Implants come in all shapes and sizes just like we women do.
It gets confusing when you surf the internet and see photos of websites and patients. How do you choose? This is a place where your surgeon really will guide you. Every surgeon has their method of choosing an implant for a patient. This includes size, profile (width, projection), and type of implant.
I see many women come in confused by what implant to get. There is so much information out there, and you cannot become an expert by reading. You can pick a surgeon who is right for you. I repeat myself often on this point, but the two most important decisions when you decide to do breast augmentation: find a board certified plastic surgeon (by the Board of Plastic Surgery), and like the aesthetic.
What does “the aesthetic” mean? Look at the photos. Do they look pretty to you? Do you like the shape? Do you want to look natural or augmented? Every doctor has what in their mind’s eye looks like a “pretty breast.” You and your plastic surgeon should have the same eye. At my practice in Palo Alto, and throughout the Bay Area, most patients seek what I would call a natural look. They want it to look like nothing was done, these are the breasts they were born with.
Major categories of implants:
- fill: gel / silicone or saline
- profile: low, medium, or high
- shape: round or anatomic / shaped
- shell: smooth or textured
- volume
Profile has to do with the width and projection for a given volume. In general, the low profile implants are flatter and wider than the high profile implants. I have some patients who think to have a natural result you must have a low profile implant. This is not true. The profile of the implant varies depending on the patient: how broad are they? how much natural breast tissue do they have? how big are they going? If you look at my photos, you will see all three profiles of breast implant.
In general, if you are between two profiles, the lower profile implant will give more of a salt of the earth natural look, the higher profile a little more perky look. Width is important. If you go with too narrow of a breast implant, you will look fake and have a wider gulley between your breasts. If you pick too wide of an implant, you will be fuller into your armpit, a particular problem if you are a tennis player or golfer.
My general rule of thumb is to have the patient pick volume first, profile then follows. If you are at an extreme: a very small size or very large size, then your breast implant width may not be ideal. This is something I review with patients during their consultation.
If you have further questions, please email me through my website: http://laurengreenbergmd.com