I would encourage you to choose a volume that you like. This can be done with either anatomic sizers you can try on or standardized digital imaging like Vectra. Once you have a volume you like, your surgeon can help you with the profile. In general with narrow chests/breasts, you'll need a higher profile. I have never had to special order an implant. You're also correct that the higher the profile the more 'fake' the breasts can look. But let's say you're 4'10" tall, if you chose 700 cc implants, they're not going to look natural no matter the profile if that makes sense. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They will be able to measure the width of your chest and discuss a variety of implant choices. Usually, one of the commercially available ones will fit your desired criteria. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You have to decide between projecting and natural. One implies more forward projection than width; the other implies more increased width more than projection--the two are not the same. In young women with narrow chests/breasts, I almost always opt for high profile silicone implants. They keep the narrow torso look and really impart a great enhancement.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

They are called hi profile.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

It's best that seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine your chest, listen to what you want to achieve, and then make the best recommendation that suites your body and goal. It is not a one-size-fits-all, and the surgeon must see you to determine the appropriate implant.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Absolutely. When you meet with your board-certified plastic surgeon, he or she will take your breast measurements and be able to order the best implant based on your narrow anatomy. It's impossible to say without an exam, but you might end up with ultra high profile implants, or high profile, because these have a narrow base with more projection. If the implants are placed under the muscle, there should be a nice natural slope to the upper portion of your breast. You'll love your results! Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. A high profile silicone implant will provide a narrow base with increased projection. The Allergan Style 20 implants have a narrower base and greater projection than the Mentor high profile implants. There is also the ultrahigh profile implants, Style 45 from Allergan which have even more projection. The best thing to do is meet with your plastic surgeon, measure your breasts, and then discuss all the possible implant options. You may be a good candidate for a highly cohesive shaped silicone implant, Style 410, depending on your measurements.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You are basically describing high profile implants. These implants are relatively narrow for their volume with increased projection. Another option may be an anatomic implant, which gives you less fullness in the upper part of the breast. You should discuss all of your options with your surgeon. Best of luck with your surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

All of the implant manufacturers offer shaped/anatomic implants to suit narrow chests. Your plastic surgeon should be able to find an implant from the many options that will suit you well.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are a wide variety of sizes and shapes already available that would in all likelihood fit your frame. The key is to find a surgeon who has the knowledge and ability to match the right size and shape implant to your frame. Be sure you are seeing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The breast implant manufacturers have a huge number of implants available. The base of your breast, in almost every case, can match the base of the implant. There are also many implants with varying degrees of projection/push to give a natural and full look. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Stephen M Davis, MD FACS
Green Hills Plastic Surgery

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You can get many different styles of implants; there are so many choices now. You need a board-certified plastic surgeon to do a physical exam and look at the width of your chest and the width of your breasts. These components, along with others, will better ensure the implants you receive are the right fit for you.

Also, it would probably be good for you to find a surgeon that has the vectra 3-D imaging so that you can look at what different implants look like on YOU. Good luck.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. It is a very appropriate question as there are more options in breast implants now than ever before. In the past, all implants were round. As the volume got larger, the implant became larger in all dimensions, including diameter and projection. Several years ago, the manufacturers started offering different profiles of implants. What that means is that for the same volume, a higher profile implant has more projection outward and a decreased diameter.

Most manufacturers have several different profiles such as low, medium, high, and extra high. Which profile to use depends on the width of the chest, as well as the shape and volume of breast tissue present. Your overall goals and expectations are another factor that must be considered when choosing which profile is best.

This also is applicable to shaped implants, or tear-drop shaped. It is important that you communicate to your plastic surgeon your questions, concerns, and expectations.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Yes, it is always possible to do custom implants, but in most cases you don't need to. The different sizes, shapes, and projections from the three manufacturers in the US usually allows me to tailor to what the patient wants. The same should be true for your plastic surgeon.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for asking. Implant selection should be based on your measurements, examination, and goals in mind. There should be a range of acceptable implants to fit a narrow chest. See a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to discuss. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The best thing to do is communicate with your surgeon. I ask my patients to bring in pictures of breast sizes that they like, and even dislike. I review these photos with the patient and discuss if it is reasonable with their body type, size, etc. I take these photos to the operating room with me and when the patients is on the operating room table, I use temporary sizers to view how different cc's look on the patient. I sit the patient up on the operating room table several times and compare them with the photos that they have chosen. When I see that I have achieved the patient's goals, I remove the temporary sizers and put in the implants. There is no guess work. I have all sizes from both manufacturers available to me at all times. This procedure takes more time, BUT gives more exact results. I have many profiles and all sizes available to me in my operating room, but your surgeon may need to special order. I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

No need to special order implants. There is a wide range of implants with varying widths and projections. Your surgeon simply needs to measure your breast width during your exam and then understand your goals for size and shape. Best wishes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many different implant shapes and sizes. You can order implants that are narrow and project more. These would be considered ultra high profile, and they are a very good choice if you have a narrow chest.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There are many different shapes and sizes of breast implants. With the advent of gummy bear implants and three breast implant companies in the US, the need for customized implants is not necessary. There are new fuller implants in all dimensions that should accommodate an individual's chest width. There are two heights after high profile that may work.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Shaped or anatomical implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and these can be demonstrated at the time of consultation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012