Breast Implant Profile And Projection

Until recently, most patients never discussed profile with their plastic surgeons. If you chose a certain size implant, you would receive a determined amount of forward projection from that size implant. Now, you can choose an implant size and, if you like, have that size implant stick out more, or less than the base diameter would usually dictate. This works well for certain body types.

For a woman with a very narrow frame, a moderate or low profile implant that might result in a desired size, may be too wide and carry the implant too far to the cleavage and underarm. By using a high profile implant, this patient can get the larger implant she desires. By the same token, a wide framed patient may find that in order to adequately cover the natural diameter of their breast size, the desired implant would have far too much projection. A low or moderate profile might work better.

Moderate Profile Implants. This breast implant profile is the "normal" profile.

High Profile Implants. These breast implants have more projection per measurement of base diameter than a moderate profile breast implant. An added benefit of the high profile is that in order to create the profile, the side wall of the implant has more height, which may reduce visible rippling.

Low Profile Implants. These breast implants have less projection per measurement of base diameter than a moderate profile breast implant.

Moderate Plus Profile. Mentor's breast implant line (both saline and silicone) also includes this profile which is between moderate and high profile.

Years of training and experience go into making sure that the implant chosen meets dozens of other criteria that a plastic surgeon knows a lot more about than you. You should also find out about what warranty coverage you have.

Inamed Aesthetics (formerly McGhan Medical) Located in Santa Barbara, California, is one of the two largest companies who manufacture breast implants for the U.S. and internationally.

Mentor Corporation Also located in Santa Barbara, California, Mentor is also one of the two largest companies who manufacture breast implants.

When you have surgery, your implants are included as part of the quote the plastic surgeon gives you. The office orders them in for you once they have measured you and helped you chose the right implants for you. You will receive, at no additional cost from the implant company, a lifetime replacement warranty (for the replacement cost of the implant itself) in case of a rupture. You may also purchase additional coverage with either company.

Inamed Confidence Plus: Summary Only: Confidence Plus provides lifetime replacement of ruptured implant along with $1,200 in financial assistance towards surgeon fees, OR and anesthesia. Financial assistance coverage is for up to 10 years:

Inamed Confidence Plus Platinum: When purchased, for $100 within 30 days of surgery, for a covered event, Inamed's Confidence Plus Platinum provides lifetime replacement of the ruptured implant along with $2,400 in financial assistance towards surgeon fees, OR and anesthesia. The financial assistance coverage is for up to 10 years.

Mentor Standard Advantage: Summary Only: Lifetime replacement of ruptured implant and the opposite side implant plus $1,200 in financial assistance towards OR, anesthesia and surgical cost. Financial assistance coverage is for up to 10 years.

Mentor Enhanced Advantage: When purchased, for $100 within 45 days of surgery (by mail or online), provides lifetime replacement of implant and the opposite side implant along with $2,400 in financial assistance towards OR, anesthesia and surgical cost. Financial assistance coverage is for up to 10 years. (Note: Inamed's registration period is within 30 days of surgery and by mail only, not online.)