If you have a petite frame, you may be wondering whether breast augmentation is appropriate for you. Breast augmentation is an option for any body type, whether you’re short, tall, voluptuous or slim. The key to getting the type of result you want is making wise choices about your surgery.
Breast augmentation with Dr Ellis Choy is not a cookie-cutter procedure. Every woman is different, so Dr Choy tailors his approach to the unique needs of each patient. Petite women seeking breast enhancement have several options available and a qualified, experienced specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Choy will make sure you find a suitable one for you. Here is some helpful information to assist you in the decision-making process.
First, Get to Know Your Body Type
These days, many women prefer having a natural look to their breast augmentation, but they still want to see a noticeable difference in their appearance. Petite breast augmentation can enhance your profile but not be overpowering.
To balance your desired size increase with other aesthetic and anatomical factors, Dr Choy will consider:
- Your body type
- Your height
- Your weight
- Your shoulder, chest and hip dimensions
- How much natural breast tissue you have
- Your skin elasticity
- Your lifestyle and activity levels
When performing breast augmentation for Asian patients and other petite women, there is often less natural tissue and surface area for the surgeon to work with. Very petite patients may lack any natural shape or volume of their own.
If You’re Interested in Breast Implants…
Consider the Profile and Diameter
The implant that looks good on a woman with broad shoulders or a wider chest may not suit a woman with smaller shoulders or a narrow chest. Generally, an implant with a low profile (meaning it does not project far from the chest wall) and a wider diameter will take up more ‘real estate’ on the chest. For petite women, this can lead to the breasts looking squeezed together, oversized laterally or too heavy.
Moderate or high profile implants that project farther from the chest wall and have a smaller diameter may suit the frame of a petite woman better. This style of implant allows petite women to achieve a noticeable volume increase without overwhelming the chest area.
Consider the Shape
Women who are slimmer, shorter and have a low body mass index typically have petite breasts to match their petite frame. In some cases, they have little or no natural shape and volume in the breast mound. Dr Choy often sees this with his Asian clientele.
For flat-chested patients, teardrop implants may be desirable. Teardrop implants retain their shape and position better than saline implants due to their cohesive gel filling, making them more suitable for creating shape and volume when there is little to begin with.
Consider the Position
Breast implants can be placed under the chest muscle or over the muscle. Many petite women have little natural chest tissue to cover the implants, which can make the implants look obvious when they are placed over the muscle. Placing the implants under the muscle provides more coverage for small-framed women and may give a more natural-looking result.
Dr Choy often recommends the dual-plane approach, in which the implant is placed partially under the chest muscle, for Asian breast augmentation patients and other petite women. This technique softens the transition between the implant and the breast tissue, which creates a more natural-appearing outcome.
Consider the Volume
Remember that size is relative. 350 cc implants on a curvy body will look different than 350 cc implants on a slender or athletic body. It’s important to focus on the look you prefer, rather than fixating on the implant volume or a bra size. You cannot judge implants based on numbers alone. Small breast implants can go a long way on a petite frame because it is the implant size in relation to the chest size that ultimately matters.
If You’re Not Interested in Breast Implants…
Consider Fat Grafting
Fat grafting, also called fat transfer or natural breast augmentation, can be an option for some women seeking a modest increase in breast size. During a fat grafting breast augmentation, Dr Choy removes fat from an area of the body, then transfers it to the breasts to improve volume and shape. This technique is a consideration for women who do not want foreign material in their body and who wish to have less scarring on their breasts.
Breast fat grafting can achieve a soft, subtle look that often suits a smaller frame. Women who are looking for a size increase of one cup or less are the best candidates for a natural breast augmentation.
Contact Our Sydney Plastic Surgeon
Dr Ellis Choy has performed breast augmentation procedures on women of all sizes. His experience and patient-centred approach make him a highly regarded specialist plastic surgeons in the Sydney area. If you are a petite woman considering breast enhancement, let Dr Choy help you make informed decisions about what is right for you. You may reach the doctor’s offices on 02 8962 9388 or book online to schedule your consultation.
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