When you’re planning your breast augmentation, one of the choices you will get to make is which type of breast implant might suit your body best.

There are a few factors to think about when you’re choosing the right breast implant shape and size. Apart from your personal preferences, you’ll also need to consider factors like your individual anatomy and features like the quality of the tissue on the breasts, which your surgeon will help you with.

In this blog, we’ll go through what to keep in mind when you’re thinking about breast implant shape and size, and why your consultation will be one of the most important parts of the process.

What to know about breast implant sizes

Choosing the size of a breast implant isn’t quite the same as choosing a cup size. While cup sizes can vary between brands and different styles, implants are measured in cubic centimetres (CCs), which gives a more consistent way to measure volume.

Generally, a higher number of CCs means a larger implant, but the final result on your body will depend on more than just that number.

For example, 300cc on someone with a smaller frame may look quite different to 300cc on someone with broader shoulders or a wider chest.

The amount of natural breast tissue will also factor into how the results will look. If you already have some volume, the breast implant will work in combination with your existing tissue, while if you have very little natural tissue, the implant may be slightly more visible, which should be taken into account when selecting size and shape.

During your consultation, your surgeon will usually take a number of measurements, like the width of your chest, the distance between your breasts, and the amount of skin and soft tissue you have. These measurements help narrow down what size range is most likely to suit your proportions, and what will physically fit your chest without overextending the tissue.

Understanding breast implant shapes

Breast implant shape is another factor that’s important to consider. The two main shapes are round and anatomical (which are also known as teardrop-shaped). Each has a slightly different profile and structure.

Round implants tend to create a more even distribution of volume in the upper and lower parts of the breast. They can sometimes add more upper breast volume, depending on how much breast tissue you already have.

Anatomical implants are designed to taper gradually, with more volume in the lower half and less at the top, which is meant to be similar to the natural slope of the breasts. They can be better suited for patients who are looking to maintain a specific outline or who are working with certain anatomical limitations.

While choosing your breast implant shape is an important part of the breast augmentation planning process, shape alone won’t determine how your final result will look.

The profile of the implant (how far it projects from the chest wall), the position of the implant (whether it’s placed under or over the muscle), and your own anatomy will also all work together to influence the procedure’s results.

What profile means when it comes to implants

Profile is a term used to describe how much the implant projects outward from your chest. Low profile implants have a wider base and don’t project as far, while high profile implants have a narrower base and project further out. Moderate profiles sit somewhere in between.

The profile you choose can affect how noticeable the implants are from the side, and how much they project forward. A low or moderate profile might create a more subtle result, while a higher profile can provide more projection. Again, the right choice will depend on your body shape, your existing tissue, and what will work best with your chest dimensions.

Some patients will find that multiple profiles could work for them, and in these cases, your surgeon will likely guide you through what the subtle differences between those options might be. It can be helpful to try on sizers or review some before-and-after photos as examples during your consultation, to get a sense of how each might look on a body type that is similar to yours.

Why you’ll need to consider your breast tissue and skin elasticity

When you’re choosing your breast implant size and shape, another factor that will matter is the elasticity and thickness of your breast tissue and skin. Your surgeon will be able to assess your tissue and skin during your consultation and provide you with advice.

Every patient is differen, and you should rely on receiving personalised advice, but generally, if your skin has good elasticity, it may be able to support a wider range of implant sizes or shapes. If your skin is thinner or you have very little tissue, your surgeon might recommend staying within a more moderate range to avoid visible rippling or stretching.

Generally, for a breast augmentation, the goal should be to work within what your body can support over time. Even if a larger implant is technically possible, it may not be ideal if it puts too much pressure on the skin or underlying tissue.

What to consider when it comes to breast implants and day-to-day comfort

Another factor to consider during your breast augmentation planning process is how your choice of breast implant can affect your daily comfort.

For example, it can be helpful to think about your daily activity levels. While implants can generally be placed to accommodate a range of activity levels, certain placement options and sizes might feel more comfortable or less restrictive depending on your routine.

Sometimes, staying within a more moderate size can help avoid discomfort during physical activity, particularly for leaner patients or those who don’t have a lot of tissue between the skin and implant. However, every patient is different and your needs will always need to be discussed during your consultation.

Book a consultation with Dr Cope: Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney and North Shore

Choosing a breast implant shape and size that works for your body is one of the most important parts of planning your breast augmentation surgery.

A surgeon who takes the time to assess your proportions, discuss your lifestyle, and explain each option can help guide you towards a result that feels right long term.

Based in Sydney and North Shore, Dr Charles Cope is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who will take care to guide your choices according to your needs and desired results.

Please get in touch with our team to arrange your consultation with Dr Cope and receive personalised advice to help you plan your procedure.