If you’re planning on undergoing breast augmentation, one of the decisions you’ll encounter is choosing the implant profile for your body frame. This can include the appropriate size, shape, position, and type of breast implant that will fit both your lifestyle and preferences.

To guide your decision-making process, take time to read some of the important things below regarding the breast implant profile.

Breast Augmentation Surgery Download Our Free Guide

How do I choose a breast implant profile?

When choosing an implant profile, you and your surgeon will need to consider various factors in order to get the desired outcome with a lower risk of complications. These include the following:

Your body anatomy

During your consultation, your surgeon will make detailed measurements of your breasts to determine the implant profile that will match your body type.
Your surgeon will ensure that the implant profile will alter your breast shape in the way you want.
This can be done by properly evaluating your frame size and chest width, as well as your existing breast tissue.

Your desired results

Your surgeon will thoroughly assess your goals for the surgery.
It is recommended that your breast augmentation results are in proportion to your body.

What do low-profile breast implants mean?

Low-profile implants are flat in appearance and provide minimal projection. They are the widest and can give you more cleavage, which makes them an option if you have wide chests.

Is a full profile the same as a high profile?

It is important to keep in mind that each brand of implant has its own terminology. They may differ by a few millimetres since each manufacturer has its own specific measurements of implants.

What is breast implant projection?

Breast implant projection refers to the distance wherein your implant extends forward in front of your chest when standing.
Since implants of the same size (expressed in cc volume) have different widths, they will have different levels of projection.
In general, breast implants with a smaller base width will give you greater projection. On the other hand, implants with a wider base width will provide less projection.

Can ultra-high profile implants look suitable?

For a big change, you may opt for high-profile implants. This type of implant contains a narrower base and can give you greater projection.
High-profile implants can make your breasts appear fuller and rounder in a suitable manner. This can be done by choosing an implant with a diameter smaller than your chest width.

Are low-profile implants good?

Low-profile implants are an option if you prefer some fullness in your upper pole without making your breasts feel much bigger.
They may help sustain the fullness on the top of your breast.

What is the most common profile for breast implants?

A moderate profile is the most common profile for breast implants and is the standard profile used in breast augmentation. They can give your breasts a full and rounder look by not only adding breast dimension but also volume.

What cup size is 700 cc?

There is no way to accurately predict your final cup size because it depends on a wide array of factors, such as the type of implant and your existing breast tissue.
However, it is estimated that 700 cc implants are equal to a D or greater.

What is the difference between low-profile and high-profile implants?

High-profile implants provide the greatest amount of projection. If you’re looking to have fuller and rounder breasts, high-profile implants are an option for you.
On the other hand, low-profile implants can give you minimal projection. They are usually flat in appearance, but they may give you more cleavage if you have wider chests. Low-profile implants are recommended if you prefer less extensive breast augmentation.

Can you get high-profile saline implants?

High-profile saline implants are breast implants with more fullness and greater projection. To determine if they are right for you, your surgeon will conduct a 3D imaging as well as a detailed assessment of your body frame.

What is a full profile implant?

Also known as high-profile implants, full-profile implants can give your breasts the most projecting appearance because they have a narrower base.

Why are my breast implants so high?

The placement of breast implants can put a lot of pressure on your chest muscles, breast tissue, and skin. As the pressure builds up, it causes the breast implant to displace more of its contents towards the upper part of your breast. This happens because the top of your breast has less tissue and pressure. As a result, your breast implants may appear high.

What is the recommended implant profile?

Of course, there’s no standard recommended breast implant profile since every patient is unique.
Your body frame may differ from that of other patients; therefore, you may need a different implant profile.
During your consultation, you and your surgeon will decide on the recommended implant profile for your body proportions.

What are the risks and complications of breast implants?

Like any surgical procedure, breast implant surgery has risks and complications, including (but not limited to):

Anaesthesia risks like itching or difficulty breathing
Bleeding
Capsular contracture (the formation of tight tissue around your breast implant)
Changes in the sensation of the nipple and breast
Fluid accumulation
Implant leakage or rupture
Increasing pain
Infection
Poor results, which may require revision surgery
Severe bruising and swelling
Unfavourable scarring
Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
Wrong or faulty position of the breast implant

Who are suitable candidates for high-profile implants?

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your existing breast tissue and goals to determine which implant profile will be suitable for your needs. In general, you are a suitable candidate for high-profile implants if:

You want more projection than what can be done by using moderate profile implants.
You have a petite body frame (narrow base width) and want a fuller breast augmentation.
You have minimal breast tissue.
You want more upper pole fullness in your breast.
You have stretchy breast tissue.
Your breasts have lost significant volume due to ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or major weight loss.

Who are suitable candidates for low-profile implants?

Low-profile implants may be recommended if:
- You have increased breast size and want to make them a little fuller.
- You have a wider frame.
- You want more prominent cleavage.

Who are suitable candidates for moderate profile implants?

You are a suitable fit for moderate profile implants if you have narrower chests and/or a medium-sized frame.

Who are suitable candidates for moderate plus profile implants?

Moderate plus profile implants will be suitable if:
- You want the least amount of projection from your chest.
- You have wider chests.
- You want prominent cleavage.

Who are suitable candidates for ultra-high profile breast implants?

Ultra-high profile breast implants may be recommended if:
- You are petite.
- You want a more rounded breast appearance.
- You have a narrow body frame.
- You want more fullness in the upper region of your breast.
- You want to have the greatest amount of projection from your chest.

How is breast implant profile determined?

The overall shape of your breast implant is determined by knowing the base diameter or width, volume, and projection.

What is the difference between breast implant profile and projection?

The profile of your breast implant determines how far it will move forward or away from your chest.
On the other hand, the level of projection can be determined by measuring the width of your breast implant.
Generally, breast implants with smaller base widths tend to move farther away from your chest.

Do different brands of breast implants have the same measurements?

No, different brands of breast implants may differ by a few millimetres.
This is because each manufacturer has its own specific measurements of implants. Therefore, you may need to try different brands to find the implant that will best fit your anatomy.

Which has a higher complication rate, low-profile or high-profile implants?

Studies suggest that high-profile implants are associated with higher complication rates, such as loss or thinning of breast tissue and decreased blood supply to your breasts, compared with lower-profile implants. [1-2]

Can breast implants increase your risk of cancer?

An analysis of seventeen studies found that subjects who have undergone cosmetic breast implantation do not have an increased risk of breast cancer. [3]

Should I wait until I am done having children before having breast implant surgery?

Yes, it is recommended that you avoid pregnancy after the surgery, as it can change the size and shape of your breasts. This will ultimately alter the results of breast implant surgery.

Can I still breastfeed if I have breast implants?

Evidence suggests that you can still breastfeed your baby even if you have breast implants.
An analysis of multiple studies assessed the influence of cosmetic breast augmentation on breastfeeding ability. [4] In this study, the researchers compared the exclusive breastfeeding rates of 2 different breast incisions: 1. Periareolar (around the nipple), 2. Inframammary (on the breast crease). Results showed that these incision techniques do not appear to reduce the exclusive breastfeeding rate of the subjects.

Can you have breast implants if you have excess skin on your breasts?

Yes, you can have breast implants if you have excess skin.
Breast implants alone may not address excess skin due to ageing, pregnancy, and/or weight changes. A combination of breast augmentation with implants and breast lift is recommended to address this concern.
Depending on your breast condition, you may need a higher breast implant profile.

References:

Tebbetts JB, Teitelbaum S. High- and extra-high-projection breast implants: potential consequences for patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010 Dec;126(6):2150-2159. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181f44564. PMID: 20697317.
Handel N. Secondary mastopexy in the augmented patient: a recipe for disaster. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Dec;118(7 Suppl):152S-163S; discussion 164S-165S, 166S-167S. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000246106.85435.74. PMID: 17099496.
Noels EC, Lapid O, Lindeman JH, Bastiaannet E. Breast implants and the risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. Aesthet Surg J. 2015 Jan;35(1):55-62. doi: 10.1093/asj/sju006. PMID: 25568234.
Cheng F, Dai S, Wang C, Zeng S, Chen J, Cen Y. Do Breast Implants Influence Breastfeeding? A Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies. J Hum Lact. 2018 Aug;34(3):424-432. doi: 10.1177/0890334418776654. Epub 2018 Jun 22. PMID: 29932861.

Dr Craig Rubinstein

Dr Craig Rubinstein is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Hawthorn East, Melbourne. With over 20 years of surgical experience especially in all areas of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, but particularly in breast surgery. These include Breast Augmentation and Breast Reduction as well as Breast Surgery Revision.

Furthermore, he believes that surgical customisation, precision planning and technical expertise help him to provide optimal surgical outcomes for his patients.

Dr Broughton Snell

Dr Broughton Snell is a Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His training in Plastic Surgery took place in Australia and the United States of America (USA).

Dr Snell is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon having completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He has also spent time following the completion of this qualification gaining further experience and training in the area of craniomaxillofacial surgery, training which he completed in world-renowned centres here and in the United States.

Dr Stephen Kleid

Dr Stephen Kleid is an experienced Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon (Otolaryngologist) based in Melbourne with a passion for Septo-rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, as well as, a strong interest in Rhinoplasty Revision.

Dr Kleid trained at Melbourne University, then completed surgical training at various hospitals including Royal Melbourne, Royal Children’s, The Eye and Ear and St Vincents. He worked as a surgeon at the University of Florida Medical school for further experience.

Dr Gary Kode

Dr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with experience in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments.

Dr Kode is a member of several organisations, including the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), The International Confederation for Plastic and Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and he holds a Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Our Blog