Answers (9)

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