Is 550cc high profile too big or should I go with 450cc moderate profile? These were both recommended by PS

Question

5'4 130 lbs

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, but without a picture, better an exam and measurements it is hard to advise.  In general the 450 moderate plus and 550 cc HP have similar widths, but the high profile will have more projection, discuss your goals with your plastic surgeon and best of luck.

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.    
Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
 ***Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.  It will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are on the "same page" prior to proceeding.
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, 
I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Ashley Gordon, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, but without seeing your breasts or taking measurements, I cannot advise you on the size that would be best for you. Generally speaking, a high profile implant is going to have more projection and could give you more of an augmented look. Moderate profiles tend to give a more natural appearance, so it really depends on the look you are going for and your specific measurements. You might want to consider seeking out a plastic surgeon who has imaging equipment that can show what the different sizes and profiles would look like on you. I have found this technology to be very helpful in my practice. Good luck!

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Breast implants come in many different styles and sizes, which vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. 
Breast implants can consist of different filling materials inside a solid silicone polymer shell which can be smooth or textured. The implants can be round or contoured (anatomic) in shape.  The basic filling materials are:
Saline (sterile salt water)Memory Gel (silicone)Highly cohesive gel (firmer silicone)The most common implants used are the round silicone with a smooth shell covering.  These implants come in 4 basic styles:
Moderate ClassicModerate PlusHigh ProfileUltra High ProfileThere are 2 dimensions used when referring to these implant styles, base diameter and projection or height of the the implant.  As you go from the top to the bottom of my list the base diameter is less and the projection is more.  So, the Moderate Classic implant is almost flat, like a pancake, and the Ultra High Profile implant is more round, like a baseball. 
 Let's look at an example, a 400 cc in volume (12 ounces = 360 cc's) silicone breast implant, a very common implant utilized, and look at the dimensions:
Style                                       Diameter                              Projection
Moderate Classic                   14.5 cm                                3.2 cm
Moderate Plus                        13.1 cm                               4.0 cm
High Profile                            12.2 cm                               5.0 cm
Ultra High Profile                    10.6 cm                               5.4 cm
As you can see the Ultra High Profile has much more projection than the other styles and the Moderate Classic has the widest diameter.  The most common styles used are the Moderate Plus and the High Profile.  Women with a wide chest need a larger diameter implant and contrary to that, women with a narrow chest need a smaller diameter.  The implant choice is based on a women's anatomy, desires and the surgeon's experience and expertise.
Please see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast implant surgery frequently to assure the best possible result.  This is an outpatient procedure usually performed with a general anesthetic and a quick recovery.In this situation the base diameter of the two implants chosen are basically the same, so I believe either of the two implant choices would be fine.
Good Luck

Is 550cc high profile too big or should I go with 450cc moderate profile? These were both recommended by PS

Answers (6)

Answer: Implant size an profiles

Answer: Implant size an profiles

Answer: Picking the best size for breast implants is difficult

Answer: Picking the best size for breast implants is difficult

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.

Is 550cc high profile too big or should I go with 450cc moderate profile? These were both recommended by PS

Answers (6)

Answer: Implant size an profiles

Answer: Implant size an profiles

Answer: Picking the best size for breast implants is difficult

Answer: Picking the best size for breast implants is difficult

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.