I plan on getting silicone implants, under the muscle, and underarm incision.
Profile terminology will vary from one manufacturer to the next. The terminology matters less than the correlate dimensional measures.
As one goes up in profile the footprint or BWD of the device will shrink and the projection will increase for a given volume. I have found that full profile Allergan implants correlate closely with high profile Mentor implants. These devices exhibit higher projection than similarly sized moderate (+)/moderate profile devices. Ultra high profile is simply the next step upwards in projection.
Patients are encouraged to stay within the boundaries defined by their BWD. This is the best way to avoid the dreaded "fake" look. I generally recommend that patients with smaller frames who are seeking more than a modest augmentation consider a higher profile device.The higher profile device will impart greater projection and thus a less subtle result but will allow for a more significant augmentation than a similarly sized Mod/Mod+. Thus, the ultimate question is one of volume. Is the volume you can achieve via a similarly sized Mod + profile implant adequate to reach your desired goals? If not, a HP will afford you more volume at the cost of subtlety.
The difference between higher and lower profiles for a given volume is projection and for a given width is volume (with the high profile implant being greater in both scenarios). The moderate plus is the most commonly used profile in my practice. It allows for the most reasonable volume in given BWD. In my practice, low profile implants are the least commonly used (widest and flattest). I will typically reserve high profile devices for smaller framed individuals or those seeking a less subtle more dramatic change (the opposite of natural).
Smaller framed patients tend to prefer HP implants as their BWD can be restrictive with regards to volume. An HP implant will provide greater volume in the same BWD footprint. But remember "natural" while difficult to define often implies a good match between frame, volume and projection. If the goal is natural more conservative sizing/volumes are recommended.
In general, the difference between a moderate and Mod (+), in reality, is very small (on the order of millimeters). Anecdotally, most feel that moderate profile devices are too flat. In my practice, I generally classify profile based upon patient preference. A higher profile provides a more dramatic look (size for size) vs. a moderate/moderate + profile which is relatively more subtle and understated. That being said the vast majority of patients will select a moderate + profile device.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Published on Jul 11, 2012