Will Decreased Breast Implant Projection Produce Significant Downsizing Results?

Hi there-
I think you are being too analytical about the process- in the final analysis, you are trying to achieve a certain improvement in your body contour, not a certain number on your implants or letter on your bra, right? The major concern in your situation is that it is not possible to take into consideration the elasticity of your tissues until the force of the implant is in place, so choosing an implant based SOLELY on the numbers is an imperfect science, and I would be worried that you still won't be as happy as you could be.
I would focus more on communicating your goals for appearance effectively to your surgeon and trust him/her to use their best judgement in the decision making process.

Breast Implant Size is a combination of subjective and objective
criteria.380 cc is a reasonable recommendation. There is not a direct
correlation between the cc's of a breast implant and the corresponding
cup size, as cup size is an inexact measurement that varies considerably
among companies and even within the same company. Online consultants
will not be able to guide you as well as surgeons who perform in person
consultation.The size of the implants are based on a combination
of a patient's goals and objectives and her anatomy. In order to
provide a natural looking augmentation, the surgeon needs to evaluate
many factors including soft tissue coverage, skin laxity, chest wall
width, breast imprint width, the shape of the breasts and relative level
of constriction to ensure that the breast implants are appropriate for
your body.

Based on the numbers, I think you will notice a significant decrease in breast size with the implants you have chosen.  Although there is very little science behind the "Cup Size", highly projecting implants have a significant effect on the appreciated cup size, so dropping 2 cm will make a noticeable difference.  The mentor implants should be significantly softer than your current implants.

Best wishes,

Dr.B

The Inamed 410 cohesive gel implants are a very projecting, firm implant. The Mentor 200cc round moderate gels are much softer, with a significantly lower projection. When choosing an implant, the width is important to size the device to your breast anatomy. Projection then allows you to fill out the breast at increasing volumes while maintaining a natural base width to the implant. This helps prevent the "implant under the armpit" scenario as well as reducing the incidence of "symmastia." The 200cc moderate implants will definitely give you smaller breasts in comparison to the current 410's that you have.

Determining implant size is very difficult. However, based on the information, it seems that you will see a significant change in size and projection. Mentor is a very high quality implant and use it for many of my patients. I usually use moderate to moderate plus profile implants to achieve a more natural look. Internally your anatomy is very different and depending on whether your chest is convexed or concaved, the projection will make a difference. 

I recommend finding before and after photos of what you would like to achieve and show it to your surgeon so that you have a good understanding of the look you want. Make sure you have a board certified plastic surgeon performing your surgery to acheive the best and safest possible results. For more information regarding removing and replacing breast implants, check out and compare before and after photos of patients who have downsized as well. Good luck.

Ideally, breast implants will feel like part of your body and you won't be aware of them sooner than you'd imagine. Of course that is if the appropriate size and position is used.

Pain pumps are a tremendous help in minimizing discomfort following breast augmentation surgery. However, even if yoiu feel great, follow your surgeons orders and don't push yourself with too much activity or lifting sooner than you should.

Ideally, scars should fade until they are barely visible. in my North carolina plastic surgery practice I offer patients scar ointment and we treat each patient with complimentary laser tratments to minimize the possibility of scaring and accelerate healing.

The silicone gel implants are softer than the cohesive 410 implants.  Going with the lower profile implants will definitely give you less projection and probably give you the result that you want.

Hello,
As you are going with a smaller implant you will be smaller. How that will look on your frame varies of course. You sound like you are a woman with a thin frame.
Trying to only go up one cup size in smaller patients can be difficult as we need to match the breast width to have the implant look right and that puts us into a certain volume right there. I am not crazy about anatomic implants so as far as I am concerned you are better off without them.

Sandy,
I have a very large experience with the 410 cohesive gel implant in the US. I know in Canada they are often used in augmentation yet I find they are a better choice for breast reconstruction. This is simply a matter of opinion but let me explain why.
The 410 is a shaped implant that after displacment or pressure resumes a breast like shape. It is textured so that it holds the tissue and maintains its proper orientation within the breast. In reconstruction where the breast has been removed the shaped 410 implant will impart a breast like personality to the reconstruction. By nature of the cohesive gel the implant does not have the "flow" or softness we would desire however the replaced or reconstructed breast will not round up as readily and look unnatural. The texture on the shell makes a larger incision necessary to slid the implant into place, also not a problem in reconstruction.
The smooth round moderate profile gel both from Mentor, or Allergan like the 410 are a low bleed good wearing implant with a soft supple texture which will "flow" or blend well with the natural breast tissue. The smooth shell will allow some motion of the implant within the pocket also giving a smoother softer feel than the 410. Breast augmentation is breast enhancement and a round implant will enhance the natural breast shape present without introducing or forcing a shape upon the breast which is not needed for most patients and may be unnatural. Also of course the smooth implant fits through a smaller incision, thought the scar you already have.
Finally the size suggested, 200cc sounds perfect.
All the best to you!

2 cm of projectiuon is significant and should give you the look you are trying to achieve. The mentor moderate profile gels ae significantly softer than the 410's - especially if you dont have a significant amount of overlying tissue.