Ever wonder why some breast implants look natural and subtle while others appear more prominent and sit higher on the chest? The key difference often lies in projection, which determines how far an implant extends from the chest. From fullness to perkiness, the implant profile plays a major role in shaping the overall look. Here, plastic surgeons explain why selecting the right breast profile can be the difference between a subtle enhancement and a more dramatic result.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Lyle Leipziger is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
- Dr. Philippe A. Capraro is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Denver
What Is Breast Implant Projection?
The projection of a breast implant refers to how far it extends forward from the chest wall, which significantly impacts the final shape and appearance. “Breast implants are produced in low, moderate and high projection styles,” explains New York plastic surgeon Lyle Leipziger, MD. “These variations allow for more customized results depending on a patient’s body type. For example, the same implant volume can create different levels of projection based on the base width. A narrow base leads to higher projection, while a wider base offers lower projection.”
How Is Projection Different From Profile?
Projection is often confused with profile, but they are two related yet distinct concepts. Projection is a single measurement—how far the implant pushes forward from the chest. On the other hand, the profile is a combination of three factors: base diameter (width), volume and the projection.
While projection is just one part of the puzzle, the profile is the overall shape of the implant. The profile determines how the implant looks from all angles, while projection tells you how far it sticks out.
How Is Breast Projection Measured?
During a consultation, your surgeon will measure the diameter of each breast to determine the most suitable projection for your body. “We aim to select a projection that aligns with the breast’s diameter to create the most natural and balanced look,” explains Denver plastic surgeon Philippe A. Capraro, MD. “It’s all about enhancing volume without compromising proportionality to the rest of the body.”
“Low projection implants have a wider diameter, making them flatter, while high projection implants are narrower and offer more forward projection, resulting in a rounder, fuller shape,” adds Dr. Capraro.
Different Types of Implant Profiles
There are various types of breast implant profiles, each designed to suit different body types and aesthetic goals:
Low Profile
Low-profile implants are ideal for those seeking a subtle enhancement. “These implants have a wider base and create a more natural, understated look with less upper pole fullness,” says Dr. Leipziger. Patients with a wider chest or those looking for minimal change often opt for this style.
Moderate Profile
This middle-ground option is the most commonly used type. “Around 90 percent of our patients choose moderate or moderate-plus profile implants because they suit a variety of body types,” notes Dr. Capraro. “They provide a rounded appearance without being too full or wide, blending well with most natural breast shapes.” Dr. Leipziger adds that a moderate profile offers a balanced look that appeals to patients wanting a noticeable yet natural result.
High Profile
High-profile implants offer the most dramatic change for those desiring a fuller, rounder, more top-heavy appearance. “These implants are ideal for patients looking for more forward fullness,” says Dr. Leipziger. However, Dr. Capraro points out that they may not suit all body types. “High profile implants can create too much separation between the breasts in patients with wider chests, making it hard to achieve cleavage.”
Why Implant Profile Matters
Choosing the right implant profile is key to achieving the desired aesthetic. “It’s a collaborative process between the patient and surgeon,” says Dr. Leipziger. “A surgeon must consider the patient’s anatomy, their chest wall width, breast tissue and skin elasticity to recommend the most appropriate profile. This ensures the implants are proportionate and meet their goals.”
Dr. Capraro adds that a surgeon’s experience is essential in guiding the choice of projection. “While patients can have input on the size and general look they want, it’s often best for the surgeon to determine the projection,” he explains. “For example, low profile implants in a petite patient may lead to the implant extending into the armpits, while high profile implants in a broader patient can cause an unnatural distance between the breasts.”
Do Implant Profiles Carry Different Risks?
Though high-profile implants deliver fullness, they come with certain challenges. “They are more rounded and therefore more likely to flip if the pocket where the implant is placed is too large or stretches over time,” explains Dr. Capraro. “I often compare low-profile implants to pancakes and high-profile implants to tennis balls. The rounder the implant, the higher the risk of flipping if the pocket isn’t sized correctly.”
Current Trends
According to both Dr. Leipziger and Dr. Capraro, implant projection has become standardized across brands. “Whether you’re selecting implants from Natrelle, Mentor or Sientra, projection options are now fairly consistent,” says Dr. Capraro.
Dr. Leipziger adds that the trend has shifted toward smaller, more natural-looking implants. “Patients used to request larger implants for a more dramatic change, but today’s preferences lean towards subtle enhancement.”
