250cc or 315cc? Mentor HP silicone round submuscular; 29y/o, 5’1’’, 32A (barely) (Photo)

Question

Tried both in my sizing appt, 250 seemed too small and 315 was almost too big. I liked the look of the 250 sizers at home but am reading that it will look smalller due to compression. 3D views look very similar but know that all three tests aren’t accurate. I am athletic and but also like the larger look. Help! Decision needed soon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.One question you should consider: would you be more disappointed if you are slightly "too big" or slightly "too small" after the breast augmentation procedure?
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.
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 larger look” 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 helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

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'm located right here in California. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Congratulations on choosing breast implants in your future. I think both sizes would lead to a nice improvement, but size is always a very personal choice. I suggest using your plastic surgeon for guidance on picking the best size for your lifestyle and cup goals. I am a big believer in using the sizers and letting patients feel the weight and effect of different breast volumes.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and if you like the 250 cc sizer, that would equate to a 275 cc implant in my practice.  Adding 40 cc's (just over an ounce) is minimal and you can look at the dimensions of each implant and realize you are talking millimeters here.  My patients are also encouraged to take the largest size they are comfortable with as the most common complaint is that "I wish I went larger".  As long as the implant dimensions fit on your chest, pick the best one for you.

250cc or 315cc? Mentor HP silicone round submuscular; 29y/o, 5’1’’, 32A (barely) (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: The differences are quite small

Answer: The differences are quite small

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.

250cc or 315cc? Mentor HP silicone round submuscular; 29y/o, 5’1’’, 32A (barely) (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: The differences are quite small

Answer: The differences are quite small

Browse related questions

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.