While larger breast implants (such as 550cc) are not typical in most augmentation procedures due to higher risks, they can be ideal for select patients with the right anatomical features. This case illustrates how careful planning, surgical precision, and patient selection can yield safe, balanced, and aesthetically pleasing outcomes.
Patient Profile: A Great Candidate for Larger Implants
This patient had several key characteristics that made her a suitable candidate for 550cc implants:
- Excellent skin elasticity
- A good volume of natural breast tissue
- No prior breast surgeries
- Broad shoulders
- Low-positioned breasts (“low-breasted”)
These features allowed me to opt for a higher-volume implant without compromising long-term results or increasing risk unreasonably.
Surgical Plan & Technique
Implant Type & Placement
We used 550cc Mentor silicone implants, placed under the muscle (submuscular plane). Because she was low-breasted, placing the implant under the muscle helped achieve a smooth and elegant upper breast slope.
Dual Plane Technique
To optimise implant coverage and enhance natural-looking results, I performed a dual plane technique. This allowed the lower part of the implant to be well covered by natural breast tissue, reducing the risk of “waterfall deformity”, where the breast tissue droops over the implant.
Precise Pocket Creation
With carefully designed implant pockets, we achieved instant breast lift-off. This ensures ideal implant position, symmetry, and long-lasting results.
Results
The final result:
- Fullness restored to the upper breast pole
- Robust and round lower breast contour
- The nipple elevated naturally for an overall balanced, feminine look
The entire transformation took just 60 minutes under general anaesthesia, performed as a day case surgery.
Aftercare
Post-operatively, the patient will:
- Wear a surgical bra for 6 weeks
- Use a compression band for upper pole control during early healing
These measures help the implants settle properly and maintain ideal positioning.
Results to Follow
Stay tuned! We will be sharing before-and-after photos on our official Instagram page soon.
Interested in Your Own Transformation?
Get in touch via our Contact Page to book a consultation or ask any questions.
FAQs
- Why are larger implants less commonly used?
- Larger implants increase the risk of complications such as tissue thinning, stretch, and implant malposition. Therefore, they are reserved for patients with anatomy that can support them.
- What makes someone a good candidate for 550cc implants?
- Excellent skin elasticity, adequate natural breast tissue, no history of breast surgery, and anatomical features like broad shoulders and low-set breasts.
- What is the dual plane technique?
- This technique allows the top of the implant to sit under the chest muscle while the bottom sits under the breast tissue, offering natural results and reducing certain complications.
- How long does the procedure take?
- The surgery typically lasts around 60 minutes and is performed under general anaesthesia as a day case.
- What is the recovery process like?
- Patients wear a surgical bra for 6 weeks and may use a compression band to control implant position during early healing for optimal results.
A Complex Case of Augmentation Mastopexy: From Boxy to Beautiful
