13 Sep Profile, Implant Type & Placement: Why Breast Augmentation Is More Than CC Size
Size Is Not All That Matters
Most patients who want breast augmentation think about the size of the breasts. Most patients come to the plastic surgeon for a 1-2-cup size increase. However, the size of the implant plays a small part in the overall results the patient desires. Implant size is measured in cubic centimeters (CCs), which is not the same as cup size. For every 150-200 CCs, patients can go up 1-1.5 cup sizes. These sizes will depend on the patient’s weight and other factors. While size does matter, the implant profile, type, and placement play equal roles in achieving a satisfactory implant.
Achieving the perfect breast
During a consultation, the doctor will work to give the patient the best results possible. This result goes beyond choosing the size of the implant. Other factors like shape in relation to size matter too. The patient might want a more natural teardrop implant versus a round implant. The size may increase based on the results desired. The surgeon will discuss incision location, implant position, profile, and implant type, with visual aids. Understanding these concepts can help patients make more informed decisions.
What’s your profile?
Profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest while standing. This is vital as an implant could be the size of 1-2 cups but have a low profile. Therefore, the patient will get size when the desire is more projection. Implants come in different profiles. Low profiles are flatter and provide subtle increases in volume. Moderate profiles are more popular and provide a more natural look with enough lift to see the difference. High profiles are for patients who want a more dramatic effect. These give fuller, curvier impressions. The doctor will mix and match profiles with CCs to help the patient decide what’s best.
Choose your implant
Implants come in silicone or saline materials. The type of implant plays a role in the look and feel of the procedure. Saline implants contain a saltwater solution in a silicone enclosure. These are softer and provide more bounce but are susceptible to ruptures. However, the material is absorbed into the body should a rupture occur. Silicone implants are entirely made of silicone. Some are called gummy bear implants, with a thicker, more opaque material. Silicone implants are more popular as patients can achieve a more natural, teardrop shaped breast.
Location, location, location
The doctor will provide options on the location of the implant, which will affect how the implant behaves. The implant can be placed in front of the chest wall, called a subglandular implant. The surgeon can place the implant behind the pectoralis major muscle, called a submuscular implant. Doctors recommend submuscular implants for women with less breast tissue. There is also the dual plane approach that uses both positions for a more natural appearance.
Bringing it all together
The surgeon will outline each step in the process to help the patient make the final decision. Choosing the wrong profile or location can affect the final results, leading to corrective surgery in the future. The type of implant can impact how long the material will last. Even with all these considerations, breast surgery still has a 98% satisfaction rate. That means the surgeon will consult the patient using visual tools and technology to help with a final decision.