Subglandular silicone implants for athletic build. Will a small implant such as a 300cc look natural? (Photo)

Thank you for your inquiry. For patients with smaller breasts and no sagging I usually use the submuscular pocket because I prefer the extra tissue coverage over the implants, although other experienced surgeons report good results using the subglandular pocket. There are unique advantages and disadvantages to each pocket, not just with the look that may be achieved but also risks like capsular contracture, rippling, animation deformity, etc. It is important to discuss the pros and cons with your own surgeon because they have done a proper examination and would know your breast dimensions, tissue thickness and other features.

Thanks for your question! Typically, I prefer a submuscular placement for my very thin, athletic patients. It will always give a more natural look and feel. I would ask your surgeon why that is their preference as I am sure they have a reason and feel free to get a second in-person opinion if necessary. Good luck!

Thanks for your inquiry and picture. The advantage to a submuscular position in someone with your smaller breast is to reduce implant palpability, rippling, and visibility. If you choose the subglandular position, I would make sure your surgeon picks a higher cohesive gel, good luck.

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Based on the amount of natural breast tissue, and the desire to minimize complications long-term, I would favor a submuscular placement.

Thank you for your question and photos. As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

Because you are thin with a low body fat content, there is a risk that your implant edge would be visible if placed subglandular. There is also an increased risk of capsular contracture if not placed subpectoral. There is indeed a small risk of animation deformity, but this is not related to how active you are.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

Dear SlimB1019,
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

Thank you for your question and photos. You have small chest frame and not much natural breast glandular tissue for coverage an implant. For the implant size that you choose, I advise to place the implants Under the Muscle (Submuscular). This will get you more natural result and provide more tissue coverage, lower the chance of "tennis ball" fake looking. However, submuscular has a problem with "breast move" animation when you exercise/sport. You should discuss with your surgeon if you want to have submuscular implant placement.Hope this help,Dr.BoonchaiCertified board of plastic and reconstructive surgery (Thailand). International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) Member. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Member.

Good morning,
I think your size range will look awesome, but there is no way I would place them subglandular for you- they will look like two apples glued to your chest- under the muscle looks better, feels better, lasts longer, and has a lower complication rate than over the muscle.

I prefer the subpectoral placement to give better upper breast fullness and hide the implant. However, when you flex your muscle, you will see the muscle push the implant outward. I suggest going back to your surgeon and trying on sizes again. I think both would look very nice on you.

I think your size choice would keep you in an athletic build, but I would not put them subglandular. Even with silicone subglandular you will see the edges and probably have rippling. Submuscular would be the only way I would put implants in someone with a body type that you have. Also, go to the most Moderate profile you can, because a higher profile implant will be narrower and make them look like tennis balls on your chest.

Good luck