Does profile change implant size?

Question

I have saline low profile 525 cc o/f to 650 cc. I feel wide and flat, my dr. Isn't sure he can fit more cc's. Is it possible to appear larger just changing the profile of the implant without adding more cc's. I just had them done 4 mos ago and I like them but don't love them.I am also considering silicone, I am thin 115 lbs 30 " chest. I want a full round look!

Christopher K. Patronella, MD, FACS · Answer

Profile changes the
shape of the implant rather than the volume. For instance, each manufacturer
has several profiles from low to ultra high for the same volume. As an implant
changes from low profile to ultra high profile, the base diameter of the
implant decreases, and the projection of the implant increases. The volume does
not necessarily change. Each manufacturer has a chart of implant volumes with
profile dimensions, including height and diameter of the implant for each
profile. It can be a little confusing, but I would advise you to review these
charts to get an idea of the ranges of volumes and profiles you can choose.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Higher profile implants have a narrower base diameter and more projection. You might want a second opinion. Also if you want to stay with saline implants then I would strongly consider the newly FDA release IDEAL saline implants that feel similar to silicone and have a much better shape. See the below link for more information.It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 650 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “D” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in a bit.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Higher profile breast implants will definitely give you more projection "full round look". As for silicone you have to discuss with your plastic surgeon if the benefits are worth the added cost. Consider reposting with pictures for a more accurate assessment. Best of luck

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

The implant profile changes the projection of the breast implant for a given volume.  Keep in mind that it is important for the implant to fit your chest.  A higher volume implant might be necessary when you convert to a higher profile (especially when going from saline to silicone).  A saline implant provides a higher projection the more it is filled, so you are already probably in the mid profile implant range anyway because of overfilling.  A high profile or ultra high profile implant will probably give you the fuller "round" look you desire.  Many patients feel that these implants convey a less natural appearance, however they do provide the full "augmented" look that many women desire.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

There a different profiles of the implants.  Low Profile, Moderate Plus Profile and High profile in saline.  You can change the profile of the implant and keep the same cc's, so the volume of the implant would be the same, but the shape of the implant would be different.  A higher profile implant is more narrow and projects out more, if you're wanting a round look then you may like the look of the high profile implants more, but they would be a lot more narrow than the implant you have in now.  This would require of course another surgery and new implants.If you would like more information regarding breast augmentation you can download a free copy of my breast augmentation planner at aBetterBreast.com.Best of luck to you!

David S. Motoki, MD · Answer

Selection of breast implant size and profile should take the prospective patient's existing breast width into account. If an implant is wider than this dimension then the result can look unnatural. A low profile 525 cc implant may be too wide for your frame. A moderate plus profile or high profile implant of similar volume would be more narrow and have more projection. Your breasts would likewise appear narrower and more projected. Consider a second opinion from an experienced plastic surgeon certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

but a moderate or high profile implant would make you more narrow and provide more projection.  Photos would help us judge if you would benefit from changing profiles or not.  As for silicone, you have to decide if the benefits are worth the cost for you.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A more projecting profile like a mod + or HP may be the same volume, give you more projection, and make you feel like you look large.

Marvin Spann, MD · Answer

A higher profile implant may be the answer if you feel flat and wide after your breast augmentation. A higher profile provides a more narrow base with greater projection for a given volume. It may make you appear fuller without having to adjust the volume of the implant. However, it may be a little early to make your decision on whether you want another operation. Your breasts may still be settling. It may be as long as 3-6 months before you know exactly how your breasts are going to look. As for silicone implants, it is my experience that most women find that silicone implants feel more natural. In addition, they oftentimes appear more natural due to a decreased incidence of rippling. Implant rippling occurs more often in thin women who don't have a large amount of breast tissue before surgery, such as yourself.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Although I can't provide you with precise enough advice to be truly helpful, it is possible that exchanging your breast implants to a higher profile breast implant will help your breasts look “rounder”.  A higher profile implant will have greater projection and might be more to your liking. It may also be  necessary to increase breast implant volume and/or adjust breast implant  pockets/capsules to achieve your goals.  You may find the attached link, dedicated to revisionary breast augmentation surgery helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Does profile change implant size?

Answers (12)

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