4 Breast Implant Decisions That Determine Your Final Result

One of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—parts of planning a breast augmentation is choosing your implants. Many patients arrive at their consultation with questions like:

  • “Should I choose silicone or saline?”
  • “What size implant is right for me?”
  • “What does implant profile mean?”
  • “Should my implants go over or under the muscle?”

The good news is that you don’t have to make these decisions alone. A consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon is designed to help you navigate these choices and develop a surgical plan tailored to your body and goals.

Choosing the Implant Material

Today’s breast implants are safer and more advanced than ever before.

Silicone Implants

Silicone implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel designed to mimic the feel of natural breast tissue.

Many patients choose silicone because:

  • They often feel more natural
  • They may have less visible rippling
  • They come in a wide range of sizes and profiles

Saline Implants

Saline implants are filled with sterile salt water after placement.

Benefits include:

  • Smaller insertion incisions in some cases
  • Immediate detection if a rupture occurs
  • Adjustable fill volume during surgery in certain situations

Both implant types can produce beautiful results. The right choice depends on your anatomy, tissue characteristics, and personal preferences.

How Do I Choose the Right Size?

Contrary to popular belief, cup size is not the best way to select an implant.

A “C cup” can fit very differently depending on:

  • Body frame
  • Chest width
  • Breast tissue thickness
  • Bra manufacturer

Instead, surgeons evaluate:

  • Your height and weight
  • Chest wall dimensions
  • Existing breast tissue
  • Skin elasticity
  • Desired outcome

The goal is to select an implant that complements your frame and creates balanced, natural-looking proportions.

The best implant isn’t necessarily the biggest implant—it’s the one that fits your anatomy.

What Is Implant Profile?

Profile refers to how far the implant projects from the chest.

Think of profile as the shape of the implant rather than the size.

Common options include:

Moderate Profile

Wider base, less forward projection, and a soft, natural contour.

Moderate Plus Profile

A balance between width and projection — a popular choice for many patients.

High Profile

Narrower base, more projection, and greater upper-pole fullness.

The ideal profile depends on your chest width and the appearance you’re hoping to achieve.

Above or Below the Muscle?

One of the most important decisions in breast augmentation is implant placement.

Under the Muscle (Submuscular)

Traditionally, many implants have been placed partially beneath the pectoralis muscle.

Potential benefits include:

  • Additional soft tissue coverage
  • Less visible implant edges in some patients
  • Reduced risk of visible rippling in thinner patients

Above the Muscle (Subfascial)

With modern implant technology and careful patient selection, many patients may be candidates for placement above the muscle but beneath the fascial layer.

Potential advantages include:

  • Less animation deformity
  • More natural muscle movement during exercise
  • Faster recovery for some patients
  • Reduced chest muscle discomfort

Not every patient is a candidate for above-the-muscle placement. Your anatomy, tissue thickness, lifestyle, and goals all help determine the best approach.

There Is No “One Size Fits All”

The most successful breast augmentations are highly personalized.

Your implant material, size, profile, and placement should work together to achieve your desired outcome while respecting your anatomy.

What works beautifully for one patient may not be the best option for another.

The Bottom Line

Choosing breast implants is about more than selecting a size. Implant material, profile, and placement all play an important role in creating results that look and feel natural.

As a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Kenneth Odinet takes a personalized approach to breast augmentation. During your consultation, he will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, review implant options, and help you select the combination that best fits your lifestyle and desired results.

Ready to explore your options? Schedule a private consultation today.