What implant should I get for a natural but full look? 500cc too big? Motiva vs Mentor? (photo)

Dear Gorgeous830136,

breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient.
When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.
Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.
Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.
You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.



Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

At 5’1” and 130 lbs with limited tissue coverage, 500cc is likely well on the larger side for your frame. I tend to favor a proportional, natural result—fullness without looking overdone. Moderate-plus profile implants often achieve this balance nicely by giving good upper pole fullness and cleavage without excessive projection or width. Working with a plastic surgeon in person through 3D imaging and sizing may help you narrow your sizing search down. Think less about CC's and more about the natural dimensions of your chest.

Both Motiva and Mentor are excellent; under the muscle, they’ll feel soft and natural, but Motiva may have a slight edge in feel and movement.

Careful implant selection should always match your anatomy rather than just target a specific volume, so sizing with your surgeon’s guidance is key. Many petite patients achieve a beautiful, natural but enhanced look around 200-350cc, so that’s worth exploring as you finalize your decision.

I would highly recommend finding a surgeon that guides your recommended implant choice using your measurements. Sizing an implant is much like sizing a shoe. The dimensions of the breast are the most important thing to consider.

Choosing an implant size/style is an important decision which is best made in concert with your surgeon. Ultimately, options are based on a number of factors including:
-Chest dimensions: This point is crucial as the width of your breasts defines the available "real estate" on which the foundation of your augmentation is built. This "foot print" is the absolute limit with which you are dealing. Too "large" is not so much the risk as too "wide." You cannot build a 3 acre mansion on a half acre plot. An implant which is too wide (exceeding the available space on your chest) will generally over hang laterally making it more noticeable and occasionally contributing to discomfort and nerve symptoms (numbness or tingling). This will also contribute to a more unnatural look.
-Tissue quality: This relates to size in the sense that the implant will be suspended by your tissue. Too large an implant may place took large a stress on these suspending tissues leading to healing problems in the short term and bottoming out in the long term.
-Patient desire (what is the look you are hoping to achieve?)
My role as a surgeon is to manage expectations and guide you towards a prudent choice which can satisfy these reasonable goals. Often times, a surgeon can guide a patient toward a size/cc range and patients will make determinations on implant style/profile. Patient seeking more or less projection, or seeking a more pronounced or subtle upper pole volume increase can be guided toward an implant which will help them best achieve their goals. Additionally, technique variations (sub muscular vs. sub glandular) can also aid in obtaining the look you desire.
There are a number of tools available to help guide patient/surgeon decision making including sizers, 3D imaging and goal photos. Each modality can help better communicate your goals to your surgeon and vice versa.
Ultimately, it is important to not marry oneself to a particular "cc" as oppose to a particular "look." Communication is key as you and your surgeon create your custom surgical plan.
Based upon your photos and stated desire for a "natural" look, I would recommend conservative sizing. While "natural" can mean many things to many people, larger high profile implants rarely meet this criteria in more petite individuals. I would recommend looking in the 300+ ml range.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Hi, of course for exact decision your body measurements should be taken but according to your pictures I have to state that the 500 is too big for your frame. I wouldn’t go over 350 cc in your case. In my opinion it won’t look natural also will increase the complication rate. About the implant brand, both are reliable implant. There are no major differences between them but I prefer use Mentor, as it sits perfectly under muscles.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

No one knows what 'natural' means to you, and there is no implant company that makes implants designed to give a particular look. Your appearance after surgery is completely a result of your anatomy and the implant that you pick. So, no particular implant size, shape, profile, or implant company will necessarily give you what you want. Also, although you will likely NOT get the appearance seen in your goal photos, which depict soft, very bottom heavy breasts, breast implants can give you proportion and size that you will like. You talk about upper pole fullness, but your goal photos don't have much. Did you see that? Regardless, go to a great surgeon who will size you with purpose built sizers to select the right implant for you and you will be happy.

At size 34, each 100 cc of implant corresponds to 1 cup size change. 300 cc implants would take you from a B to a DD. 500 cc implants weigh over 1 lb. each, will not fit under the muscle, will extrude inferiorly and laterally and will have complications. Implants are not lifetime devices. I recommend smaller implants between 200-300 cc not 400-500 cc.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will guide you toward your best results. For your frame, 500 cc, and even 400 cc may be too large. It is best to obtain accurate measurements of the chest and breast as a starting point in your discussion, as is the wish pic. A moderate or moderate-plus profile will improve the cleavage, and can give you a more "natural" look, while a full or high profile implant can enhance the upper pole of the breast. Based on the photographs, you may need implants of different sizes to match up the breasts, and the skin envelope looks tight, which can be detrimental for a 500 cc implant. Good luck on your journey!

During a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon measurements are taken of your breasts (this is different than bra sizing) and your goals for surgery are discussed. Your surgeon will then combine this information to recommend implant options. Many surgeons have sample implants available that you can "try on" to give you an idea of how you may look after surgery. I've included a video on this process I hope you find helpful.