Selecting the Ideal Amount of Implant Projection
Small, Moderate or Large?
Every round breast implant has two basic dimensions: diameter and projection. Diameter is simply the distance across the base of the implant, base being the surface that rests against the chest wall. Projection is the distance the implant sticks out from the chest wall. Implants are available with a small amount of projection, a moderate amount of projection and a large amount of projection. In the image below, the implant on the right has moderate profile (projection). The one on the left has high profile (projection)
The patient's age is a factor. The majority of middle-aged (or older) women opt for implants with a small projection because, with these implants, the the slope of the upper part of the breast appears most natural. It is important to them to keep their implants confidential. Younger women tend to prefer a more aggressive take-off at the upper part of the breast, so they tend to choose moderate plus profile implants. Among younger women, there is no longer a stigmata attached to having undergone plastic surgery, so they are less inclined to emphasize the natural look. And, many desire impact over the natural look.
The natural shape of a woman's natural breast is a factor here. If her native breast has very little or no superior (upper) volume, she might benefit more from implants that provide more superior volume. Implants with more projection do this.
Women with narrow chest walls tend to be good candidates for implants with moderate plus profile. In order for them to have a significant amount of volume, they would need implants with more projection but less diameter.
Implants with more projection tend to ripple less than those with less projection. Very thin women, who are at greater risk for rippling, should consider this.
Generally speaking, high profile implants are reserved for women who have undergone mastectomy. Because these women have undergone mastectomy, they have absolutely no projection to start with.