Implant Size vs. Profile: Which Matters More?

Many patients struggle with the process of choosing what breast implant size will best suit their lifestyles, bodies, and personal preferences, but size isn’t the only factor to consider. The profile, or amount the implant projects from the chest, is another important decision that will impact your final results. Is there one of these elements that matters more?

Implant Size

Though you may be aiming for a target bra size, your surgeon thinks in terms of implant volume. When selecting what size implants will create the look you want, it’s important to remember that implants of the same volume may look very different depending on your body type.

Every patient’s unique proportions will have a corresponding range of implant sizes that offer very natural looking results. Where the question of relative “naturalness” begins to really show is across the upper pole of the breast. A larger implant size can create more fullness across this area. While some women love this more dramatic look, others want a subtler enhancement.

Implant Profile

In general, higher-profile implants work better with larger volumes, and smaller implants work well with a moderate profile. For this reason, it makes sense to start with choosing your ideal volume and then working with a surgeon to select the appropriate profile to match your desired look. Ultimately the interplay of implant size and profile is a complex relationship, and only an experienced plastic surgeon can help you choose the combination of volume and implant profile that will give you the best breast augmentation results.