Implant sizing is more complicated than just choosing a volume. The most important measure in determining the best implant option for my patients is the base width of the breast. Based on this, we can determine the diameter of a potential implant. There is a range of projections associated with a given diameter, and this is the implant profile.
All implant manufacturers have a range of implants available for each given width/diameter. Projections range from the most conservative moderate projection to a moderate plus, high profile, ultra high profile, and then on to the more overfilled gummy bear implants to provide a fuller look. The implant profile will help determine the final cup size. It’s important to not only have a conversation but also to sample the appearance of these implants in a bra at the time of consultation, and I like to size with implants that match those we would place in the operating room, with a fitted bra.
That way, we can determine the most exact, best implant to reach my patient’s goal and have her wake up in the recovery room, look down, and see exactly what she expected. Sizing is critical to the predictability of breast augmentation outcomes, and implant profile determines fullness. Sometimes, a higher profile implant is necessary to get to a given cup size.
Many of my patients are deflated after significant weight loss or having children, and therefore, to get to an average C cup, for example, they may need a relatively high-profile implant. I tell my patients that the outcome is determined by A) the base size of the breast and B) the size of the implant. If we need to place a higher profile implant to get to even a full C, then that’s the way it should be.
This is the implant profile concept, which is the key variable in augmented breast outcome, not just volume.
