Which Implant profile would look best for my body type? (Photos)

Question

I am 23 years old, 5'6 and 117 pounds. I am currently at a 32 A but am wanting to be a full C. I have been to a few consultations that recommended a moderate or moderate plus profile implant, but the doctor I am most comfortable with is suggesting an ultra high profile implant no larger than 350 cc. I am worried that these will cause too much projection and look too fake so I would like more opinions on what would be best for me

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

The best implant profile for each patient is the one that enhances the volume of the breast without adding to the width of the chest and yet still gives you the volume that you want.In other words no one can really answer that question for you except yourself.Thank you for posting your photo because that helps tremendously. By your photo I can tell that you are a petite woman. I am assuming that you want to continue looking thin and petite and therefore you have to be very careful with the width of the implant you are selecting. I completely disagree with your base width measurement on the diagram that you posted (assuming that I am reading the measurements correctly). Using an implant that wide will completely change your overall look and you will feel heavy or chubby.I'm sure that you have heard from a number of doctors NOT to use an ultra high profile implant because they project too much. Each of those opinions is based on bias or misconceptions and not on data. So let me present some data to support the case of using an ultra high profile implant that no one will be able to argue against.An extra high profile implant has a base width of 10.1 (meaning that your surgeon probably measured you at 9 cm) and a projection of 5.2 cm. That is the largest implant you could use in the ultra high profile projection.  Using your base width measurement of 13 cm from the above diagram (which I once again strongly disagree with) the largest implant that you could use in a moderate profile implant would be a 420 cc implant which has a base of 14 cm (meaning you were measured at 13 cm) and a projection of 3.8 cm (there could be some minor differences between the 2 main implant manufacturers but I am using the Natrelle measurements for the data on the moderate and moderate plus). The largest implant in the moderate plus would be a 492 cc that has a base of 14 cm and a projection of 4.6 cm.  Now, with these measurements answer the following question: Do you want your breasts to project forward or do you want your breasts to projects sideways and forward?We are talking about using implants 1.5 inches wider than the ultra high profile implants in both cases, but projecting only 3/16 to 1/2 less than the ultra high profile implants.  The difference in how wide the implants are is staggering and will completely change how your entire body looks. The difference in how much the implants project is very small, so really the mod and mod plus implants project nearly the same amount.  This comparison could be done specifically with the implants you sized into at the other doctors offices to get the exact difference.When it comes down to it, you feel more comfortable with the doctor for a reason -- and I tell my patients frequently that above all you have to feel good about your choice.Good luck with your decision!

Ryan Hoffman, MD · Answer

Different breast implant companies call different projecting implants by different names. The real key is to get the amount of volume you want for your augmentation to fit on your chest wall without going under your arms. Whether that is a high or ultra high or a moderate plus depends on the implant company that your surgeon uses. Take with your surgeon and be confident of your choices prior to undergoing surgery.Good luck!

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, when choosing implants, their profile is just one factor that influences the final result.  Whether they will look very natural or more "augmented" depends on the amount of breast tissue and shape of the breasts, the implant shape and other factors. If you are still unsure about the profile you could ask your surgeon why they feel this particular implant is the best fit for your body type.

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for attaching photos. Choosing the best implant size is based on a number of factors including measurements, quality of the skin and the desired outcome. The base diameter is the most important measurement. From there, you can choose the profile based on the desired volume. My opinion is the 350cc may be a bit too large for you for your desired goal. This being said the number one complaint is "I wish I went larger". It also looks like your base diameter is 13cm, so a moderate plus silicone gel in the 275cc to 300cc range will be in the 12cm range. This being said, in your picture it appears your base diameter is more narrow than 13cm, but without an exam that is difficult to tell. You could consider a shaped implant as well. There are several options and it appears you have seen a few different surgeons. If you were most comfortable with the 3rd, my suggestion would be to return to their office for further discussion about size. Good luck to you.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You are a great candidate for a breast
augmentation.  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.  This entire surgery can be performed with a
small incision technique.  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.   
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

Your surgeon has probably based his recommendation on your breast diameter/width only, and ignored your nipple to inframammary crease measurement.  A UHP 350 cc implant may fit into your breast width, but will be too large for your nipple to fold distance, possibly causing a number of post operative problems, including but not limited to top heavy breast with low nipples, double bubble, and visible rippling. I think that this implant is too large for you, but only an examination would confirm.

Best of luck!

Rian A. Maercks, MD · Answer

Most surgeons in the United States use High profile implants in a submuscular or dual-plane technique.  While the results are well accepted, even in ideal candidates this leads to a separated wide and low appearance.  It is important to note that your breasts are widely spaced and your sternum is somewhat visible naturally.  A typical submuscular augmentaiton particularly with ultra high profile implants will dramatically increase this appearance and look very unnatural.  In your case it is very important to avoid muscular forces in your augmentation and select an implant that can drape across the areas where you do not have breast tissue creating natural clevage and superior pole fullness.  A high profile implant cannot do this.  I would strongly recommend that you find a surgeon who performs subfascial augmentation and is comfortable with tall and wide anatomically shaped implants or low profile round implants.  I prefer form stable ( gummy bear ) anatomically shaped moderate profile implants because of both safety and aesthetics.  I use a technique called "Cold-Subfascial Breast Augmentation" in my practice that allows natural placement of the implants, avoids muscular forces and provides long term shaping support.  Importantly the fascia controls the borders laterally and inferiorly offering protection against the implants bottoming out or moving towards the axilla.  I hope this helps!All the best,Rian A. Maercks M.D.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

The best way to pick implant size is based on your breast and chest width and not the volume. As the implants get bigger, they get wider. When the width of the implant fits the width of your chest, it will look nice and fit your frame. If the implants are too small, you will have a gap between them and they may look too far apart. If they are too wide, they will make you look top heavy as they may be too wide and stick well out past the sides of your chest. There are ways to get a bigger or smaller look.This can be done by picking a different implant profile. The higher the profile, the narrower the base width of the implant. If someone has a very narrow chest and wants to be big, they should consider a higher profile implant. If someone has a broad chest and they do not want to be too big but want to avoid the gap and still have cleavage without projection, they should consider a lower profile implant such as a moderate. There are options in between these such as the moderate plus.  I prefer the underarm approach so there is no scar on your breast. The new silicone is the only way to go as far a rippling as the new silicone ripples much less than saline, especially in the larger implants. I personally prefer the smooth round implants under the muscle placed through the under arm to give you the most natural look and feel. This also leaves no scar on your breast.I would caution you against the ultra high with your chest, they will look very round like baseballs under you skin. Dr Scott Ennis

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The best cosmetic result in
any particular breast augmentation patient depends on a variety of factors,
including: your individual anatomy, desired outcome, realistic expectations, a
thorough discussion with the plastic surgeon about the options, and an
understanding of the pros and cons of any particular implant choice. Proper
sizing is not just about the number of cc’s or a specific implant type or shape.
The thickness of your tissue, breast dimensions which include the width,
height, and projection, as well as chest wall width all need to be considered
when choosing an implant. Trying on implant “sizers” of various shapes and
volumes while wearing a tight t-shirt, bra, or bathing suit at a preoperative
visit will help you and your surgeon choose the optimal implant.

Keep in mind that following
the advice from a surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you
what to do without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your
desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and
cons of each operative procedure would not be in your best interest. I would
suggest that your plastic surgeon be certified by the American Board of Plastic
Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery (ASAPS) or the Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (CSAPS)  that you trust and are comfortable with. You
should discuss your concerns with that surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La
Jolla, California

Which Implant profile would look best for my body type? (Photos)

Answers (15)

More Breast Implants Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (15)

More Breast Implants Questions

Is possible get a 34E size for me? (Photo)

What size implants would give me my desired look/is a lift necessary? (Photos)

Can I spray tan 20 days post op if I cover the incisions?

Will I get round/perky breast with implant only, no lift? (Photos)

How do I know if a 535 cc high profile silicone implant will be right for me? (photo)

Will a 300cc moderate profile implant fill out deflated breasts? Afraid a larger implant will make my breasts too large (Photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS