Like bodies, breasts come in all shapes and sizes – and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to augmentation. It’s a significant decision that comes with several factors to consider. From implant size and shape to profile, projection, and placement, it can feel overwhelming. Many people know the outcome they want but are unsure how to achieve it safely and effectively.
Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand what breast implants are and how they work. Implants differ not only in material and shape but also in how they interact with your body and influence the final outcome. By starting with the basics (types, composition, and common misconceptions) patients will be better prepared to make a confident, well-informed decision.
Key Takeaways
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Understanding Breast Augmentation & Implants
Breast augmentation, medically known as augmentation mammaplasty, is a medical procedure that is designed to enhance or restore breast size, shape, and symmetry using implants. Globally, millions of people choose breast implants each year. In Australia, around 20,000 people undergo breast augmentation surgery annually for cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.
Breast implants are medical devices that are uses to change or restore the shape, size, and symmetry of the breasts. Each implant consists of a silicone outer shell filled with either a sterile saline solution (salt water) or silicone gel. Surgeons use these implants for two primary purposes:
- Enhancement: to increase breast size or improve shape for cosmetic reasons.
- Reconstruction: to restore the breast’s appearance after mastectomy, trauma, or congenital deformity.
Breast implant technology has evolved significantly over the years, offering patients more choice when it comes to look and feel. Common types of implants include:
- Saline implants: Filled with sterile salt water, offering adjustable volume and a lighter feel.
- Silicone gel implants: Known for their soft, natural texture.
- Structured implants: Featuring internal layers that mimic the natural feel of breast tissue.
- Form-stable (gummy bear) implants: Designed to retain their shape even if the shell is compromised.
- Textured and smooth surfaces: Allowing surgeons to tailor implants to the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome.
Why Choosing the Right Implant Matters
Many patients believe that size and appearance are some of the only factors to consider when it comes to breast augmentation. However, selecting the right implant is about more than appearance, it’s about achieving balance, comfort, and long-term health.
Factors such as implant shape, filling material, surface texture, and size should be considered as the wrong implant type or size can affect posture, tissue integrity, and satisfaction over time.
Choosing implants that complement your frame helps create natural proportions between your chest, waist, and hips. It can also reduce the risk of discomfort or strain caused by implants that are too heavy or wide. Overly large implants may stretch the skin, thin breast tissue, and increase the likelihood of early sagging or revision surgery.
What Are the Different Sizes of Breast Implants?
Choosing the right breast implant size is one of the most important decisions in breast augmentation. Unlike clothing or bra sizes, implant sizes are measured by volume in cubic centimetres (cc) or millilitres (ml), which indicates the amount of filling inside the implant. Understanding these measurements helps ensure your implants suit your body proportions and desired results.
How Are Breast Implants Measured?
- Volume (cc/ml): The total amount of filling material in the implant.
- Diameter (Base Width): The implant’s width at its widest point, typically ranging from 7.4 cm to 17.2 cm.
- Profile: Shows how far the implant extends from the chest wall compared to its base width (low, moderate, or high).
- Projection: The forward extension from the chest wall, measured in centimetres.
Surgeons often use “sizers” during consultations to help you visualise how different volumes will look on your frame. These tools provide a realistic idea of your post-surgery appearance, though they are not exact.
Implant Size Ranges
| Size Category | Volume (cc) | Typical Effect / Notes |
| Small | 100 – 250 cc | Subtle enhancement, modest increase in breast size. |
| Medium | 250 – 450 cc | Noticeable size increase while maintaining natural shape. |
| Large | 450 – 600 cc | Significant enlargement; may alter body proportions. |
| Very Large | 600+ cc | Dramatic size change; careful consideration needed. |
A 150–200 cc increase generally corresponds to about one cup size, though final results vary based on existing tissue, overall body frame, implant placement (over or under the muscle), and skin elasticity.
How Diameter and Projection Affect Fit
Diameter and projection work together to determine how implants look on your body:
- Wider diameter implants = Appears flatter with less forward projection.
- Narrower diameter implants = Projects more, giving a fuller appearance.
Profile types (low, moderate, high) influence projection: a low-profile implant with a 14 cm diameter projects more than one with a 10 cm diameter, even though both are considered “low profile.”
Chest wall width is also crucial. An implant wider than the natural breast base can create visible edges or excessive side fullness, while an implant that is too narrow may project too much for the body frame.
By considering volume, diameter, profile, and projection together, you can choose an implant that complements your body, balances proportions, and provides natural-looking results.
Implant Shapes and Profiles
The shape and profile of breast implants significantly affect the appearance of the breasts after surgery. These characteristics, along with implant size and volume, determine how the breasts will sit on the chest, their projection, and overall proportion relative to the body. Understanding these options is important for selecting implants that suit your anatomy and overall goals.
Round vs. Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants
Round Implants
Round implants have a uniform, circular shape, providing even volume across the breast. Key characteristics include:
- Fullness is distributed evenly throughout the breast
- Maintains shape if the implant rotates in the pocket
- Can create increased upper breast projection
- Typically lower cost compared to teardrop implants
Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants
Teardrop implants mimic the natural slope of the breast, with more volume at the bottom and a gentle taper toward the top. They often require firmer, cohesive gel and textured surfaces to prevent rotation. Key characteristics include:
- Natural slope following the breast contour
- Less upper breast projection compared to round implants
- Can be used to correct asymmetry or underdeveloped breasts
Choosing Between Round and Teardrop:
- Round implants are often chosen for patients with sufficient breast tissue who want uniform fullness.
- Teardrop implants may be more appropriate for patients with limited breast tissue or asymmetry, where a more anatomical shape is desired.
Implant Profiles
The profile of a breast implant shows how much it sticks out from the chest compared to its width. Two implants with the same volume can look different on the body if their profiles are different.
| Profile Type | Base Width / Projection | Typical Use / Effect |
| Low Profile | Wide base, low projection | Provides a subtle increase; suited for broader chest frames |
| Moderate Profile | Balanced width and projection | Provides a moderate projection; commonly used for natural, proportionate results. |
| High Profile | Narrow base, higher projection | Sticks out more from the chest; suited for narrower chest frames or more forward projection. |
| Ultra-High Profile | Narrowest base, maximum projection | Maximum projection; may not be appropriate for wider chest frames |
How profile works with size and volume:
- A wider implant with low projection will appear flatter, even if it has a large volume.
- A narrower implant with high projection will stick out more, even at the same volume.
- Your chest width, existing breast tissue, and surgical goals determine which profile is best.
Choosing the right combination of shape, profile, and volume ensures that implants fit your body, create balanced proportions, and reduce the risk of complications.
View Our Before & After Gallery to Understand Typical Breast Augmentation Results and Healing Outcomes.
Breast Implant Types and Materials
All breast implants share a common feature: a silicone outer shell. The key difference lies in their filling material, which affects appearance, feel, and performance. Today, the main options are saline and silicone gel implants.
Saline Implants
Saline implants consist of a silicone shell filled with a sterile saltwater solution. Surgeons insert these implants empty and fill them once in place, allowing smaller incisions and some flexibility to adjust volume during surgery. They are available in round or teardrop shapes with varying projection options.
Saline implants are best for patients with sufficient natural breast tissue and upper chest padding. They perform well under the muscle and are suitable for patients seeking modest volume increases or improved symmetry.
Silicone Implants
Silicone implants are pre-filled with medical-grade silicone gel designed to mimic the consistency of natural breast tissue. They generally require larger incisions for placement due to pre-filling, but offer a more natural breast tissue feel.
Ideal candidates include patients with minimal natural breast tissue who want a more natural look and feel or patients seeking breast reconstruction after surgery or trauma. Silicone implants are suitable for most body types, but a careful assessment by a surgeon is important to ensure proper sizing, placement, and long-term results.
| Feature | Saline Implants | Silicone Implants |
| Filling Material | Sterile salt water solution | Medical-grade silicone gel |
| Edit to follow Approval Age | 18+ | 22+ |
| Insertion | Inserted empty, then filled in the breast pocket | Pre-filled, requires larger incision |
| Feel | Firmer, less natural | Softer, more like natural breast tissue |
| Appearance | May show rippling, edges visible under thin tissue | Reduced rippling, more natural contour |
| Volume Adjustment | Can adjust during surgery | Volume fixed pre-surgery |
| Rupture Detection | Deflation visible immediately | “Silent” ruptures require MRI to detect |
| Average Lifespan | ~5–6 years | ~10–12 years |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal Candidates | Women with enough natural tissue and upper chest padding; works best under the muscle | Women with minimal tissue seeking natural look; also suitable for most body types |
The Importance of a Consultation for Breast Implants
A thorough consultation is a critical first step in breast implant surgery. It provides an opportunity for you and your surgeon to discuss your goals, review your medical history, and assess your physical anatomy. This process ensures that the procedure is tailored to your body, lifestyle, and desired outcomes.
Key Aspects of a consultation include:
- Medical and Health Evaluation: Your surgeon will review your overall health, pre-existing conditions, and any risk factors to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for breast augmentation. This step helps identify potential complications before surgery.
- Physical Examination: A detailed assessment of your breasts, including size, shape, skin quality, and chest wall dimensions, helps the surgeon recommend the most appropriate implant type, size, and placement.
- Discussing Goals and Outcomes: The consultation allows you to clearly communicate your aesthetic goals. Your surgeon will explain what is realistically achievable, helping set appropriate expectations for shape, size, and symmetry.
- Determining Surgical Details: Decisions about implant type (saline or silicone), shape, profile, placement (subglandular or submuscular), and incision location are made during this stage, ensuring the approach suits your anatomy and desired outcome.
- Risk and Complication Discussion: Surgeons use the consultation to explain potential risks, complications, and recovery considerations, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what the procedure entails.
- Sizing and Visualisation: Many consultations include the use of sizer implants or 3D imaging, allowing you to see and feel how different implant volumes will look on your body before surgery.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Factors such as physical activity, sports participation, and daily routines are discussed to determine how they may impact implant placement and recovery.
Tips For Implant Size Selection
Choosing the appropriate breast implant size is a highly individual process. Rather than relying on bra cup size alone, surgeons base decisions on precise measurements of your body, existing breast tissue, and overall aesthetic goals. Implant volume, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), provides a more accurate way to discuss size. Typically, every 150–200 cc of implant volume corresponds to roughly one cup size increase, though outcomes vary depending on body type, tissue thickness, and implant placement.
Body Proportions and Frame
Natural proportions are critical in determining the most suitable implant size. Taller or broader individuals may require larger implants to achieve the same visual effect as someone with a smaller frame.
Surgeons consider chest width, torso size, shoulder structure, and breast base width to select implants that are proportionate to your body. Implants that are too large can look disproportionate and may cause discomfort or strain on the back, shoulders, and neck.
Lifestyle and Activity Considerations
Active individuals may find smaller or moderate-sized implants more comfortable, especially for high-impact activities. Future life changes, such as pregnancy or weight fluctuations, can also affect how implants appear over time, and should be considered when selecting size.
Key Measurements for Implant Fitting
Several anatomical measurements guide implant selection:
- Breast base width: Determines the implant’s width.
- Nipple-to-crease distance: Guides proper implant placement.
- Tissue thickness and elasticity: Influences implant profile choice.
- Sternal notch-to-nipple distance: Ensures a balanced appearance.
These measurements help surgeons select implants that fit your body shape while providing your desired volume.
Implant Volume vs. Profile
Volume, shape, and projection work together to create the final appearance.
A 150 cc implant may be sufficient for a slim patient, while someone with a larger frame may need 350 cc or more. The implant profile (round or teardrop, low or high projection) affects how volume appears on the chest, with narrower, high-projection implants giving more forward projection and wider, low-projection implants appearing flatter.
Skin Quality and Age
Younger patients with firmer, more elastic skin can accommodate larger implants more comfortably. Adequate tissue coverage helps maintain natural appearance and feel. Thinner or less elastic skin may require smaller or moderate-profile implants to avoid visible edges, rippling, or sagging. In some cases, fat grafting can complement smaller implants for more balanced results.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Considerations
Pregnancy and breastfeeding can significantly alter breast shape and volume. It is generally recommended to wait until after completing pregnancies and breastfeeding before undergoing augmentation. Implant placement and size may also influence breastfeeding ability, so discussing future family plans with your surgeon is essential.
Tools and Methods to Determine Size
- Sizer implants: Trying temporary implants in a bra to visualise how different volumes look and feel.
- 3D imaging: Provides a digital simulation of potential results.
- Home methods: Techniques like the “rice test” can give a rough visual approximation. This involves filling small bags (like pantyhose or cloth bags) with uncooked rice to match the approximate volume of different implant sizes. You then place the rice-filled bags in a bra to see how each size looks on your body. While this method doesn’t replace professional measurements or surgical planning, it can help you visualise different volumes, understand proportions, and communicate your preferences more clearly to your surgeon.
- Reviewing photos: Comparing before-and-after images of similar body types can help clarify expectations.
Additional Considerations
- Do not rely solely on cup size; bra sizing is inconsistent across brands.
- Larger implants are more prone to sagging and may cause long-term discomfort or back pain.
- Realistic expectations and open communication with your surgeon are essential. Discuss your goals thoroughly, review all sizing options, and consider a second opinion if needed.
| Factor | What to Consider | How It Affects Breast Implant Size Selection |
| Implant Volume (cc) | Volume in cubic centimeters; roughly 150–200 cc ≈ 1 cup size | Determines overall increase; outcome varies with body type
Note: Actual result depends on body type and tissue coverage |
| Body Frame & Proportions | Chest width, shoulder width, torso size | Larger frames may need bigger implants; smaller frames may need narrower, higher-projection implants |
| Breast Tissue & Skin Quality | Tissue thickness, skin elasticity | Thicker tissue allows larger implants; thin or lax skin may need moderate volume to avoid visible edges or rippling |
| Lifestyle & Activity | Exercise habits, high-impact activities | Active/high-impact lifestyle → smaller or moderate implants for comfort
Consider future changes: pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations |
| Implant Shape & Profile | Round vs. teardrop, low/moderate/high projection | Influences forward projection and contour relative to body width |
| Visualisation Tools | Sizer implants, 3D imaging, home tests, photo review | Helps you see and feel potential outcomes before surgery |
| Consultation & Measurements | Base width, nipple-to-crease, sternal notch-to-nipple distance | Ensures implants fit your body, proportions, and aesthetic goals |
Surgical Considerations
Breast implant surgery involves several important decisions that affect both the final results and recovery. Your body shape, tissue, and goals help guide the surgical plan, including where the incision goes, how the implant is supported, and how to care for yourself afterward. Understanding these factors can help you make informed choices and prepare for the procedure.
Incision Types
The location of the incision affects both how well the surgeon can place the implant and where scars appear:
- Inframammary: A cut along the breast crease. Provides the surgeon with excellent control and is associated with a lower risk of complications. The scar sits under the breast and usually becomes less noticeable over time.
- Periareolar: A cut around the edge of the areola. Blends naturally with skin color but may slightly increase the risk of capsular contracture. Scar typically fades well but may affect nipple sensation.
- Transaxillary: A cut in the armpit. Leaves no scar on the breast itself. Technically more challenging but useful for patients who want minimal visible scarring.
- Transumbilical (TUBA): A small incision in the navel, used mainly for saline implants. Avoids breast scars but is less common and requires special surgical skill.
Implant Support Techniques
Supporting the implant is important for long-term stability and a balanced appearance:
- Keller Funnel: Helps insert the implant with minimal handling, reducing infection risk.
- Internal Bra / Hammock Suture: Extra sutures inside the breast support the lower part and prevent the implant from moving downward.
- Capsulorrhaphy: Sutures tighten the capsule around the implant to correct asymmetry or displacement.
These methods are especially helpful for patients with thinner tissue or larger implants.
Scarring and Healing
All incisions leave scars, which are initially red and raised but usually fade over several months. Scar appearance depends on incision type, skin quality, genetics, and post-operative care. Keeping the area clean, dry, and protected from sun improves healing and reduces visibility.
Learn more about what to expect after breast augmentation, including recovery timelines, healing tips, and post-surgery care. Read our full guide to recovery and healing.
Potential Risks & Complications
Breast augmentation is generally considered safe, but as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks that patients should understand before deciding to undergo surgery. Being informed allows you to recognise issues early and take steps to minimise them.
- Capsular Contracture: This occurs when the scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant tightens excessively, causing the breast to feel firm, distorted, or sometimes painful. Mild cases may require no intervention, while more severe cases might necessitate surgery to release or remove the capsule. Factors that can influence risk include implant placement, incision location, and infection.
- Implant Rupture: Both saline and silicone implants can rupture, but they present differently. Saline implants deflate quickly and noticeably, allowing easy detection. Silicone implants may rupture silently, meaning the gel remains within the shell and surrounding tissue, often without obvious symptoms. Silent ruptures can only be detected through imaging such as an MRI. Ruptures generally require surgical replacement to maintain symmetry and appearance.
- Asymmetry: No two breasts are perfectly identical, and minor differences in size or shape can occur naturally or as a result of surgery. In some cases, surgeons may use implants of slightly different volumes or shapes, or employ additional techniques to correct asymmetry and achieve a more balanced result.
- Infection or Bleeding: Any surgery carries a risk of infection or bleeding. While uncommon, infections can range from mild to severe and may require antibiotics or additional surgery. Hematomas, which are collections of blood around the implant, can occur post-operatively and may need drainage to prevent complications or scarring.
- Fluid or Blood Buildup (Seroma): Seromas are accumulations of fluid around the implant. They are less common but can occur after surgery, particularly in patients with extensive tissue manipulation. Treatment may involve drainage or observation, depending on the size and severity of the buildup.
- Other Considerations: Additional complications can include changes in nipple or breast sensation, delayed wound healing, implant malposition or rotation, and scarring that may be more pronounced than expected. Long-term, implants may require replacement after 10–15 years due to natural wear, rupture, or changes in breast tissue over time.
While most complications are manageable and relatively uncommon, understanding these risks is essential for realistic expectations and informed decision-making. Close follow-up with your surgeon and adherence to post-operative care instructions significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.
Reducing Risks
Proper preparation before surgery can significantly reduce the risk of infection, poor healing, and other complications:
- Stop Smoking: Nicotine constricts blood vessels and reduces oxygen flow to tissues, which can slow healing and increase the risk of wound complications or implant issues. It’s recommended to stop at least several weeks before and after surgery.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with blood clotting and immune function, potentially increasing bleeding risk and delaying recovery. Reducing or avoiding alcohol in the weeks leading up to surgery helps healing.
- Maintain Good Health: General fitness, a balanced diet, and proper hydration improve your body’s ability to recover. Pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or heart issues, should be well-managed prior to surgery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right breast implant is a careful, individualised process that goes far beyond selecting a cup size. Factors such as your body measurements, tissue characteristics, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals all play a role in determining the most suitable implant type, shape, and profile. Understanding these variables, along with the surgical approach and placement options, helps ensure balanced, proportionate results while minimising potential complications.
To make an informed decision about breast augmentation, it is essential to consult with a qualified medical professional who can assess your unique anatomy and discuss realistic outcomes. Contact our clinic to schedule a comprehensive consultation and explore the options today.
Read more: Breast implants pricing and finance options in Absolute Cosmetic Perth
*The information provided is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or undergoing treatments.
Patient outcomes can vary due to factors such as genetics, diet, age, exercise, lifestyle, weight, and overall health. It’s essential to understand that all invasive surgeries come with inherent risks and require a recovery period and specific care regimen.
Detailed information regarding surgical risks and complications is available on our website, but it is advisable to conduct thorough research and obtain a second opinion to ensure you are able to make an informed decision.
Please note that the information provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice or establish a doctor-patient relationship. Please be advised that surgical outcomes vary, from patient to patient, and comprehensive research is crucial before making any decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What factors determine the best breast implant for me?
The ideal implant depends on your body measurements, breast tissue, skin elasticity, chest width, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Surgeons consider these factors to recommend a type, size, shape, and placement that creates balanced results.
2. What is the difference between saline and silicone implants?
Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater after insertion, allowing smaller incisions and adjustable volume. Silicone implants are pre-filled with gel that mimics natural breast tissue and generally feel softer, though they require larger incisions.
3. How is implant size measured?
Implant size is measured in cubic centimetres (cc), not bra cup size. Volume, diameter (base width), and profile (projection) together determine how the implant will look on your body.
4. What is the difference between round and teardrop (anatomical) implants?
Round implants provide uniform fullness, especially in the upper breast, while teardrop implants mimic the natural slope of the breast, offering more lower-pole volume and a more anatomical shape.
5. What surgical approaches are available for implant placement?
Incisions can be made under the breast (inframammary), around the areola (periareolar), in the armpit (transaxillary), or through the navel (transumbilical, mainly for saline implants). Placement can be above the muscle (subglandular) or below it (submuscular), depending on your anatomy and goals.
6. How do I know what size will suit me?
Surgeons use measurements, sizer implants, 3D imaging, and sometimes home methods like the “rice test” to visualise how different volumes will look on your body. These tools help ensure proportional, natural results.
7. What are the risks of breast implants?
Potential risks include capsular contracture, implant rupture, asymmetry, infection, bleeding, fluid accumulation (seroma), changes in sensation, and the need for replacement after 10–15 years. Close follow-up and proper aftercare reduce risks.
8. Can I breastfeed after getting implants?
Most patients can breastfeed, though implant placement and incision type may impact milk flow. Discuss future pregnancy and breastfeeding plans with your surgeon when choosing implant size and placement.
9. How long do breast implants last?
On average, saline implants last about 5–6 years, and silicone implants last 10–12 years, though many patients keep them longer. Regular monitoring is recommended to detect silent ruptures or changes in position.
10. Why is a consultation important?
A consultation allows your surgeon to review your health, evaluate your anatomy, discuss goals, select appropriate implants, explain surgical techniques, and manage expectations. This step is essential for safe, effective, and satisfying results.
