Is 550 cc mentor silicone moderate plus too large for me? (Photo)

Your breasts have asymmetrical volume, shape and
position.Implants only change volume
not shape or position.You need your
breasts lifted more than augmented.You
have not told us your breast size but you look large.I am not sure an implant is indicated in your
case. I recommend a new technique called
The Horndeski Method™.The breast tissue
is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and
more medial to increase your cleavage.Aligning the areola and breast tissue over the bony prominence of the
chest wall maximizes anterior projection without the use of implants.This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars
of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to
breast feed.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Your nipples point straight down, the right one more than the left.  In this situation, no matter what size breast implant you put in, your breast will look abnormal, and over time will droop even more.Please revisit your Board Certified plastic surgeon and discuss the possibility of a lift along with your breast implants.  As far as sizing is concerned, without goal pictures and without trying on various size implants, it will be very difficult for both you and your plastic surgeon to be on the same page with reference to the size of implants desired.  The letters A, B, C and D have different meanings depending on who you talk to, where you get your breasts sized, where you buy your bras from, and unfortunately, sometimes who does the sizing of your breast since this process is very inconsistent.  I would recommend that both you and your Board Certified plastic surgeon agree on the number of ccs in the implant you want as opposed to some ill defined letter.

Personally, I think 550 cc's is one large side.  It also appears that you would benefit from a lift as well.  Your nipples are too low and implants alone won't look right.

It all depends on your measurements.  Is the 550cc moderate plus width appropriate for your chest?  More importantly, have you discussed the downward pointing nipples with your surgeon?  that will not be changed by implants alone.

I think breast augmentation and lift will produce the best result.  I would try on sizers in the office so that you have a better idea of what you will have.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Hello,You have not tried on any sizers, nor have you presented him with any goal photos. You've just told him a cup size you desire.  Good communication is the foundation for a satisfactory result, and I believe you have not established much communication at all. We say over and over on Realself that cup sizes cannot be reliably obtained, due to the variation in the bra industry and the uncertainty in how your breast will be shaped and sized by an implant.  So really your doctor is just taking a stab in the dark. Just because it doesn't bother him doesn't mean it shouldn't concern you. You need to give your surgeon more information (sizers and/or goal photos).You will also need a breast lift; breast implants alone will not make you happy.  This was not mentioned, but I hope this is part of the plan.  Performing an augmentation and breast lift simultaneously is a complex operation that requires skill and experience to obtain consistently good results, and an acceptably low risk of complications.  Being 'board certified', even if it is the right one (American Board of Plastic Surgery), doesn't ensure that the surgeon is really great at this operation.  Surgeon membership with the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and a focus on complex and revision breast surgery will give you the best chance of a great outcome.Don't rush into this so quickly.  Do more homework for your sake!Best of luck!

Based on your photo, you definitely need to think about adding a breast lift (mastopexy) to your augmentation. If you have an augmentation alone, regardless of implant size, you will not likely obtain the look you're seeking, especially the upper pole roundness that you mentioned. You would end up with larger breasts that are still droopy and low, without upper pole roundness. There are different types of lifts that can be added to a breast augmentation, with different types of scars. Scars usually fade and become fairly inconspicuous with time, however. Please don't let concerns about scars stop you from doing the procedures needed to give you the shape and size you want. In addition, the breast lift will allow you to obtain nice upper pole fullness or roundness without a large implant. Using a somewhat smaller implant will slow down the drooping process going forward. Discuss the possibility of adding a lift with your surgeon. My office is in Orange, very close to you, in case you'd like to learn more. Good luck!

PoppySpring,These are great questions to ask! Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I keep implant sizers in my office so that my patients can get a sense of what to expect. Implant size is different for every patient and the ultimate choice comes down to the consultation you had with your plastic surgeon.If you have concerns about the size, I would schedule another visit with your plastic surgeon before the operation to make sure you are on the same page. In addition, based on your photos, you may need a lift in addition to just implant augmentation. Perhaps you can bring this up as well.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic and Reconstructive SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

Thank you for the question.  Based on your photograph, I wonder if you will do well with breast augmentation surgery alone or would a breast lift be indicated as well. I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals with your plastic surgeon. I would not suggest that you simply rely on his “better judgment”;  his “judgment” may be very different than what you are visualizing.  It is critical to be on the same page prior to proceeding. 
Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery (regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully.  Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals  with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining  breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as  “too large” or "C or D cup”or “proportionate”, for example may mean different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate. Again, best not to discuss your goals and/or judge the outcome of the procedure performed based on achieving a specific cup size. The use of pre operative computer imaging may be very helpful. 
 3.  Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly,  allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals.  Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery. I generally select appropriate breast implant size/profile after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers and viewing the patient's chest in the upright and supine positions.
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns), helps.

Your main concern should be the shape of your breast not the size. You did not mention a lift procedure which is critical for you to consider when performing your augmentation; otherwise your breasts will continue to look oblong and tubular rather than round. How large an implant your chest can tolerate is determined by your breast implant diameter which must fit on your chest.