Considering Large Breast Implants? When can “Big” be “Too Big”?

The stock market has often been compared to hemlines. When skirt hemlines are rising so is the market, and as hem lines fall goes the Dow Jones market index. With the recovery and rise of the stock market since 2008, we have seen hemlines in skirts and shorts as high as they can go. Confidence is on the rise, but not just in hemlines. It seems that the size of breast implants might also be tied to our emergence from the Great Recession.

If we look at our trendsetting West Coast, the high profile breast implant has taken center stage, with common implant volumes of 500cc and more. Mentor has even released a new breast implant, the Ultra High Profile which can put the most volume on the smallest of chests. In the late 90’s, it seemed that a 270cc to 360cc, round, smooth, lower to moderate profile implant, would give wonderful results for almost anyone. With the prosperity of that time came implant inflation with Bay Watch and Pamela Anderson. The following decade resulted in the implant decline of 2000’s with the silicone gel implant moratorium. As the size of implants and interest in them fell back, by 2008 the market came to rest at a new low as well. Now with an increasing interest in higher profile breast implants, we are again at an implant ‘high’ and the worry is that implants and indeed the current markets have gotten a bit ahead of themselves.

High profile breast implants do have an important role in breast augmentation, though there are arguments against them. There are thoughts that they may have a higher risk of complications such as bottoming out, thinning and stretching of the breast, and showing through the breast tissue. Difficulty arises too when considering breast shape and symmetry. In our suburban Chicago practice, we focus on a ‘natural look’, though in some areas this goal may refer to an implant look, or a very full look, a ’higher’ breast look, or even a fake look. There is nothing wrong with a high profile implant if the choice is carefully made, but be careful what you ask for if you are only following the trend. When markets are high, hems are very short, and implants are large, euphoria can be replaced with regret. Caution is key.

Remember that as you consider breast size, think of your investment in good looks over years. Be as big as you want to be, but only as big as you are meant to be. The fit and proportion should last a lifetime. Stay true to yourself, and remember that other peoples choices are just that and trends don’t need to be followed. Implant sizes and dimensions require skill and judgment that we feel only a surgeon should make. What implant you will need for breast augmentation is determined by a careful assessment of your particular breast and chest size, shape, and breast tissue. Even the breast skin envelope and position of the nipple and breast fold will influence your augmentation. Photos of what you like and what you wish for are an excellent tool to help us get your augmentation just right. A picture is worth a thousand words, and far better ones than “natural”.

The stock market is now at a four year high, and implants are bigger than ever. Many large breast implants came out with the last big market correction, and we just might be headed for another fiscal cliff. This is a great time for those considering breast augmentation to choose a safe “buy and hold” approach. Find a look you can enjoy for a lifetime, ups and downs and you will have made a very good investment in yourself, even when the next bubble bursts.