Can't decide between 330cc and 375cc anatomical implant! Any suggestions? (photo)

Question

I'm scheduled for surgery on July 16 for the Mentor MemoryShape anatomical implants- I want a full but VERY natural shape and want the extra slope these implants can give me. My doctor hAs recommended the medium height/moderate plus profile- I'm struggling to decide between the 330 and 375 implants (there's nothing in between). I'm worried that 375 will look augmented (size and upper pole roundness) on me but am also concerned the 330 will end up too small. I'm 5'8, 125 lbs ,12-12.8 width. Help!

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It can be a difficult decision to decide exactly what implant size to choose. Fortunately, there is no right or wrong answer. You just need to choose the one that makes you the happiest. In the link below I have some more information about exactly how to go about choosing implant size which may be helpful to you.A few general observations may help you though. After having done nearly 4000 breast augmentations, I have noticed the following trends. a) Most women choose a larger implant than I would have chosen for them (everybody's taste is different), b) Younger women (30 and under) tend to choose a slightly larger implant for their build/body size than women over 30 tend to, c) at six months after surgery, nearly all women wish they had chosen a larger implant than they actually did. This won't answer your question specifically but it is something to think about.Finally, the difference here is about 45cc volume which equates to about 1 & 1/2 ounces out of your measuring cup in the kitchen. This small volume distributed over the entire surface of the implant is really not much of a change in size or implant dimensions. You would be able to see a difference but it wouldn't be tremendous. So I wouldn't worry about it too much. Pivck the look that you like the best.Best wishes!

Florence Mussat, MD · Answer

Hi Carly,for your height and weight, and looking at your pic.if you go with 375 cc MP this will bring you to a 34  full C small D. is that what you want ? if yes, then go with it, and yes, it will show. if too much, then go with lower size and profile. you must be a 34 A, so depending on your own body image and life style, only you can decide. so measure in cm the width of your breast ( usually anywhere from 10 ish to 13 cm ) and ask your PS to try on sizers.we do offer all sizers to try on  in our office+ VS bra based on your " real " measurements. we take pictures with your own cell phone, and we lend you the sizers and bra to " test drive " as I say for the week before surgery.good luck,Florence Mussat

Tracy Pfeifer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and providing the photograph.  As the previous doctor said, there is very little difference in volume between the 2, so small in fact that you might not discern any difference.  You could ask your plastic surgeon to do 3D imaging if they have it available.  If you are concerned about being too big, I would go with the slightly smaller size.  One thing you do not want is to feel self-conscious about being too big.  You can also look at photographs of similiar body frame patients with those 2 sizes in place to see if it helps you decide.  Tracy Pfeifer, MD, MS

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Choosing the right implant is sometimes tough. A 45 cc difference is not huge. If you have doubts and you think you may be too small, usually patients want the larger implant.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Your question is a very common one, and without considerable experience in breast augmentation it is very difficult for you to choose an implant among so many alternatives and it can be a challenge for your surgeon as well. However our advice is that you choose the look, and let your surgeon worry about how to get you there. Don't choose an implant, choose a surgeon with skill, experience and board certification.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Ultimately, careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, and computer imaging) will be critical. Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals, concerns, questions directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.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. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” or "look augmented" 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 (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Joseph W. Aguiar, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi Carly!  Thanks for your question.  Many women angst over the decision of which implant to use.  My best advice to you and all women is this:  Let your surgeon decide which looks best at time of surgery!  Hopefully your board certified plastic surgeon has taken the time to hear and understand your desired outcome.  He/she will most likely use a sizing implant at the time of surgery to see which size will create the look closest to your desired outcome.  I find when my patients give me their "permission" to approach surgery this way, they are happy with the results.Try and relax between now and surgery date.  Good luck!

Can't decide between 330cc and 375cc anatomical implant! Any suggestions? (photo)

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