If you’ve started researching breast augmentation, you’ve probably noticed quite a few new terms popping up throughout your reading. Understanding what these terms mean can go a long way in helping you understand your breast enhancement options, as well as clearly communicate your goals and preferences to your plastic surgeon.
To help you get started, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most common breast augmentation terms and what they mean.
Upper Pole Fullness
“Upper pole fullness” refers to how much volume or roundness is present in the upper portion of the breast, above the nipple. Some women prefer a softer, more gradual slope in this area, while others want a fuller, more rounded look. Upper pole fullness is influenced by implant size, profile, placement and your natural anatomy and is an important term to understand so you can accurately let your surgeon know how much fullness you prefer in this area of the breast.
Lower Pole
The lower pole is the lower half of the breast, below the nipple. This area plays a major role in creating a natural breast shape. A well-balanced lower pole gives the breast a gentle curve and helps to avoid a tight or artificial appearance. Surgeons often focus on preserving or enhancing the lower pole so the breast looks proportionate and soft rather than overly firm.
Implant Profile
“Implant profile” describes how much the implant projects forward from the chest wall. Profiles are typically described as low, moderate or high. A high-profile implant projects outward the most, relative to the base, while a low-profile implant projects the least.
Choosing the right breast implant profile helps to match the implant to your body frame and desired look, especially when it comes to achieving the desired amount of cleavage and upper pole fullness.
Breast Base Width
Breast base width is the measurement of the natural width of your breast where it meets the chest wall. This measurement is critical because it helps to determine which implant sizes and profiles will best fit your anatomy for a seamless, natural look. An implant that’s too wide or too narrow for your base width, for example, can lead to unnatural results or complications.
Breast Pocket
The breast pocket is the space your surgeon creates to place the implant. Its size, shape and position all influence how the implant settles and looks over time. A carefully planned breast pocket helps to ensure the implant sits correctly, moves naturally and maintains long-term symmetry.
Breast Crease
The breast crease, also called the inframammary fold, is the natural line where the breast meets the chest. This is important during breast enhancement surgery because it helps to guide implant placement and incision location. Maintaining or subtly adjusting the breast crease can achieve a more natural-looking result.
Drop and Fluff
“Drop and fluff” refers to the process that happens after breast augmentation as implants settle into their final position. Early on, implants often sit higher on the chest and feel firmer. Over time, they gradually drop into the breast pocket and soften, creating a more natural shape and softer feel. This process can take several months and is completely normal.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you still have questions about your breast augmentation options or the vocabulary that comes along with them, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 916-983-9895 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced breast enhancement surgeons.
