Breast Implant Profile and Projection – High Profile, Moderate Profile or Other Profiles

Posted on by Dr Patrick Briggs - FRCS, FRCSI (Plast. Surg)

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.

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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 wanted 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 wanted results

What do low-profile breast implants mean?

  • Low profile implants are flat in appearance and provide the 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. Whilst, 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 in size.
  • 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 rounded look by not only adding significant 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, on estimate, 700 cc implants are equal to a D or greater.

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

  • High profile implants give the most dramatic outcome because they provide the greatest amount of projection. If you’re looking to have fuller and rounded 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 dramatic 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.
  • Of course, there’s no standard recommended breast implant profile since every patient is unique.
  • Your body frame may differ from 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. In other words, 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, result in the need for revision surgery.
  • Severe bruising and swelling
  • Unfavourable scarring
  • Wrinkling of the skin over the implant
  • And also, the wrong or faulty position of the breast implant

All surgery contains risks, read more here.

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 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.
  • Have a petite body frame (narrow base width) and want a fuller breast augmentation.
  • Have minimal breast tissue.
  • Want dramatic upper pole fullness in your breast.
  • Have stretchy breast tissue.
  • Or, if 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 significant breasts and want to make them a little fuller.
    • Have a wider frame.
    • want more prominent cleavage.

Who are suitable candidates for moderate profile implants?

  • You are a suitable fit for moderate profile implants if 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.
    • Have wider chests.
    • Want prominent cleavage.
    • Want a relatively flat breast appearance.

Who are suitable candidates for ultra high profile breast implants?

  • Ultra-high profile breast implants may be recommended if you:
    • Are petite.
    • want a more rounded breast appearance.
    • Have a narrow body frame.
    • Want more fullness in the upper region of your breast.
    • 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 width 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.
  • The surgery is designed to alter the appearance of your breasts by changing excess skin that is a result of ageing, pregnancy, and/or weight changes.
  • Depending on your breast condition, you may need a higher breast implant profile to get more lifted, well-defined breasts.

Further Readings

References:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Patrick Briggs Melbourne
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Dr Patrick Briggs FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) is a Specialist Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon.

Both he and his team are dedicated to patient care and are committed to treating each and every patient with respect and privacy.

Furthermore, he is experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4500 Surgeries in private practice.

How can we help?

Dr Briggs’ Patient Coordinators take pleasure in assisting you with any questions when considering a plastic surgery procedure. Please call the Hawthorn East clinic in Melbourne between 8 am – 6 pm on Weekdays.

Phone 1300 599 990, Email us or Book a free 15-minute Call with Dr Patrick Briggs’s team.

What Next?

Want more information about your Procedure?

  • For more information about pricing and payment methods, please visit our page on Surgery Payment options.
  • Talk to our Patient Care Team from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday on 1300 599 990.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

  • If you like, please bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices.
  • Take a lot of notes and thoroughly examine the documents your surgeon provides.
  • You may need to undress so it’s a good idea to wear simple clothes.

How to Book a Consultation

  • Dr Briggs’ Consultation fee is $300.
  • A referral from your GP or your specialist is essential (as of the 1st July 2023).
  • Please contact the Patient Care Team at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery to book your consultation.