In our previous installment of Breast Implants 101, we discussed Surface Texture and how the surface texture of an implant's lumen (shell) affects a breast augmentation. The appearance, shape and size of the breasts can be significantly improved with a Breast Augmentation, and the final result of your procedure not only depends on the skill and expertise of your board-certified plastic surgeon, but also on which implants you choose and how they're implanted. Your plastic surgeon will discuss all of the options, benefits and risks associated with Breast Augmentation surgery.
The next feature we'll be discussing today is Breast Implant Profile.
Breast Implant Profile
The profile of a breast implant is measured by the forward projection of the implant or "how far" the implant projects forward from the chest wall. The profile of a breast implant is important because it helps determine the shape of the breast without altering the volume of filler within the implant.
The profile of a breast implant considers the depth of the breast, where in the past, breast implants often only accounted for the width and were sized solely by the volume of filler needed to fill the implant. This often resulted in unnatural looking results and sizing that didn't necessarily fit the patient's body type. The added dimension of a profile helps your plastic surgeon achieve the desired results, offers a more natural look and feel, and helps offer you the best, most comfortable fit. Both saline and silicone breast implants are available in various profiles and sizes.
So what are the common profiles for breast implants?
Low Profile Breast Implants: Low profile breast implants have a larger base diameter. This helps create a breast shape to match the natural contours of wide framed women with larger and fuller framed chest measurements.
Moderate Profile Breast Implants: Moderate Profile Breast Implants are are proportionate in width and forward projection. The moderate profile implant is the common standard for breast implants.
"Moderate Plus" Profile Implants: This implant creates more breast depth than width and shares the same characteristics as the Moderate Profile Breast Implant. This tapered profile offers more forward projection and is commonly used on smaller framed women or those looking for a more projection instead of more roundness or volume.
High Profile Breast Implants: High Profile Breast Implants have the highest level of forward projection with a smaller base diameter. This implant offers a more natural appearance with lots of forward projection. The High Profile Breast Implant is generally used in smaller-framed or slender women and those women with less natural breast tissue or a narrow chest measurement.