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One of the most common questions when planning breast augmentation is implant selection. The right implant is one that suits not only the desired appearance but also the chest measurements, the existing breast tissue and the skin structure. Implant selection is therefore an individual decision, determined by combining the measurements taken during examination with the patient’s expectations. In this article we look, for informational purposes, at the three key parameters in implant selection: size, shape and projection.
How Is Size (Volume) Determined?
Implant volume is expressed in millilitres (cc). However, the question “how many cc” has little meaning on its own; the same volume looks very different across different chest widths. When determining size, the width of the chest wall, the amount of existing breast tissue and skin elasticity are taken into account. An implant larger than the chest can accommodate may look less natural and, over time, place pressure on the tissues. The goal is therefore not “as large as possible” but a balanced volume compatible with the individual’s anatomy.
Shape: Round or Teardrop?
Implants come in two basic shapes:
- Round implants: Provide a fuller appearance in the upper pole and generally create a more pronounced décolleté.
- Anatomical (teardrop) implants: Mimic the slope of the natural breast, giving less fullness at the top and more at the bottom.
Which shape is suitable depends on the desired appearance, the amount of existing tissue and the skin structure. Both options have their own advantages and there is no single “better” shape; what matters is choosing the one that suits the individual.
Projection: Forward Protrusion
Projection refers to how far the implant protrudes forward from the chest wall and comes in options such as low, moderate and high. In a patient with a narrow chest, the desired volume may be achieved with a high-projection implant, whereas in a wide chest a lower projection may look more natural. Projection is a parameter that must be considered together with size and shape.
The Placement Plane Also Affects the Choice
Whether the implant is placed under the muscle or under the tissue also affects the appearance and the implant choice. Different approaches may be preferred in patients with sufficient tissue cover versus those with thin skin or little tissue. All these decisions are planned together after examination and measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cc is right for me?
There is no single “correct cc”; the suitable volume is determined during examination according to your chest measurements, tissue and expectations. The same cc value looks different on different people.
Do teardrop implants always look more natural?
Although teardrop implants mimic the natural slope, they do not guarantee a “more natural” result in every patient. Naturalness depends on how well the implant matches the patient’s anatomy, not on shape alone.
Do we finalise the implant choice before surgery?
Size, shape and projection are planned with measurements during examination; in some cases a final assessment is made during surgery using sizer implants.
For detailed information about breast augmentation and implant options, please see our breast augmentation page, or make an appointment for a personal assessment via our contact page.
This article is for informational purposes only; a physician examination is required for diagnosis and treatment. Suitable choices and results vary from person to person.
Written by: Op. Dr. Yahya Melih Işık — Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (Kayseri, Türkiye). His education, residency thesis and scientific publication are listed on the academic profile page.
How this content is prepared, which sources are used and how it is updated is explained in our editorial policy. For questions and appointments, see contact.
