470cc Mod profile or 540cc High profile, which is best for my body type? (Photo)

Thank you for your pictures and your question.  This is an excellent question that is very common.  In general, HP implants add significant projection at the upper pole of the breast.  MP implants will add projection, but create a more natural transition.  Here in San Diego, where I perform breast augmentation both with and without implants, I counsel my patients that HP will appear a bit more "augmented" (i.e. your friends will easily see you had a breast augmentation, whereas a MP will appear more augmented with support.  If you want alot of fullness and you want to have a significant change, a HP may be a good option.  The nice thing about MP, is that you can have the best of both worlds:  with a sports bra, the change is full but not "in your face"...if you want to show off your breasts more, a push-up bra will really accentuate your implants.  I would definitely seek the advice of your board certified plastic surgeon.  One of the strategies that I find extremely helpful is to have patients bring in photographs of the shape of breast they want to achieve.  From there, I find that we can get a very good handle on what shape will fit you best.  We usually decide on a range of implants (within 50 ccs or so).  I use intraoperative sizers (i.e. a test implant..either a MP or HP) to best fit the look that we discussed preoperatively.  I find this strategy works very well to pick the right implant.Best of luck with your surgery!!! Dr. Pacella

In a situation like yours, with one breast that is larger and a need for a lift on one side only, it can be very helpful for your surgeon to use sizer implants during surgery to test which implants will work best for you and give you the best symmetry. It's truly impossible for you as the patient to pick a size in advance, especially with your asymmetry, which is why you're agonizing over the decision. If your surgeon understands what look you're seeking, he or she should be able to determine the best combination of implants to use (either with the same volume on each side or slightly different), when combined with a right breast lift, at the time of surgery. That's the best way to maximize the chances that you're happy after one surgery only, without a need for revision. 

When I perform a lift at the same time, I usually use the smaller implant so that it has less risk of sagging again. I certainly would not go over 500 cc's.

It is very difficult to determine the exact size and shape implant you will require to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast augmentation surgery including different approaches, techniques and implant choices. This is because several measurements not to mention your breast characteristics are needed to determine the optimal implant size to obtain your goals. Without knowing these dimensions it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the existing base width of your breast will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume per implant profile that you can accommodate. To illustrate; a 100 cc difference may make a significant difference with a narrow base width breast, but much less of a difference if you have a wide chest wall and wide breast “foot print”. Therefore, just because your friend may have a great result with let’s say a 350 cc implant to make her go from a “A” cup to a “C” cup size does not mean that you will have the same result with the same size implant. . Further simply placing implants in a bra to determine the size best for you is not always accurate as the bra often distorts the size, is dependent on the pressure the bra places plus the implant is outside your breast and not under it among other variables. Computer software morphing programs that automatically determine the best implant size can be helpful in some but not all cases (e.g. doesn’t work well in my experience with existing implants, sagging or asymmetric breasts). Using “want to be” photos however are useful if simply provided to the surgeon as I will further explain in the below link.

In terms of picking the right implants to achieve your goals, generally speaking, I consider two
factors when selecting implants for my patients:1. Dimensional planning2. Gel Implant Sizing systemDimensional
planning – The measurements of your chest wall are taken. Also, the
breast dimensions including the height, width, and current dimensions of
each breast form the basis of dimensional planning. Based on these
measurements, the implant size is recommended. This will give you a
unique breast implant that is suited for your body frame. However, there
are some limitations of what size we can recommend. For instance, some
implants may just be too big for a narrow chest wall. Your surgeon can
review this with you during the consultation.Gel Implant Sizing
system – During the preliminary breast implant consultation, you will
be provided with an option to “try on” a variety of implant shapes and
sizes. You can also visualize the possible outcomes of your surgery
which helps you to get that perfect size to give you the shape that you
longed for. This way your preferences are known and you can then pick a
range of implants that will “fit” just right to give a soft natural
fuller look. Hope this helps.Dr.BasuHouston, TX

There are different ways to figure out size, including looking at before and after photos of women who look like you, Vectra 3D imaging, putting implants in your bra, or the Rice Test. I have my patients do the Rice Test at home, even if only to confirm another sizing method. You can try the Rice Test at home to check which volume you prefer. Click on the link below to see how to do it.To estimate a 470 cc implant, you could use about 14 ounces of rice on each side (1 3/4 cups). To estimate a 540 cc implant you could use about 16 ounces of rice. Have someone take photos of you wearing different tops/shirts so you can get a complete idea of that size. Once you're happy with one of those volumes, wear your rice bags to a shopping center or someplace with lots of windows so you can see your reflection. You want to see yourself as another person rather than looking at yourself in the mirror. That way you can ask yourself, "Do those breasts look too big? Too small? Or are they just right?"Only you can best make the decision about what size you'd like to be. After all, you're the one who will be living with them!

There are many anatomic factors that the surgeon must take into account when selecting the proper breast implant for any given patient. The surgeon should also listen to what the patient wants. Assuming all these factors have been considered then your surgeon has given you a choice either of which he/she feels is appropriate. I cannot answer your question as to 470cc Mod vs 540cc High profile. If you trust your surgeon then you must make the final choice. You could also consider a second opinion from an experienced plastic surgeon who is certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. If he/she comes up with similar recommendations then you should have more confidence in the current surgeon. 

Hi and thanks for the question. There are several ways that we determine which size and style implants will work for a patient. I assume your surgeon took measurements of you during your consult. You probably also had the chance to "try on" different size implants in the office. In our office we like to use the Vectra 3D imaging system. This camera takes a 3D photo of you then shows you what you would look like with any size and style implant you are interested in. Your surgeon will probably bring several different sizes and styles to the OR, and will try a few out before committing to your implant choice. Good luck.Dr J

 Thank you for the question and picture.  You will find that online consultants will not be able to help you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation/lifting 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. I have found that the use of words such as  “natural” or "C or D cup” or "proportionate” 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, may be very helpful during the communication process.
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).  Viewing the patient's chest wall in the upright and supine positions, with temporary sizes in place, help select  the best breast implant size/profile for the specific patient.
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation surgery/lifting concerns), helps. Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Thank you for the photos and your question but anatomical measurements are really needed to determine which implant diameter would be best for you. Volume is then an individual decision Dr Corbin