Getting Mentor HP Xtra Silicone implants. Trying to decide between 300cc, 325cc, 350cc (Photo)

Your surgeon took the time to measure you out, but didn't size you with either of the two validated methods? He/she either should have used sizers or 3D simulation photography software, so that you wouldn't be left guessing what's right for you. As for those sizes you mention in the Mentor Xtra HP catalogue, here are the closest actual sizes available: 285, 335, and 355. In fact, there is no Xtra style implants that has all three sizes you mention. Only there older, non-Xtra and non-Boost, style comes available with the traditional 25 cc increments. Finally, I would not place an implant that has a greater diameter than your breast base, which is the case for the 355 and the 335 in Xtra and all sizes 300 to 350 in standard style. I think you need a sit down with your surgeon.

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 hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size 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 is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Thank you for your question and photos. As you undoubtedly know, a precise treatment plan or specific implant recommendation can only be determined with a careful examination and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon. Volume (300 versus 400), is far less significant than implant width and projection. Implant width is similar to shoe size. The implant literally needs to fit into your breast and chest. The 350 HP may well “fit” your breast, but the volume and projection are what will determine the “look” you want, similar to the style or type of shoe you would select. Ask yourself which is a better problem to have, being slightly bigger than expected or not quite as big. I generally recommend to my patients to choose to err on the smaller side since you cal always still choose to wear. Padded bra but there is nothing other than revision surgery that can reverse being too big. It is true that for a given volume a high profile implant will have a narrower diameter, and it is also true that a person such as you with a petite frame will require a narrower diameter implant than a patient with a broader chest or larger frame. Other considerations such as saline versus silicone are also important, as are "round" versus "anatomical" or "form stable" or "shaped", smooth surface versus textured, and softer versus firmer with the different levels of gel cohesivity.

The term “natural” can mean different things to different people and the profile of the implant does not necessarily determine that. You can certainly achieve a “natural” appearing result with a high profile implant if properly selected, but as a rule, the larger the implant and the higher the profile, and certainly if the implant is positioned too high, the greater the chances you will look “augmented” because of exaggerated upper pole fullness or convexity.

In my practice, besides a thorough interview process and physical examination with careful measurements, we use on lay sizers within an unpadded bra to help you understand what you are likely to look like in a bra, bathing suit, or T-shirt with a given size implant. In addition, and this is critical, we ask all of our patients to provide us with photos of their desired final look, with images of women’s breasts that most closely resemble the look they are trying to achieve. This serves as a visual guide that thankfully rarely leads us astray. The most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation is size-too big or not big enough. This algorithm which we have been employing for over thirty years has proven to be very successful.

Because all of these factors can leave you quite confused, it is crucial that you select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose aesthetics align with your own, and with whom you feel comfortable. Don't be reluctant to seek a second or even third opinion if necessary to be sure and feel confident about moving forward with scheduling surgery. Expressing your desired cup size is notoriously inaccurate, and final breast size is the most common reason for patient disappointment after breast augmentation, either too big or not big enough.

Take your time, do your research. Best of luck to you.

When deciding between 300cc, 325cc, and 350cc Mentor HP Xtra Silicone implants, consider your desired result, body frame, and natural breast size; a 300cc is generally considered a moderate size, while 325cc and 350cc will provide a more noticeable fullness, so consult your surgeon to determine the best choice for you based on your individual anatomy. Key points to remember: Size difference:Each 25cc increment represents a noticeable difference in volume, so moving from 300cc to 325cc will give a slightly fuller look than staying at 300cc. Natural appearance:If you want a more natural look, opting for a smaller size like 300cc might be preferable, especially if you have a smaller frame. Consult your surgeon:The most important step is to discuss your goals and body type with your plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate implant size for you.

This question is best answered after a discussion with your surgeon. What is too big for one person is too small for another. The sizes you are considering should all fit your frame. Many surgeons have sample implants you can "try on" to get an idea of how you look after surgery. I also use sizers in the operating room to ensure the patient can get a look that fits well.

You ask a very personal decision the sizes you have posted are a choice if you want the larger appearing then I’d use the 350 HP implant if you want an average appearing then the middle size and a little bit smaller the lower size. It’s kind of like Goldilocks, and the three bears, which is “just right” is the question. Good luck.