What Is Breast Implant Projection? Your Definitive Guide to Sizing and Profile

The decision to undergo breast augmentation involves careful research and understanding a lot of new terms. If you’re wondering, what is breast implant projection?, think about it as one of the factors that affect how your breasts will look after surgery.

Understanding Breast Implant Projection: What It Actually Means

Breast implant projection refers to how far the implant sticks out from the chest. Simply put, projection affects how much your breasts pop out or how perky they appear.

Projection is the distance from the back of the implant (against your chest) to its highest point in the front. Projection makes a big difference in the overall shape more than volume alone. Even minor changes in projection can significantly alter the final look

If you’re researching breast implant projection, you’ll see that it directly relates to the profile of the implant. For example, an implant with a narrow base needs more projection to reach the same volume. That’s why projection and profile are discussed together during your consultation with Dr. Trevor Brooks at Essentials Medi Spa.

Projection Versus Base Width and Volume

Volume (measured in cubic centimetres or cc) refers to the overall size of the implant. The base width is the diameter across the bottom of the implant. Breast implant projection is how far it extends forward, or its height. These three measurements work together to determine your breast shape. 

When you choose implants, you’re not just choosing a size. You're also choosing a shape based on these three factors that best fits your body’s natural proportions, especially your natural breast footprint and chest width.

For example, two implants can have the same volume (e.g., 350cc), but look totally different. A wider implant will have less projection, giving a flatter, more dispersed look. A narrower implant will have higher projection, creating a fuller, rounder shape.  Each breast has a set base width, which should not change, but with a change in projection at this fixed width, we arrive at the number of ccs.

Dr. Brooks will talk about these differences using profile categories to help determine the look you want.

Profile Categories: Turning Numbers into Shape

Implants are generally grouped into different profiles and the terminology will differ between manufacturers, but follow something like:  Moderate Classic profile, Moderate Plus profile, Moderate Plus Xtra profile, High Profile, High Xtra profile, and Ultra High. Mentor has 6 different profiles, and this brand is the one Dr. Brooks uses 99% of the time. 

Understanding these categories will help you know what breast implant projection means for your final look.

Classic Profile

Lower projection implants generally have a wider base and, therefore, they project the least. These are ideal for patients who want a subtle, natural-looking result. They add a little contour with a wider appearance, distributing the volume across a broader surface area.

Moderate Plus and Moderate Plus Xtra Projection Profiles

Moderate profiles are the most popular because they balance base width and projection. They give noticeable enhancement without appearing too augmented. Moderate plus adds slightly more projection while keeping proportions natural. These profiles tend to create the “just right” look many people want.  The Xtra in all the profiles means that the upper pole, aka the top roundness of the breast above the nipple, will have more fullness.  

High Projection Profile

High projection implants create the most projection forward. They provide a more prominent, augmented shape for those who want a fuller appearance. 

Choosing the Right Projection 

Choosing the right projection depends on your body and isn’t just based on looks. During your consultation, Dr. Brooks will take detailed measurements of your existing breast width, skin elasticity, and nipple position. He’ll recommend the base width and multiple projection levels that will best fit your frame, safely, to achieve your desired look.

From there, Dr. Brooks will discuss which projection (Moderate Classic profile, Moderate Plus profile, Moderate Plus Xtra profile, High Profile, High Xtra profile, and Ultra High) will achieve your desired shape within that range. His goal is to make your breasts look natural with a beautiful shape. 

Profile Type	Base Width	Projection	Outcome
Low	Widest relative to volume	Minimum forward extension	Subtle, wide, natural, spread-out fullness
Moderate	Balanced, average	Balanced forward shape	Natural, proportional enhancement
High	Narrowest relative to volume	Maximum forward extension	Prominent, round, focused, augmented shape

Ultimately, your goal in researching breast implant projection should be to secure a predictable and balanced result for breast augmentation. 

In consultation with Dr. Brooks, you can choose the right option for your unique anatomy.

FAQs

1. Does high projection mean higher volume? 

Yes, when comparing implants using the same base width, but remember Volume (cc) and projection (height) are different measurements. Two implants can have the same volume, but one may be low profile (wider and flatter) while the other is high profile (narrower and projects out more). Projection defines the shape, not the total volume.

2. How does Dr. Brooks measure projection? Dr. Brooks will measure a patient's chest width, skin elasticity, and breast footprint using a tape measure similar to a tailor’s. Each implant’s projection is measured in millimetres (distance from back to front) by the manufacturer.

3. Does projection affect incision size? Incision size is kept shorter with the use of a Keller Funnel.

Learn more about breast implant projection during a breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Trevor Brooks at Essentials Medi Spa.

Book your consultation now!