Everything You Need to Know about Breast Implant Profiles and Projections
When it comes to breast augmentation, the terms “profile” and “projection” are often heard. But what do they mean? In this blog we will discuss what breast implant projection is and how the breast implant profile can affect the results of your surgery.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna, a distinguished expert based in Chester, has earned a commendable reputation for her success in performing breast implant procedures.
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What Is Breast Implant Profile?
When we talk about the “profile” of a breast implant, we’re referring to the width and forward projection of the implant as viewed from the side. Picture it as the side silhouette of the implant – the contour it creates against your chest wall.
- The lower the profile, the wider the implant’s base, and the less it projects forward
- On the other hand, higher profiles have a narrower base and project more
The profile you choose will have a significant impact on the final look of your breast augmentation. It can affect the roundness, fullness, and cleavage of your breasts.
What Is Breast Implant Projection?
Breast implant projection refers to how far an implant extends outward from the chest wall. In other words, it’s about how “protruded” or “prominent” the breasts appear post-surgery.
- Some women prefer a more natural, subtle enhancement and choose implants with lower projection
- Others seek a more dramatic change and opt for implants with high projection
Just like the profile, the projection you select will affect the final look and feel of your breasts.
Different Types of Breast Implant Profiles
Breast implants come in various profiles, each offering a unique aesthetic outcome. In essence, the profile of a breast implant refers to its width and forward projection from your chest when viewed from the side. Your choice of profile can greatly impact the final look of your breasts, influencing their roundness, fullness, and cleavage.
Understanding the different types of profiles and the distinct results they provide can help you make a well-informed decision about your breast augmentation.
Low Profile Implants
Low profile implants offer a wider base and lesser forward projection compared to other profiles, leading to a more natural and subtle enhancement.
Key Characteristics
- Shape and Appearance: Low profile implants give your breasts a softer, more natural shape. The wide base spreads the volume across the breast, resulting in less roundness at the top
- Base Width: The base of a low-profile implant is relatively broad, making it a suitable choice for individuals with wider chest walls or broader breast bases
- Projection: These implants have the least forward projection, which means your breasts won’t protrude as much from your chest
Advantages
- Natural Look: Low profile implants are ideal for those seeking a subtle, natural-looking enhancement. They won’t drastically alter your silhouette, but rather complement your existing figure
- Comfort: Due to their lesser projection, low-profile implants may be more comfortable for physically active individuals
- Fit: If you have a wider chest wall, the broad base of low profile implants might fit your anatomy better, leading to a more proportionate appearance
Considerations
- Volume: Since low profile implants offer lesser projection, they might not provide the desired volume or fullness for those seeking a significant enhancement
- Body Frame: For individuals with a narrower chest wall, low profile implants may spread too much to the sides, leading to an overly broad appearance
Moderate Profile Implants
Moderate profile implants are the “middle ground,” offering a balance between projection and width. They provide a moderate level of fullness and projection, making them a popular choice among many women.
Key Characteristics
- Shape and Appearance: Moderate profile implants offer a balanced look. They provide an increase in volume and roundness without creating an overly dramatic change
- Base Width: These implants have a moderate base width that can suit a variety of body types and chest widths
- Projection: Moderate profile implants project more than low-profile ones, but less than high-profile ones, providing a middle-of-the-road enhancement
Advantages
- Versatility: Their balanced characteristics make moderate profile implants a versatile choice that fits well with a wide range of body types and aesthetic goals
- Fullness: If you desire more volume and roundness than low-profile implants can offer, but want to avoid the pronounced projection of high-profile ones, moderate profile implants may be the perfect choice
- Natural Look: Despite providing more fullness, these implants still maintain a natural appearance, making them a suitable choice for those seeking noticeable, yet not drastic, enhancement
Considerations
- Desired Look: If you’re seeking a significant transformation or desire a more dramatic silhouette, moderate profile implants might not provide the level of enhancement you desire
- Body Frame: As with any implant, the fit with your body frame is essential. Despite their versatility, moderate profile implants might not suit everyone’s unique anatomy
High Profile Implants
High profile implants provide the most forward projection. They feature a narrower base width and higher projection, creating a more noticeable, rounded appearance.
Key Characteristics
- Shape and Appearance: High-profile implants create a pronounced, rounder look, often resulting in more upper breast fullness and enhanced cleavage
- Base Width: These implants have a smaller base, making them an appropriate choice for individuals with a narrower chest wall
- Projection: High-profile implants offer the greatest forward projection, making your breasts appear more prominent post-surgery
Advantages
- Dramatic Enhancement: If you desire a significant transformation and a more noticeable silhouette, high profile implants could be an excellent choice
- Fit: For those with a narrower chest wall, the smaller base of high profile implants can offer a better fit, ensuring a more proportionate look
- Upper Breast Fullness: High-profile implants can provide a fuller look at the top of the breasts, which some individuals may find appealing
Considerations
- Natural Look: If you’re seeking a subtler, more natural-looking enhancement, high profile implants may not be the best choice due to their pronounced projection
- Comfort: Due to their significant forward projection, high-profile implants might feel more cumbersome or uncomfortable during physical activities, such as high-impact sports
Moderate Plus Profile Implants
Moderate Plus profile implants offer a middle ground between Moderate and High profile implants. They provide slightly more projection than Moderate implants but less than High profile implants, resulting in a more pronounced but not overly dramatic look.
Key Characteristics
- Shape and Appearance: Moderate Plus profile implants add more fullness and roundness to the breasts than Moderate profile implants but not as much as High profile ones. The result is a balanced yet noticeable enhancement
- Base Width: The base of Moderate Plus profile implants is narrower than Moderate profile implants, but wider than High profile ones, making them suitable for a variety of body types
- Projection: These implants offer a medium-high projection, falling in between the Moderate and High profiles
Advantages
- Balanced Enhancement: Moderate Plus profile implants are perfect for individuals seeking a noticeable enhancement that isn’t as pronounced as what High profile implants offer
- Versatility: Due to their middle-of-the-road characteristics, Moderate Plus profile implants can suit various body types and aesthetic preferences
- Increased Fullness: If you’re looking for more fullness than Moderate profile implants provide, without the pronounced roundness of High profile implants, Moderate Plus implants could be a good fit
Considerations
- Fit: While these implants offer versatility, it’s essential to consider your unique body frame and chest width. They might not provide the best fit for everyone
- Desired Look: If you’re seeking a dramatic transformation, Moderate Plus profile implants may not provide the level of enhancement you desire
Ultra High Profile Implants
Ultra High Profile implants offer the most forward projection out of all the profiles. They feature a very narrow base width and the highest projection, creating a noticeably rounded and full appearance.
Key Characteristics
- Shape and Appearance: Ultra High profile implants result in a very pronounced, round look. They provide significant upper breast fullness and can create dramatic cleavage
- Base Width: These implants have the smallest base, making them a suitable choice for individuals with a very narrow chest wall
- Projection: Offering the greatest forward projection of all profiles, Ultra High profile implants make your breasts appear significantly more prominent post-surgery
Advantages
- Dramatic Enhancement: If you’re seeking a drastic transformation and want your silhouette to be very noticeable, Ultra High profile implants could be an excellent choice
- Fit: For those with a very narrow chest wall, the smaller base of Ultra High profile implants can offer a perfect fit, ensuring a more proportionate look
- Significant Fullness: These implants can provide a very full look at the top of the breasts, which some individuals find particularly appealing
Considerations
- Natural Look: If you’re after a subtle, more natural-looking enhancement, Ultra High profile implants may not be the best choice due to their extreme projection
- Comfort: Given their significant forward projection, Ultra High profile implants may feel particularly cumbersome or uncomfortable during physical activities
The Importance of Considering Your Body Type
When it comes to breast augmentation, one size does not fit all. Each body type requires a different approach to achieve a balanced, harmonious look. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Evaluating Your Current Chest Width
Your current chest width is an essential factor to consider before choosing a breast implant profile.
- Implants that are too wide may make your chest look overly broad, while those that are too narrow may not provide enough side fullness
- Low profile implants generally work well with wider chests, while high profile implants might be a better fit for narrower chests
- It’s important to choose an implant size that matches your chest width to ensure a natural, proportionate look
Considering Your Body Frame
Your overall body frame is another important consideration.
- If you have a petite or small body frame, high profile implants might give you the desired enhancement without making your figure look out of proportion
- On the other hand, if you have a larger body frame, low or moderate profile implants may give you a more balanced, natural-looking result
- Striking a balance between your body frame and implant size will ensure that your augmentation complements your overall physique
How to Make the Right Choice
Choosing the right breast implant profile and projection might seem overwhelming, but here are a few things you can do to make the process smoother:
Consult with a Professional
Professional advice is invaluable in this decision-making process.
- Anca has the knowledge and experience to guide you towards the implant profile and projection that will work best with your body type and aesthetic goals
- She can provide personalised advice, taking into consideration your unique circumstances and preferences
Consider Your Lifestyle and Goals
Your lifestyle and aesthetic goals also play a role in your decision.
- If you lead an active lifestyle, you might prefer a more natural look and feel, which can be achieved with low to moderate profile implants
- If you desire a dramatic transformation, high profile implants could be the right choice for you
- Always consider the long-term implications of your decision on your lifestyle and daily activities
Understand the Impact on Your Appearance
Finally, understanding how different implant profiles will impact your appearance is key.
- Try visualising how each profile might look on your body or use imaging technology during your consultation to get a better idea
- Consider your clothing style and how different profiles might affect your overall look in various outfits
The process might require patience and thorough research, but it’s worth it to ensure you make the best decision for yourself.
FAQs about Breast Implants Projection
What if I’m not sure which profile to choose?
- If you’re unsure, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many women initially find it challenging to decide on the ideal breast implant profile. The best course of action is to schedule a consultation with Anca Breahna. She has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to guide you in choosing the best option for your specific body type, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. Also, remember that it’s okay to take your time. Make sure you feel comfortable and well-informed before making your decision.
Can I change my implant profile later?
- Yes, it’s possible to change your implant profile later if you’re not satisfied with your initial choice. This procedure, known as breast implant revision surgery, can alter the size, shape, or profile of your implants. However, keep in mind that undergoing another surgery has its risks and costs. That’s why it’s so important to make an informed decision the first time around.
How will different implant profiles affect my appearance in clothes?
- Different implant profiles can significantly impact your appearance in clothes. High-profile implants, with their significant forward projection, may cause your breasts to appear more prominent in clothing, particularly in form-fitting tops or dresses. Moderate and low-profile implants offer a more subtle enhancement, which might be more suitable for loose-fitting or professional attire. It can be helpful to consider your wardrobe and personal style when choosing an implant profile.
Will my choice of implant profile affect my ability to exercise or participate in sports?
- Your choice of implant profile can potentially influence your comfort and ability to engage in physical activities post-surgery. For example, high-profile implants, due to their more pronounced projection, might feel more cumbersome or uncomfortable during high-impact activities or sports that involve a lot of chest movement. Low to moderate profile implants, providing a more natural look and feel, might be more comfortable for physically active women. Discuss your lifestyle and physical activity level with your plastic surgeon during the consultation.
Will high-profile implants look unnatural?
- Whether high-profile implants will look “unnatural” depends on various factors, including your body frame, chest width, and the skill of your plastic surgeon. While it’s true that high-profile implants offer the most dramatic enhancement, in the hands of an experienced surgeon and with careful planning, they can still yield a balanced, aesthetically pleasing result. It’s all about choosing the right size and shape for your specific body type and aesthetic goals.
Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna
- Read Fat Transfer to Breasts Surgery Page
- Read Breast Enlargement Surgery Page
- Read more about Mini Boob Job – A Solution for Smaller Women
- Read more about How to Get a Natural Looking Breast Augmentation Using Smaller Implants
- Read more about 9 Things You Need to Do After Breast Reduction Surgery
- Read more about What Is the Best Breast Implant Shape
- Read more about How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size
Medical References about Breast Implants
- Making Sense of Implant “Profile” in Breast Augmentation – NCBI
- Types of Breast Implants – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- What You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation – Medical News Today
- Having a Breast Implant – NHS
- All About Breast Implant Profiles – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of breast, body and face surgery and minor skin procedures.
