Breast Implant Dimensions and Sizes

Choosing to get breast implants isn’t quite as simple as selecting “small” or “large” implant sizes. The truth is, there are several different qualities to a breast implant that can determine the outcome of your breast augmentation surgery. Many patients are unaware of the vast number of options they actually have until they begin discussing breast implants with their doctor. Below, we’ll take a look at the three characteristics involving breast implant dimensions and sizes: diameter, projection, and volume.

Breast Implant Diameter

The diameter of the breast implant refers to how big around the breast implant is. For best results during your breast surgery, the diameter of the breast implant should be about equal to the width of the breast. Once the implant is inserted into the existing breast tissue, it will play a large role in shaping the outline of the breasts, which is best visualized by looking at the breasts head-on. If you want to achieve fuller breasts, you may want to consider saline or silicone breast implants with a diameter that is larger and taller than your natural breast size. Alternatively, if you want to achieve a bubbly, augmented appearance, you may select implants that have a wider diameter across the chest. Generally, most patients prefer the natural look that comes with matching the diameter of the breast implant to that of the natural breasts.

Breast Implant Projection

The projection of a breast implant refers to how far it sticks out from the chest. It is best to visualize by viewing the body from the side, or a “profile” view. A high-profile saline or silicone implant will accentuate the center and lower parts of the breasts, causing them to stick out farther from the body. Conversely, a low-profile breast implant will give the breasts a flatter appearance. The decision between each type of breast implant will depend on how pronounced you would like the breasts to be from the rest of the body. Again, this quality will be most visible when viewing the breasts from the side.

To address sagging breasts along with projection concerns, breast augmentation and breast lift can be combined.

Breast Implant Volume

The most commonly understood quality of breast implants is their volume. The volume refers to how much material, often measured in CC, is inside an implant. Saline or silicone gel implants with more volume will produce larger breasts, while breast implants with less volume will produce more subtle results. Ultimately, the decision you make on breast implant volume will come down to your desired bra size. The greater the increase in cup size you would like, the greater breast implant volume will be necessary during your breast implant surgery.

Which Breast Implants are Right for Me?

At Port City Plastic Surgery, we are proud to offer MENTOR® breast implants for all patients seeking breast augmentation procedures. The MENTOR® implants come in a variety of sizes and dimensions, allowing us to provide you with the perfect implant for your cosmetic goals. If you would like to determine which of these silicone and saline breast implants is best for you, contact us today to schedule a consultation at our practice or use the MENTOR® Breast Implant Visualizer to get a feel for the kinds of options you have.