Breast Implant Size and Styles

The Plastic Surgery Channel Surgeon Answers: (5)

1. Answer from PSC Doctor:

   

   Lee Thornton, MD

   lthornton responded:

   You raise a good question regarding breast implant size and complications. As a general rule, multiple complications and needs for revisional surgery increase with increasing size of implants; all other variables being equal. Choosing a “safe” size depends on several factors such as your body size, breast size and the soft tissue you have that will cover the implant as well as the “looseness” of that skin and soft tissue. As for the profile of the implant, that is chosen primarily based on the diameter of implant needed related to the volume needed along with the preoperative shape and the desired shape after the implants are placed. In terms of filling loose skin, volume is generally more of the determining factor than the shape of the implant. Excessive looseness may require a breast lift. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon skilled in evaluation and placement of implants should easily address and answer these questions to your satisfaction and understanding in a face to face consultation. Again, good question, thanks.

   Lee K thornton MD

   Posted on October 28th, 2011

2. Answer from PSC Doctor:

   

   Brett J. Snyder, MD

   bsnyder responded:

   I agree with Dr. Thornton’s comments above. In addition, I would mention that if the volume required to take care of the “looseness” is greater than your breast width and soft tissues will allow, it is better to consider a lift than to use too large an implant.

   Brett Snyder, MD

   Posted on October 29th, 2011

3. Answer from PSC Doctor:

   

   Caroline Glicksman, MD

   cglicksman responded:

   Selecting a breast implant by volume is like buying a pair of Jimmy Choo’s because they are pretty. If they don’t fit you, you’re wasting your money (lots of it) and looking for problems.

   The goal in breast augmentation is to achieve beautiful and long lasting results. If you are considering a breast augmentation, you should seek out a board certified plastic surgeon that will use “Tissue Based Planning Principles” to help you select a breast implant that fits your body’s dimensions as well as the quality of your breast tissues. Your implant volume will then be selected based on how wide your chest is, how loose your tissues are, as well as your desires. There is no one best size, style, or shape for everyone!

   And finally, high profile implants should have a very limited use in breast augmentation. Studies have shown that these implants can produce permanent and uncorrectable damage to the breast tissues when sized incorrectly. If your tissues are very loose, such as after weight loss or multiple pregnancies, you and your surgeon may consider a breast lift. A large, heavy, high profile breast implant is a very short sighted solution and may lead to years of revisions.

   Caroline Glicksman, MD Co-Chair Breast Aesthetics, PSC

   Posted on October 29th, 2011

4. Lucy responded:

   It’s true that any woman wants to have an increase in her breasts size. But not all sizes are adequate. In my non-professional opinion, it’s more important to not exaggerate with the size, because big breasts can come with other problems.

   Posted on November 1st, 2011

5. Michelle responded:

   I am currently considering getting 350 mod+ silicone breast implants or 425 high profile. I am a super deflated 34B (from breast feeding-used to be a 34 full C small D prior to having 3 kids) and don’t need a lift, however, I do have plenty of breast tissue. Would you NOT recommend getting the high profile? Is it a more risky implant to get at that amount of CC’s? Both implants are the exact same size in width and both would fit me well. My surgery is very soon and I haven’t been able to make my mind up. I am 5’4″ 120 pounds. Thanks!

   Posted on November 8th, 2011

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