What profile would be best suited for me? (Photo)

Question

I am looking to have a breast augmentation done, but I can't decide on the profile - high or moderate - and would like professional opinions. Thanks so much!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Your breasts are already projecting and have plenty of lower pole fullness. You want an implant that can extend up into the region of your upper pole, so it's the diameter that matters most, not the profile or projection. In general, a lower profile implant would do that best without giving you excess projection or size. The results with high profile implants are frequently misunderstood and many thing that they provide the best upper pole fullness. This is usually not the case; they only reliably produce projection, and can frequently drop out due to there ball-like shape. Further, from a standpoint of durability, the smaller and flatter the implant, the better in the long run.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Implant profile is a personal choice and it is based on two things, how much upper pole projection you want and how much volume you want to fit into your current base width. Your surgeon can help guide you with the right choice but based on these photos, a moderate profile implant will look great. I hope this helps.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are bottoming out and the nipples are pointing upward. Augmentation alone would be inadequate and make the situation even worse. The technique I recommend is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, small implants can be placed totally submuscular.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question,
Implant projection varies between low, moderate, moderate plus and high profile within the three major breast implant companies (Sientra, Allergan and Mentor). 
Patients who desire a more natural look typically go for moderate/moderate plus profile, while patients who desires a more full and augmented look with typically prefer moderate plus/high profile breast implants. 
I hope this helps.
Best regards, 
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

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, if interested, 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

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello!
The profile question really depends on your size goals. You can definitely go with a higher profile implant which will help improve your cleavage and better "center" your breasts which are fuller at the base. A lower profile will give you a smaller cup size - if that is your preference. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon who can size you so you will understand your ultimate outcome. You need to be comfortable with that.
Best of luck to you!

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Because of the shape of your breasts and distance between them, I would suggest a moderate profile for the width. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear canadagirl22,
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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. Ultimately the right profile will depend on the goal outcome/look you are trying to achieve but with your more narrow chest width most likely a full profile will be best.

Garrett A. Wirth, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

As you increase the profile it can increase the amount of roundness that is seen at the top of the breast (upper pole).  It will also vary depending if the implant is above or partially below the muscle.  I recommend you work with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a full consultation.