How Do I Choose a Breast Implant That’s Right for My Body?

Choosing a breast implant feels overwhelming at first. Patients walk into consultations having seen countless before-and-after photos online, armed with terminology they half-understand and a mental image of what they want. The reality is that implant selection involves several interconnected decisions, and the right combination looks different for everybody. 

Dr. Ozan Sozer at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery guides patients through each variable with over 20 years of board-certified experience, helping them make choices grounded in their anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.

Here is what actually goes into choosing an implant.

Silicone vs. Saline: Understanding the Core Difference

The two primary implant materials each carry distinct characteristics.

Silicone implants contain a cohesive gel that closely mimics the feel of natural breast tissue. Most patients and surgeons consider them the more natural-feeling option, and they tend to hold their shape well over time. They require a slightly longer incision for placement.

Saline implants fill with sterile saltwater after insertion, which allows for a smaller incision. They feel firmer than silicone, and if a saline implant ruptures, the body absorbs the solution safely. Some patients also prefer the peace of mind that a deflation makes the issue immediately visible.

For women with adequate natural breast tissue, both options can produce beautiful results. For women with less tissue coverage, silicone often provides a more seamless look.

Size: Thinking Beyond Cup Size

Cup size varies by bra manufacturer and tells Dr. Sozer very little about implant selection. Instead, the conversation centers on volume measured in cubic centimeters (cc), and more importantly, on how that volume relates to your existing chest width.

Implant size should match your base width, the natural measurement across your breast from one side to the other. Choosing an implant wider than your base can push tissue toward the armpit or create an unnatural appearance. Choosing one too narrow may leave the cleavage area looking underfilled.

During consultation, Dr. Sozer uses VECTRA 3D imaging to help you visualize what different implant types will look like on your body. 

Profile: How Far the Implant Projects

The profile describes how much an implant projects forward from the chest wall relative to its width. Options typically range from low to moderate to high profile.

• Low-profile implants spread wider and project less, suiting patients with a broader chest frame
• Moderate profile implants offer a balanced option for many body types
• High profile implants project more forward with a narrower base, working well for patients with a narrower chest or those who want more pronounced projection

The right profile depends on your measurements and the look you want to achieve, not on a universal standard.

Implant Placement: Above or Below the Muscle

Dr. Sozer places implants either above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or beneath it (submuscular). Each approach suits a different anatomy.

Placement beneath the muscle generally provides better coverage for patients with less natural tissue and produces a softer upper pole that looks more natural over time. Placement above the muscle may suit patients who already have substantial tissue coverage or those who want a more immediate, rounded appearance.

Shape: Round vs. Anatomical

Round implants remain the most commonly chosen option. They add fullness throughout the breast, particularly in the upper pole, and rotation does not affect their appearance.

Anatomical implants, sometimes called teardrop implants, taper toward the top and project more at the bottom to mimic a natural breast slope. They suit patients who prefer a subtler, more natural contour.

The Most Important Step: A Thorough Consultation

No online quiz or sizing guide replaces an in-person evaluation. Dr. Sozer reviews your measurements, existing tissue, skin laxity, and your lifestyle before recommending an approach. Patients who arrive with photos of results they admire give him useful reference points, but the final recommendation always comes back to what works specifically for your anatomy.

If you are ready to start that conversation, contact El Paso Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sozer.

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning more about choosing breast implants? Schedule a consultation at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery in El Paso, TX, today by calling or texting (915) 351-1116.