Breast Implant Shape

Implant Shape

Profile, Contour, Texture

Profile

The profile of the implant refers to the thickness of the device from front to back. The profile determines the amount of projection from the chest wall that the implant will deliver. There is an inverse relationship between the width of the implant and the profile of the implant. In other words, a lower profile implant is wider than a higher profile implant of the same volume. If you have a wide breast, you will need a lower profile implant to fill the margins of the breast adequately. If you have a narrow breast, you will need a higher profile implant.

Contour

Round implants are thickest at the center. Contoured implants are sometimes referred to as shaped or anatomic implants and are thickest at the bottom. Round implants are the most popular shape worldwide and suit the majority of women well. With round implants, there is no concern that rotation of the implant will change its appearance. Contoured implants sometimes provide a better cosmetic effect for women whose breasts are set lower than average on the chest wall or for those with very thin chest muscles

Texture

All shapes are available in either smooth or textured surfaces. Texturing adds no benefit to saline implants, but with silicone implants it seems to reduce the risk the breast of breast hardening (capsular contracture). You cannot feel or see a difference between smooth and textured implants in terms of the cosmetic results.

Remember

Choosing a proper implant size is not an exact science. Your breast measurements and texture will determine how much extra volume you can carry without overstressing your body, but you will find cosmetic improvement over a range of different volumes. There is more than one "right size" that will enhance your appearance.

Breast augmentation is not an emergency. Take the time to consider different sizes. If you're still not sure, you can buy yourself a few bras in the sizes that you're considering, stuff them, and spend a few days trying out each size.