Why Breast Implant Profile Matters
Size vs. Profile
Almost all of my patients that request breast augmentation come in with a set size in mind, 350’s, 400’s, etc. This is always a good sign for both doctor and patient, as it shows that the patient is actively participating in the decision process, and has thought about how she wants the her breasts to look. Most women, however, are not as clear on the importance of implant profile. The implant profile has a profound effect on the overall breast aesthetic, and is at least as important as the overall implant volume.
Both major breast implant companies (Allergan and Mentor) offer implants in multiple profiles.
Allergan uses the following classification:
1) Low Profile (Style 10)
2) Midrange Profile (Style 15)
3) High Profile (Style 20)
4) Full Profile (Style 45)
Mentor offers similar profiles:
1) Low Profile
2) Moderate Profile
3) Moderate Plus Profile
4) High Profile
The implant profile allows plastic surgeons to “push the envelope” of a natural appearing implant while simultaneously maintaining a semblance of normal anatomy. We routinely show patients a 300cc low profile, 400cc midrange profile, and 500cc high profile implant upon initial consultation. The critical issue with that demonstration is that the implant diameters are the same! This means that one can tailor a petite female with a larger breast implant, and still give her the option of hiding her breast implant, or “wowing the crowd” depending upon what style swimwear or clothing she chooses to wear. This is a critical determination in breast augmentation, and clients need to actively participate in order to get their best result.
[...] we undergo sizing using all of the requested implants through a variety of profiles (Read: “Why Breast Implant Profile Matters“). Each meeting takes as much time as needed to develop a clear understanding of the [...]