Purpose: Careful planning of augmentation mammoplasty technical components is essential to ensure optimal outcomes. Implant size and shape selection is an important component when planning. There have been many descriptions of implant size selection; however, little is mentioned concerning the patient's desired breast shape after augmentation. A classification of breast shape to improve communication and set realistic expectations with breast augmentation results was proposed.

Methods: A breast shape classification was created. 1: Appears “natural” - no superior pole fullness. 2: “Natural” - mild superior pole fullness. 3: Less “natural” - moderate superior pole fullness. 4: Very round and significant superior pole fullness. 5: Round and maximal superior pole fullness. The classification was used during 30 patient initial consultations. A survey was conducted postoperatively (mean F/U = 8 months; range 6m-1yr).

Results: Patients found the classification to be extremely helpful during consultation. Classification was rated 9.3/10 (1-least to 10-most helpful) for developing realistic expectations. Correlation between preoperative and postoperative goals was rated as 9.2/10 (1-Not close to 10-Extremely close).

Conclusion: Use of breast shape classification has helped communicate better with patients undergoing augmentation regarding desired shape and has been an extremely helpful tool during initial consultation in setting realistic goals.