520cc Mentor saline implant compared to a 560cc Mentor saline implant: how big of a difference would it make? (Photos)

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this:
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

It is fairly difficult to notice this volumetric amount other than a little more upper pole fullness. My patients bring a few garments with them to the exam so that they can actually see how the sizers look under a tight sweater, bathing suit, blouse, work-out tops, and clothes they wear most often. I would recommend that you go with the size that boosts your self-esteem, and fits your anatomy. Choosing an implant based on an aesthetic goal that exceeds your anatomic capacity may lead to complications and possibly revision. Recommend you discuss the differences in rippling and feel among silicone and saline implants.  Based upon his/her credentials, trust your surgeon to make the best decision regarding size in the OR when the implants are placed.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

40 cc's equals just a little less than 3 tablespoons, so they won't make a big difference. Review the pro's and con's of saline versus silicone on my web page. If cost is not the issue, note that 80% of women today select silicone over saline mostly due to their more natural feel. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon and view many before and after pictures. Good luck!

the difference of 40cc is slightly more than 1 oz.  Assuming that both choices  are the round saline implant and not the teardrop shaped saline implant, the 40cc would likely give you a slightly larger upper pole fullness.  (very slight)  Saline implants are an older technology.  Is your PS board certified? Is he/she  recommending saline due to price considerations? Ask about warranties and rupture rates.Some surgeons will "overfill" a saline implant, so I think you need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon on why they are recommending saline, and what your expectations are for outcome  on how your breasts will look when you are not wearing a bra.

Thank you for the question and pictures.   A 40 cc difference in breast implant volume MAY create a noticeable difference in outcome,  depending mainly on the patient's specific anatomic starting point and personal goals.


My very general advice in this regard:  utilize breast implants only as big as necessary to "make you happy" long-term,  without having the most common regret ( "I wish I was bigger"). Again, generally speaking, smaller breast implants tend to "wear" better over the longer term.


My best advice: more communication.


It is definitely worth spending more time (prior to the date of surgery) with your plastic surgeon to discuss further.  As you know, it will be important for many reasons, that you feel comfortable that you and your plastic surgeon are 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 the morning yes thank you 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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "full C or small D cup" or "too large" etc means 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, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.


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, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

you will barely be able to see the difference. i would also suggest that you go with silicone implants since you have small breasts and not much fat. The silicone will feel more natural and are less likely to ripple. i would also suggest you go with the 520 cc since you are small breasted and that will be a very large increase and the surgeon has to be able to close the incision!!make sure that you see a board certified PS and not just anybody that calls themselves a "cosmetic surgeon" since that means they are definitely NOT a plastic surgeon.david berman md