Breast Implant Dimensions
Not all round breast implants are created equal. At Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons in Portland, OR, our advanced round implants are engineered with precision to enhance your natural beauty. We offer a wide variety of options designed to align perfectly with your body’s contours and your aesthetic goals.
Round breast implants come in distinct shapes to suit every body type. Three essential measurements define the implant’s shape: the diameter, which is the implant’s width; the projection—often called the “profile”—which measures how far the implant extends from the chest wall; and the volume, the amount of space the implant occupies (measured in cubic centimeters or c.c.’s). This careful balance of dimensions allows us to customize your enhancement for your unique aesthetic goals.
For a given volume, low-profile implants deliver a gentle, elegant curve, while high-profile implants offer a more dramatic, pronounced projection. Moderate profiles strike a perfect balance between the two. When implants share the same diameter, the low-profile version creates a subtler contour with less volume, and the high-profile one produces a fuller, more defined shape.
Breast Implant Dimensions:
In this illustration, each implant maintains the same diameter while highlighting three crucial dimensions: diameter, projection, and volume. Notice how the low-profile implant appears relatively flat, the high-profile implant projects significantly, and the moderate profile falls comfortably in between. As projection increases, so does the volume (in c.c.’s), underscoring the importance of selecting the right profile to achieve your desired look.
Implant Width Should Fit Breast Width
A thorough understanding of implant dimensions is key to achieving a natural, flattering result. Moderate-profile implants often suit average-sized breasts by providing a balanced, rounded appearance. High-profile implants are particularly effective for women with narrower breasts, creating a more defined, pointier look. Meanwhile, low-profile implants offer a broader, less projecting enhancement—ideal for women with wider breasts seeking added volume along the edges, especially in the cleavage and upper areas.
Projection Shapes The Profile Of The Breast
Visualize your chest in profile by turning sideways in front of a mirror. This simple exercise can help you understand how different implant projections shape your silhouette. Contrary to common belief, a high-profile implant—by extending further from the chest wall—enhances both the central and lower breast areas to create a distinctly rounded contour, while low-profile implants offer a gentler lift with a softer, flatter finish
Breast Implant Sizing:
This breast implant fits the width of this breast nicely. Here the implant width is slightly narrower than the breast width. Breast width is measured from the cleavage area to the side of the breast (denoted by the lower set of arrows). Breast implants with a diameter about the same as the width of the breast fit most patients best.
Implant Width Shapes The Breast Outline
The diameter of a round implant—equivalent to its width and height—plays a vital role in defining the breast’s overall shape when viewed head-on. If you desire enhanced upper breast fullness, a wider, taller implant might be the ideal choice. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a more expansive augmentation, a wider implant can create a bubbly, rounded look. When perfectly matched to your natural proportions, the implant accentuates your unique beauty with an effortlessly natural result.
Breast Implant Names and Dimensions
There are several naming conventions that breast implant companies use to describe implant profiles. For example, Sientra offers low, low plus moderate, moderate, moderate plus, and high profile options, while Motiva features styles such as mini, demi, and full. At Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons, we focus on comparing the precise dimensions—diameter, projection, and volume—rather than just the names. This ensures that when you choose your implant, you’ll know exactly what will work best for your body and aesthetic goals.
Breast measurement: Achieving the perfect fit starts with understanding your natural dimensions. Breast width is a key measurement for tailoring your implants—it’s measured from the inner edge of the cleavage to the outermost part of the breast using a flat, snug tape measure. This precise measurement helps ensure your new implants will enhance your figure beautifully.
Shaped Implant Dimensions
Shaped implants are designed to maintain a consistent, natural form. They include an extra dimension: height, which can differ from the width. While the same principles of diameter, projection, and volume apply, the added height specification allows for a sculpted and customized look that complements your unique anatomy.
Breast Implant Sizing
Breast Implant Sizing Should Be Fun
Choosing the right implant size can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Our experienced team in Portland is dedicated to making the sizing process clear, logical, and even enjoyable. We work closely with you to ensure that every measurement and aesthetic preference is considered so you can embrace your upcoming transformation.
Cup Size
Breast implant sizing is both an art and a science. While bra cup sizes can serve as a starting reference, they only tell part of the story. Your ideal look is influenced by the desired shape, contour, and specific areas of fullness you wish to enhance. Sharing example photos can be incredibly helpful, as variations between bra manufacturers mean that cup size alone isn’t enough to capture your true vision. We carefully consider all these elements to avoid any miscommunication and to tailor the results to your exact desires.
The balance between implant dimensions is crucial for a harmonious appearance. Implants that are too narrow may not create adequate cleavage or upper-breast fullness—resulting in a “ball-in-a-sock” look—while implants that are too wide can overwhelm your natural contours, potentially leading to tissue thinning and visible ripples. Our expertise ensures that your implant size is precisely matched to your anatomy, enhancing your natural shape and maintaining aesthetic balance.
Trying-On Breast Implants
A practical way to envision your future look is to “try-on” implants using a bra that fits the style you’re aiming for. This trial method offers an idea of the volume range (measured in c.c.’s) that might suit you best. During your consultation at our office, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experiment with different options. Keep in mind that while the try-on gives a useful preview, your final surgical results may look even more refined—our full evaluation ensures you get the perfect fit.
Vectra 3-D Computer Simulations
Innovation is at the heart of our practice. As one of the first centers to offer the Vectra 3-D computer breast augmentation simulation, we’ve helped thousands of patients visualize their transformation. These advanced simulations empower you to see a realistic preview of your future results, making it easier than ever to choose the perfect augmentation plan with confidence.
Your Breast Size: In Breast Width
Understanding your breast size is the first scientific step toward achieving a look that perfectly complements your body. Just as you wouldn’t choose a dress or pair of shoes at random, selecting the right breast implant begins with knowing your key measurement—the width of your breast. This critical dimension is measured in centimeters, in a straight line from the cleavage area to the outer edge of your breast (not along its curve) and typically falls between 11 and 15 cm for most women. With this essential measurement, you’re ready to embark on your transformation confidently.
Fitting Breast Implant Diameter to Breast Width
Once you know your breast width, you can tailor your implant choice to match. An implant with a diameter close to your natural breast width offers a harmonious, natural fit. For instance, if your breasts measure 12 cm wide, an implant diameter ranging from 11 to 12 cm is usually ideal. Choosing an implant that’s slightly narrower rather than wider helps maintain a balanced appearance and ensures that your new contours enhance your overall silhouette beautifully
Breast Tissue Thickness Is Important
Another key factor in breast augmentation is your breast tissue thickness. Women with thicker tissues may comfortably support a wider implant, while those with thinner tissues often benefit from a slightly narrower option. This consideration directly affects how the implant interacts with your natural tissue and skin over time. For example, if you have a 12-cm wide breast with thin tissue, an implant diameter between 10.5 and 11.5 cm may be best to reduce the risk of stretching and visible rippling.
Shaped Implant Sizing
The principles for sizing shaped implants follow those of round implants, with one additional factor: height. While breast width remains a vital measurement, the height of a shaped implant offers extra customization. Women with shorter breasts may prefer a low-height implant, whereas those seeking extra upper fullness might choose a taller option. For most patients, a medium height implant is the ideal balance. During your consultation in our Portland office, we will conduct a thorough examination—including measurements of your breasts and soft tissue—to help determine the perfect implant for you. Note: shaped implants are rarely used in our practice, as they have disadvantages that are not present with round implants.
Your Experience with Selecting a Breast Implant
Choosing your breast implant is both an art and a science, and we’re here to guide you through every step. We take into account all the important dimensions: implant volume (informed by your desired cup size, try-on sessions, and inspirational images), implant diameter (ideally a bit smaller than your natural breast width), and outward projection. Experience has shown that selecting implants with dimensions slightly less than your natural breast boundaries typically results in a balanced, natural look that avoids an overly augmented appearance, if that is the aesthetic you desire. IF a rounder, “augmented” look is your goal, we can provide that too!
Intra-Operative Sizing
Sometimes, despite detailed pre-operative planning, the perfect implant size becomes clear only during surgery. In these cases, we perform a brief intra-operative try-on. After creating the implant pocket, we temporarily place sizing devices—each corresponding to a potential implant size—to assess the results in real time. This efficient process, which adds only a few minutes to your procedure, ensures that you receive the best size to meet your expectations.
Words of Caution About Breast Implant Size
The size and aesthetic outcome of your breast augmentation are deeply personal choices. Several factors should be considered, such as:
- Do you prefer a natural enhancement, a subtle augmentation, or a more pronounced change?
- How will the implant size affect your lifestyle, sporting activities, and clothing choices?
- What impact will the size have on the long-term health, aging, and appearance of your breasts?
- How might larger implants influence risks like visible ripples, the need for future lifts, or posture-related discomfort?
By carefully weighing these considerations, you can make a choice that not only meets your aesthetic goals but also supports your long-term well-being.
While exceptionally large implants might seem enticing for an ultra-luscious look, experience shows they can sometimes lead to results that feel less natural over time. Oversized implants can accelerate aging, leading to sagging, tissue thinning, and even visible rippling that might require future revision surgeries.
At Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons, we’re proud of our extensive experience in breast implant sizing—helping thousands of women achieve beautiful, balanced results. In our practice, the average implant size is about 350 cc, with larger sizes rarely exceeding 550 cc. We know that a more moderate, well-proportioned implant not only enhances your figure but also supports long-term breast health.
Many friends might suggest “bigger is better,” yet what often goes unsaid are the challenges that can come with oversized implants. By choosing the right, carefully tailored size, you can enjoy a natural, flattering appearance that stands the test of time. Let us guide you through a personalized sizing process so you can confidently embrace the enhancement that uniquely suits your body and lifestyle.
Breast Implant Size Is A Long-Term Decision
Breast augmentation can bring immediate results, but it’s important to remember that this is a lifelong decision. We encourage you to balance your immediate desires with how you want your breasts to age gracefully over the years. At Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons, we’re dedicated to guiding you through this process, ensuring that your implant size is one you’ll be happy with today and in the future. Most of our patients enjoy lasting satisfaction with their chosen size, significantly reducing the need for revision surgeries.
The Choice Of Breast Implant Size Is Yours
The decision on breast implant size rests with you. We honor your personal vision and work diligently to provide the results you desire. With our expertise and your individual style, we can achieve outcomes that enhance your natural beauty in a way that feels uniquely yours.
For more information on breast implant dimensions and sizing, or to schedule your consultation, please contact our Portland office at (503) 783-0544 or use our online form. We look forward to helping you achieve the transformation you envision!
Request Consultation
The surgeons at Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons in Portland are highly-skilled in breast surgery and individualize every procedure to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our goal is to help every woman feel confident in her body, no matter the reason she chooses breast augmentation. Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors today!
