Implant exchange- 450 High Profile Saline to 560 Silicone Mentor Xtra Moderate Plus. Will I get the look I'm hoping for? (Photo)

Question

I currently have 425cc filled to 450cc high profile saline implants that are almost 2 years old. I am having to have surgery for capsular contracture (right implant). I decided to switch from HP saline to silicone as I want a fuller breast on the bottom, rather than the upper pole. Plastic surgeon said 560cc Mentor Xtra Mod plus would be a good fit, as I don’t want to completely give up all cleavage. Will the Xtra give me the fuller bottom breast? Or should I go with regular mentor implant?

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Sarah,   Thanks for posting your picture, though a side view picture , bilaterally, would have been helpful.From observing your picture you appear to have capsule contracture on the right, excessive upper pole fullness (no natural slope) and level 2 ptosis.    I believe that the breasts look that you are looking for is perky breasts with nice cleavage and natural upper pole slope. You do not need larger implants, unless you want bigger breasts.       You do not need to replace the saline implant at all. I have been in practice for over 32 years and performed breasts augmentation surgery on thousands of patients using exclusively smooth, round, moderate profile saline implants . I also replace many silicone implants with saline implants to the delight of my patients.   To obtain your desired look , you need 2 maneuvers:1. Complete, bilateral capsulotomy (scar release ). This will give you soft breasts with nice cleavage and nice natural upper pole slope.2. Mini lift procedure (donut, Benelli) . This will give you beautiful perky breasts and nicer cleavage with a very natural look.    Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures of redo breasts augmentation with mini lift in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive.                                Best of luck,                                                Dr Widder

Donald R. Revis Jr, MD · Answer

Good morning!I believe the XHPs sound like an excellent choice for you- patients love them!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You are having problems with capsular contracture and bottoming out.  450 cc implants weigh 1 lb each and larger implants will weigh even more.  The added weight will cause further descent and make it more difficult for the skin envelope to hold up your breasts.  To cure capsular contracture I recommend explantation and lift using The Bellesoma Method.  The implants are removed, your breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained, if not injured during your previous surgery.  Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.  Implants are not lifetime devices.  8% fail within the first year and 30% fail within six years.  Fat transfers are permanent and incorporated into the body.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sarahalderete,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Milind K. Ambe, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photo.  Yes switching the implant style and profile will help but you also need pocket reconstruction and release of scar tissue on both breasts to achieve a better aesthetic result.  Make sure you are going to a board certified plastic surgeon who performs a lot of revision breast surgeries for this procedure.  Best of luck to you.

Implant exchange- 450 High Profile Saline to 560 Silicone Mentor Xtra Moderate Plus. Will I get the look I'm hoping for? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Switching implants

Answer: Switching implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

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Implant exchange- 450 High Profile Saline to 560 Silicone Mentor Xtra Moderate Plus. Will I get the look I'm hoping for? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Implant size and type

Answer: Switching implants

Answer: Switching implants

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Revision

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.