What are Breast Implants

Breast Implant Size, Shape, Projection, Placement & Brands

Jul 7, 2023 | Blog, Breast Augmentation

Thinking about Breast Implants but not sure where to start? We’re here to help. Nowadays, we’re almost spoilt for choice when it comes to Breast Augmentation procedures: from Implant Size and Projection, Implant shape, texture, profile and brand – It can all be overwhelming. Read on and we’ll unpack the world of Breast Implants, so you can more confidently make informed decisions regarding your Breast Augmentation surgery.

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

 

A Breast Augmentation is no different to any other surgical procedure. There is a lot of information to get across and even more decisions to be made. Ahead of a Breast Augmentation, you’ll not only need to decide on the most qualified, experienced and trusted Surgeon, you’ll also need to make decisions relating to your preferred Implant Type. Nowadays, Breast Implants vary significantly, specifically in relation to:

Choosing the best type of breast implant for you will depend on your unique body shape, the amount of existing breast tissue you have, your lifestyle, and the overall look you hope to achieve.

If you’re a CosMediTour Client, you have the benefit of having a Client Manager who will help to assess and explain your options and clarify anything you’re unsure about. It’s all part of the service!  Your CosMediTour Plastic Surgeon will also take the time to walk you through all of your options during your consultations, making sure you are informed and confident in your decision regarding your preferred Breast Implant Type.

 

Starting Your Breast Augmentation Journey

The single most important piece of advice we give to all clients is to start by researching. Thankfully, you’re in the right place. Take a look through this and our other Blog articles and, of course, if you have any questions, our team are here to help.

When doing your own research, please remember:

 

  • Your body is unique and your results may not be the same as someone else’s. While it will never be fail-proof, please only consider results from women with a similar body type to your own.
  • Be sure your using credible sources, like CosMediTour’s Breast Augmentation Before and After Gallery or your Plastic Surgeon’s website. While we all love to scroll through Instagram, it’s worth knowing that these may not be real or even realistic for your body.
Woman researching Breast Implant Size

Breast Implant Size

Breast implants are measured in Cubic Centimetres (CCs). The smallest Breast Implant size is 120CCs. The largest Breast Implant size is 1000CCs.

It’s really important that you keep an open mind when selecting your breast implant size. Your Surgeon will recommend a breast implant size to you which will balance your anatomy (including your body measurements and existing breast tissue) with your desired outcomes and your lifestyle. 

As a very general guide, clients can expect to go up 1 – 1.5 cup sizes for every 150 – 200CCs within the implant. Importantly, please remember that size of breast implants for one client can look completely different on another, so the following proportional measurements should serve only as a guide to inform your decision making.

from A CUP

A Cup to B Cup – 250cc to 300cc

A Cup to C Cup – 300cc to 350cc

A Cup to D Cup – 370cc to 430cc

FROM B CUP

B Cup to C Cup – 250cc to 300cc

B Cup to D Cup – 350cc to 400cc

B Cup to DD Cup – 400cc to 450cc

FROM C CUP

C Cup to D Cup – 300cc to 350cc

C Cup to DD Cup – 370cc to 450cc

C Cup to E Cup – 450cc to 550cc

What is the most popular Breast Implant Size?

Typically, clients seek Breast Implants that range between 300cc and 500cc. Clients looking to achieve more natural results after their Breast Augmentation typically opt for breast implants sized between 300 – 400CCs. 

Breast Implant Shape

There are two breast implant shapes available for breast surgeries: Round Implants and Teardrop Implants, which are also known as Anatomical Implants.

Whats the difference between Round Implants and Teardrop Implants?

Round Implants create a fuller, rounder appearance. These implants are suited to clients who are seeking more dramatic results. Conversely, Teardrop Implants more closely mirror the contour of a natural breast, where the base of the implant is fuller than the top. Teardrop Implants are suited to clients with mild sagging, lower nipples and Tuberous Breasts. They can offer more natural results and can provide a small degree of lift. Before making a decision on Breast Implant shape, we recommend reading Round vs Teardrop Implants. 

Woman deciding on round implant or teardrop implant

Breast Implant Profile

Breast Implant Profile refers to how far your breasts project out from your chest and there are 3 main profile selections that clients can make: Low, Moderate and High. The differences between each are outlined below.

While we recommend you familiarise yourself with your Breast Implant Profile options, your Surgeon will also help you determine which profile is the most suitable for your structure based on the size of your natural breasts and your desired surgery outcome.

Low Profile Implants

Low Profile breast implants are flatter, offering only minimal projection from the chest wall.

They suit clients looking to boost their breast volume without noticeably changing their body contour.

Moderate Profile Implants

Moderate Profile implants are slightly higher in terms of projection, but can still achieve a very natural look.

They achieve a shapely enhancement while still working within the parameters of the client’s frame.

High Profile Implants

High Profile breast implants offer the highest projection off the chest wall.

They achieve the maximum augmented look, and are typically used by clients looking for a dramatic breast contour.

Breast Implant Texture

Breast Implant Texture refers to the surface finish of the Breast Implant. There are two Breast Implant Texture options available: Smooth or Textured.

As the name implies, smooth implants have a silicone shell that is soft, shiny and slippery, like a balloon. Conversely, Textured Implants have a slightly thicker and ever so bumpy silicone shell, like a soft rubber sandpaper. Read on to discover the difference between Smooth vs Textured Breast Implants and why our Surgeons prefer Textured Breast Implants.

textured implants

  • Textured surface allows the implant to attach to the client’s breast tissue, preventing rotation and movement
  • More sustainable results because they stay in position longer
  • Reduced risk of capsular contracture

smooth implants

  • Feels more like natural breast tissue
  • Unlike natural breast tissue, Smooth Implants moves freely around the breast pocket. To allow for this movement without complications, Surgeons are required to form a larger breast pocket. To ensure the breast pocket stays open, ongoing and regular massage is required.

Breast Implant Placement

Breast Implant Placement refers to where your Breast Implant sits within your chest in relation to your Pectoralis Major muscle and your glandular breast tissue. There are three placement options available, the benefits and limitations for each technique are compared below:

 

Sub glandular Implant Placement

Also known as Over The Muscle Placement’, Sub Glandular Implant Placement refers to placing implants on top of the chest muscle (Pectoralis Major muscle), but under the glandular breast tissue – so only your existing breast tissue covers the implant. Sub Glandular Implant Placement is suited to women with a moderate amount of natural breast tissue. 

Sub Muscular Implant Placement

Also known as Under the Muscle Placement, this approach refers to the placing the upper portion of the breast implant under the Pectoralis Major chest muscle and glandular breast tissue. This technique is most suited to women with minimal natural breast tissue and minimal breast ptosis (sagging).

Dual Plane Implant Placement

Also known as a Partial Submuscular Placement, a Dual Plane Implant Placement refers to the placement of the upper half of the breast implant behind the Pectoralis muscle; while the lower half of the implant is covered only by breast tissue. This technique is most suited to women who have little or thin breast tissue or women with mild Breast Ptosis (sagging)

    Subglandular Implant Placement

    • Likely to have a slightly shorter recovery period with less discomfort after surgery.
    • Your own breast tissue provides coverage and support for the implants for more pronounced, obvious and rounded look with enhanced cleavage.  
    • Less movement of the Breast Implant during physical activity
    • Suited to larger implants
    • Implants typically settle sooner so your results will be visible sooner.
    • Greater risk of skin rippling, or visible folds or wrinkles in the implant – particularly in clients who are very thin, or with very little natural breast tissue.

    Sub-Muscular Implant Placement

    • More natural results for women with little natural breast tissue.
    • Lower risk of the implant dropping .
    • Lower risk of Capsular Contracture, a condition where scar tissue thickens and constricts around the implant.
    • A more complex surgical procedure that leads to slightly more post-operative discomfort.
    • It may take several months before breast implants settle behind the muscle, a process we refer to as ‘Dropping and Fluffing’ so your results are not visible as quickly.
    • Less risk of skin rippling, visible folds or wrinkles in the implant.

    Dual Plane Implant Placement

    Dual Plane Augmentation provides patients with the benefits of Sub Glandular and Sub-Muscular Implant Placements.

    •  Helps to correct mild Ptosis (sagging)
    • Provides a more natural fullness to the breast
    • Suitable for women with Tuberous Breasts
    • Lower risk of capsular contracture
    • Longer recovery and more discomfort that Sub Glandular Placement

     

    What is the Best Breast Implant Placement?

    There is no single approach that will work for every client. What is appropriate for one client will not be a viable option for another. However, each technique has its benefits and your Surgeon will be able to recommend the placement technique that is most suited to you, this will be based on:

    • The amount of natural breast tissue you have
    • Your skin thickness
    • Your skin quality and elasticity
    • Your lifestyle (i.e. do you lead an active lifestyle)
    • Your desired outcomes

    What is the Most Common Implant Placement?

    Submuscular and Dual Plane placement are the more common Breast Implant Placement techniques. However after your Physical Assessment, your Surgeon may recommend a Sub Glandular placement for your Breast Augmentation. It’s important to remember to keep an open mind, and only work with a highly experienced Plastic Surgeon that you trust. 

    Woman weighing up Mentor Breast Implants and Motiva Breast Implants

    Breast Implant Brand: Mentor vs Motiva

    When it comes to Breast Implants, trust is everything. Our Surgeons only use Premium Breast Implants from Mentor and Motiva. These world-leaders manufacture the highest quality cohesive silicone gel implants. Before making any decisions, we recommend reading our Mentor and Motiva blog.

    Further Information

    To learn more about Breast Implants or to discuss your Breast Augmentation options, feel free to connect with our friendly Client Support Team.