Breast Shape Choices in Breast Augmentation

A recent study published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery concluded that “cosmetic breast augmentation can have a significant and profound positive impact on a woman’s satisfaction with her breasts [and] her psychosocial and sexual well-being.”

What we’ve known for years at Port City Plastic Surgery in Charleston, SC has now been backed up by scientific documentation: breast augmentation surgery improves patients’ lives!

Given the popularity and positive outcomes of breast augmentation surgery, today there are many styles, sizes and shapes available allowing for maximum customization: breast implants that can give you a more natural look, or the ability to really stand out in a crowd.

In addition to the silicone gel and saline choices explored in a previous blog post, desired breast width, projection, and volume are important factors to consider.

No one breast implant design is best for every breast augmentation. Each breast augmentation patient should be evaluated individually, and in consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, make the choice as to which breast implant design is best for them.

BREAST IMPLANT TYPES

Anatomic breast implants, also called teardrop-shaped breast implants, have more volume along the lower portion. Round breast implants have a uniform volume, and more projection. Due to the effects of gravity, round implants will naturally have slightly more volume along the lower portion. But round breast implants have the advantage that if they rotate post-surgery, they will maintain the same overall “look”.

The term “profile” or “projection” of the implant refers to the view of the implant from the side. In other words, how far off the chest will the implants be. Breast implant manufacturers are now making breast implants with a variety of projections. For any given breast implant width, a higher profile is often available giving the implant more the projection.

At Port City Plastic Surgery, Dr. Widenhouse evaluates each patient’s breast body type and frame size to help inform the best possible outcome. The type and style of implant chosen depends on your current breast and chest wall dimensions. There are three different styles of breast implants (both saline and silicone are available):

1. Moderate Profile: Widest base, least projection (a.k.a. “teardrop” or “naturally shaped”). Result usually a more conservative breast augmentation.
2. Moderate Plus Profile: In between.
3. High Profile: Narrowest base, most projection. Result usually a more voluptuous breast augmentation.

Your own personal preference and desired outcome are a big part of the equation, but consider that women who have a larger chest wall dimension and wider base dimension to their natural breasts will be well matched with a Moderate Profile style implant. Women who are more petite to begin with will tend to look best with a higher profile implant that has a narrow base. For more information about your options, visit our Breast Enlargement Options page. Learn more about the breast implant procedure, recovery and results our patients can expect on our Breast Implants Q&A page.

Did you know that you can “test drive” your implants right here in our offices prior to surgery to ensure the right fit? Read more about our MENTOR® Volume Sizing System that allows you to simulate 24 different post-surgery breast volumes (from 150cc-775cc) in the privacy of our offices.

All breast augmentation is performed in our accredited surgical center in North Charleston, SC. We have an anesthesiologist on staff that allows us to perform breast augmentation using IV sedation.

Only a board certified plastic surgeon can help you determine the right type of implant for your needs, as well as fully inform you about any possible risks or side effects. Contact Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse, M.D. today to discuss your options. Board-Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, and the South Carolina Medical Association and the American Society of Aesthetic Surgeons, he has been voted as one of The Best Doctors by his peers. Dr. Widenhouse has a special interest in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery. For more information about breast augmentation surgery, please contact us today. Dr. Widenhouse and his staff are dedicated to providing you with a positive experience every step of the way.