Should implants be within 1cm of bwd? I'm getting mentor high profile saline implants. I'm 13.5bwd, 36 chest, 5'8 (Photo)

Question

I trust my PS fully, but don't want to keep pestering him with my millions of questions. He's been so patient and answered everything. I was looking at the sizing chart & noticed the implant is smaller than the 1cm difference. Will this size still work? Saline high profile 420 filled to 500cc. I may want the next size up (due to boob greed), but I know that creates more chance of rippling etc. please help. I think I measured 21.5 or 27.5 pretty sure it was 21.5 from collar bone to nipple.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

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

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not correlate with bra cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory (e.g, implant type, incision, placement, lift, etc). I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Preoperative sizing and sizer options is sometimes helpful, if you are able. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant for your breast width. I encourage you to discuss all of your questions and concerns with your surgeon.  Be sure that you feel comfortable with the same plan and to ensure that your expectations are met.  Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and pictures. Although I understand your desire to seek more information online, keep in mind that you will need to feel comfortable that you have communicated your goals, questions, concerns directly with your plastic surgeon (most of us do not consider this "pestering" given that it is a "big deal" to everyone involved. There are many factors besides breast width dimensions that come into play when it comes to selecting the appropriate breast implant size/profile.  These measurements do not necessarily have to be within 1 cm of the breast implant dimension. My best suggestion: spend more time with your plastic surgeon communicating your goals/questions/concerns very carefully.  After doing so, hopefully you will feel more comfortable trusting your plastic surgeon to make good decisions on your behalf. Best wishes.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photographs.  It sounds as if you are happy with your plastic surgeon and that they have spent a lot of time answering your questions and providing reassurance.  Though selecting the appropriate implant size is an exciting part of the breast augmentation process, trust that those selected by you, with the appropriate input from your surgeon, are the best for your expectations.  Good luck with your surgery!

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

The 1cm +/- is not a hard and fast rule. I would discuss it with your surgeon as he/she knows your case better than anyone on this site; it is not a bother - these are important questions to have answered *before* surgery

Should implants be within 1cm of bwd? I'm getting mentor high profile saline implants. I'm 13.5bwd, 36 chest, 5'8 (Photo)

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Answer: Should implants be within 1cm of bwd?

Answer: Should implants be within 1cm of bwd?

Answer: Base width and implant size

Answer: Base width and implant size

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Should implants be within 1cm of bwd? I'm getting mentor high profile saline implants. I'm 13.5bwd, 36 chest, 5'8 (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Should implants be within 1cm of bwd?

Answer: Should implants be within 1cm of bwd?

Answer: Base width and implant size

Answer: Base width and implant size

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mentor Breast Implants

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