A breast augmentation can be performed using a variety of types of implants. You’ll have a choice of your breast implant size, shape, profile and placement based on the results you want to achieve.
During a consultation at our Brisbane location, Dr Perron can explain your options and help you choose the right breast implants that suit your needs. Before your consultation, learning about the different types of breast implants and what factors influence your choice of breast implant size and shape can help you to prepare.
Read on to learn more about choosing breast implants, and get in touch with our team when you’re ready to arrange your breast augmentation consultation.
The variety of types of breast implants available for breast augmentation
Breast implants are made in a variety of shapes, sizes, profiles and materials. They can also be placed in different areas on the chest, which can influence your results.
Breast implants generally come in two shapes – round and teardrop (or anatomical). Round implants distribute volume evenly across the breast, while teardrop implants are designed with more volume at the bottom, which aims to closely mimic the original shape of the breasts. There are pros and cons to each shape of breast implant, which your surgeon can explain in more detail.
When it comes to breast implant size, they are typically measured in cubic centimetres (cc). The most common range for breast implants is between 125cc and 800cc. The choice of implant size depends on a variety of factors, including your natural breast size, chest width, body frame, and procedure goals. During a consultation, surgeons often use sizing tools or simulations to help patients visualise how different sizes might look based on their anatomy.
As well as different shapes and sizes, breast implants can also be filled with silicone gel or saline, which can influence their feel. Like with implant shape, each material type has its own benefits and disadvantages, which you’ll need to discuss with your surgeon to understand further. In Australia, silicone breast implants are more commonly chosen over saline implants for breast augmentation procedures.
Breast implant profile refers to how far the implant extends forward from the chest wall, impacting the overall shape and appearance of the breasts. Generally, breast implants are available in profiles categorised as low, moderate, and high.
Low-profile implants have less forward extension and are usually chosen by those seeking a more subtle change. Moderate-profile implants offer a balanced forward extension, providing more volume. High-profile implants project further outward and are often chosen by patients who are looking for a more prominent breast shape. Similar to implant size, the choice of profile depends on factors such as body shape, chest width, and the results you want to achieve.
Finally, you’ll also have a choice of your breast implant placement. Breast implant placement refers to where the implant is positioned in relation to the chest muscle. The two main options are subglandular and submuscular placement.
Subglandular placement positions the implant directly behind the breast tissue but above the chest muscle, while submuscular placement places the implant beneath the chest muscle.
The choice between the two depends on factors like body type, the amount of breast tissue, and personal preferences, all of which need to be discussed in consultation.
Choosing your breast implant size
When choosing your breast implant size, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors.
Firstly, you’ll need to consider your body frame and chest width so that you can choose between sizes that will align with your personal features. A size that may work for one person might not suit another with a different body structure, which is why the variety of breast implant shapes and sizes available allow for the procedure to be highly personalised.
The amount of existing breast tissue also plays a role in choosing the right breast implant size. Those who have more breast tissue may have a broader range of size options, while those with less may need to be mindful of coverage to prevent potential complications (such as the implant’s visibility).
Your personal goals for the procedure are also important. Some patients may prefer a more subtle change, while others might aim for more pronounced results. Essentially, your decision will need to be based on your personal goals while closely considering your unique features and what can realistically be achieved.
During your consultation, your surgeon will help you explore different breast implant sizes. You may have the opportunity to try on implant sizers, which give you an idea of how different volumes will appear on your body. Trying different sizes allows you to compare options and choose a size that fits your proportions. Your surgeon will guide you through this process, considering your anatomy and goals to help you find the right size.
Choosing your breast implant shape
When it comes to choosing your breast implant shape, you’ll have the choice between round or teardrop-shaped implants.
Round implants provide volume to both the top and bottom of the breast. An advantage of round implants is their symmetrical design, which eliminates the risk of rotation, affecting the breast’s shape. They also tend to offer more volume in the upper part of the breast. However, those who prefer a more subtle change may find round implants too noticeable, particularly in the upper portion.
Teardrop implants are designed to mimic the natural contours of the breast, featuring more volume at the bottom and a gradual taper towards the top. These implants are often chosen by patients who are looking for a more understated change. They also provide a gradual slope and a shape that may suit those with minimal breast tissue. However, teardrop implants are asymmetrical, so if they rotate after surgery, it can alter the breast’s shape.
The implant’s influence on your results, the amount of breast tissue you have and minimising the possible chance of implant rotation can be some of the main factors that influence your decision. Your surgeon can discuss each implant shape in more detail and explain how they can influence your results to help guide your decision.
Dr Justin Perron: Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Based in Brisbane, Dr Justin Perron is a Canadian-born Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.
While in Canada, Dr Perron began his studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Calgary. He then relocated to Australia in 2000, where he completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in Adelaide.
He is a member of the Royal Australian Society of Surgeons (RACS), Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS Aust), American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS USA) and the Queensland Hand Surgery Society.
To arrange your breast augmentation consultation and discuss your breast implant options, please get in touch with our team. All patients will be required to have a GP referral to see Dr Perron for a consultation.
