My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

Question

I'm having a BA with mentor siltex implants. I was really confused about that because 55cc seemed like a noticable difference but later I read the data about the implants and I learned that both are 12.9 cm in diameter and the only diference is 3mm in proj. My doctor said I should chose the mod plus because is more filled but I'm really more scared of going bigger than going smaller. What do you think?

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The width of the implant should match the width of your breasts.  You should look with the plastic surgeon at the implant chart to compare the dimensions of the implant to the dimensions of your breasts and choose the profile that will give you the best personalized look. If you like the smaller volume, choose that implant.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.  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, in bra sizers, and computer imaging)  as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.

***Given your concerns/questions, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.  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 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 know words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” 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.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance.  Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision.

Silicone will give you a fullness at the top (upper pole fullness).

Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a more liquid silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it will leak only into the scar capsule formed around the implant but may cause some discomfort or implant distortion.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you volume.

These highly-sought-after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, are a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Your plastic surgeon appears to be recommending an implant that best fits your breast base diameter. He is considering volume as a secondary importance and leaving that decision up to you! The way I would think about this has to do with which volume will look the best to match your goal for a cup. The moderate + has more volume and will give you a bigger cup! Since they both have the same width, they both should look fairly natural. When making a decision about cup size, I suggest you speak with your plastic surgeon very carefully and consider his recommendation based on what you have discussed with him/her.Good luck on your upcoming surgery, Dr. ALDO

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

There is very little difference between the 2 implants. It sounds like your surgeon is leaving the decision up to you based on how much volume you want.  Prior to surgery, discuss the pros and cons of each implant with your surgeon.

My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

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Answer: Confused about size...

Answer: Confused about size...

Answer: My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

Answer: My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

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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.

My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

Answers (5)

Answer: Confused about size...

Answer: Confused about size...

Answer: My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

Answer: My doctor said I can choose between 375cc moderate plus and 320cc moderate classic. Confused about CC's?

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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.