How to choose the right implant, shape and size

You may be researching and talking to others about their breast augmentation while trying to understand all your options. There are a few important aspects to consider. Are you a good candidate? What are the best options for you?

Cosmetic surgery is a personal choice and should be right for you. If you are doing it to meet someone else’s expectations, to look like someone else or to try to fit an ideal image, it is unlikely to meet your expectations.

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape and contour of women’s breasts. For some women this procedure is a way to gain more confidence; however, it is important to understand this surgery will enhance the physical features already existing on a woman and that ‘perfection’ is not possible.

The best place to begin is by having an honest conversation with yourself.

  • What are you hoping to achieve with your new breast implants? Confidence? Sex appeal? Self-esteem? New look, new you?
  • What size are you looking for? How might this impact your activities?
  • Do you mind if people can tell you have implants or do you want them to look as believable as possible?
  • Timing. When you would like your newly shaped breasts?

Then you need to get properly informed. MINKST knows from many years of experience and thousands of patient experiences, that patients who fully understand the procedure make better choices and are more likely to have their expectations met or exceeded.

During your comprehensive consultation, your MINKST surgeon will discuss:

  • Shape of breast implant
  • Surface of breast implant
  • Profile of breast implant
  • Breast Implant size
  • Breast Implant placement
  • Breast Incision site
  • If a breast lift is required for optimal results
  • Risks and complications involved in the surgery

We are able to source a number of implant brands, different textures, profiles and sizes. If you have a specific look you want to achieve, your surgeon will provide you with the options for the above that will suit the look you are going for and that suits your body type.

Shape of breast implant

There are 2 types of breast implant shapes to choose from; Round or Teardrop.

Round Implants

Round implants are the most common breast implant shape used for cosmetic breast augmentation. Round and teardrop implants both come in varying degrees of projections and sizes.The shape of a smooth implant is always round, because the implant may rotate within the breast pocket and as they are round, this is not noticeable. Round implants tend to fill out the upper pole of the breast more than teardrop implants. This creates greater and more obvious “cleavage,” which is a popular choice.

Tear Drop Breast Implants

Teardrop implants feature a shape that is designed to mimic the appearance of a natural breast. This type of implant has an asymmetric shape, with a thin upper area that gently slopes into a more full, round base. The majority of the implant’s volume occurs in its lower portion.

Profile of implant

The implant profile is the “stickyoutness” – the distance the implant projects from your chest. For both round and teardrop implants there are typically there are 4 different profile options:

Your desired outcome (and what your natural breasts look like) will determine the best implant profile for you. During your consultation with MINKST you will have the opportunity to try on different implant profiles to determine what is best for your desired outcome. You can also use our FREE 3D implant simulation technology to get a better idea of your likely results and see if it is what you are hoping for!

Breast implant surface

There are 2 main types of breast implant surfaces available; smooth and textured.

Smooth: This type of implant doesn’t attach to the breast tissue. It causes less rippling and therefore may suit thinner women better than textured.

Textured: The slightly roughened surface is designed to adhere in place, to reduce complications related to implant slippage. If you choose teardrop implants then they will be textured as this surface will reduce the chance of implant movement and all teardrop implants are textured.

Implant size

This can be possibly the most confusing decision! The right size implant will depend on 2 things; your desired outcome and the size of your chest and breasts.

There may be some limitations with size, so your MINKST surgeon will ensure you choose the best size to reduce risks and complications whilst also ensuring your desired outcome.

Implant placement

Implant placement refers to where the implants are placed in relation to your breast tissue, muscle and skin.

There are 3 options:

  • Under the muscle placement: implant is placed behind the pectoral muscles and the breast tissue
  • Over the muscle placement: implant is placed in front of the pectoral muscles and behind the breast tissue
  • Dual plane placement: implants are placed half under, half in front of the pectoral muscles

There are pros and cons to each placement and one is not better than another for all patients. Your MINKST surgeon will be able to advise you which placement will be best for you and why so you can make an informed decision.


Get started below, to start your MINKST journey and get a free 3D Simulation of your potential surgery outcome.

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