Are the Mentor implants I'm choosing right for me?

I am scheduled to get 215cc Mentor implants as I am currently a 32A (very flat chested). My goal is to have something natural and not obvious at all. Am I making the right decision, or are these implants too small?

Answers from doctors (19)


Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

Another point which is often underappreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins").

A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.

When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:

-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)

-Breast sizers (rice bags)

-Goal photos

I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant. The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD.

With regard to your specific question, conservative sizing is key when the goal is "natural." 215 cc is small but may be appropriate on a smaller frame.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Answered by The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery (View Profile)

Patients often think in terms of cup size when considering augmentation. Unfortunately, devices are sized in terms of milliliters (cc) of volume. This can lead to some confusion when sizing. Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

Another point which is often underappreciated is that of anatomy and starting point. Any implant will add volume to the volume which is already present. The implant is additive. A particular volume will not necessarily confer the same cup size to different patients (often times it will not even confer the same cup size to different breasts in the same individual...remember they are "sisters" not "twins").

A general rule of thumb is that 125cc can represent somewhere between 1/2 to a full cup size increase. Smaller volume differentials (25-50cc) are typically less consequential representing a volume change of less than a shot glass. However, I have found these numbers, at least anecdotally, to be of little help. Patients often present with notions/goals which do not correlate with these sorts of sterile volumetric assessments.

When sizing patients, there are a number of useful tools including:

-3D imaging (has the added benefit of offering a volumetric analysis of the pre-operative breast)

-Breast sizers (rice bags)

-Goal photos

I also recommend that patients commit to a particular look rather than a cup size. Once a patient settles on a look that pleases them the overall cup size increase becomes less relevant. The key to obtaining a natural result is to stay within the parameters defined by your BWD.

With regard to your specific question, conservative sizing is key when the goal is "natural." 215 cc is small but may be appropriate on a smaller frame.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen Greenberg, MD

Published on Dec 06, 2018

Based on the information that you have given, I would think that size implant will bring you into a "B" category. You can ask your surgeon if they offer 3D imaging so you can see a virtual result of the implants.

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Answered by Stephen Greenberg, MD

Based on the information that you have given, I would think that size implant will bring you into a "B" category. You can ask your surgeon if they offer 3D imaging so you can see a virtual result of the implants.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

Published on Jun 02, 2016

I have not heard of 215 cc implants--maybe this was 200 cc implants filled to 215 cc. I would recommend only hi profile implants. If 200 cc implants are filled to 250 cc's, this would bring you to a full B, maybe C in Victoria's Secret bras.

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Answered by Barry J. Kaplan, D.O.

I have not heard of 215 cc implants--maybe this was 200 cc implants filled to 215 cc. I would recommend only hi profile implants. If 200 cc implants are filled to 250 cc's, this would bring you to a full B, maybe C in Victoria's Secret bras.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Christopher Pelletiere, MD

Published on Apr 22, 2016

In my opinion, an implant smaller than 250cc may not be worth implanting. Even a 250cc is very small and barely has enough shape to change the breast shape. Even in patients who have no breast tissue at all, a 215cc device is going to barely make a difference. I would go for a few consultations and see what board- certified plastic surgeons have to say.

Answered by Christopher Pelletiere, MD (View Profile)

In my opinion, an implant smaller than 250cc may not be worth implanting. Even a 250cc is very small and barely has enough shape to change the breast shape. Even in patients who have no breast tissue at all, a 215cc device is going to barely make a difference. I would go for a few consultations and see what board- certified plastic surgeons have to say.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


David C. Yao MD, FACS

Published on Apr 20, 2016

Thank you for asking. Implant selection is hard to know without an examination and more information. Discuss your concerns and goals with your PS. Show pictures of your goals to your surgeon. Best wishes!

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Answered by David C. Yao MD, FACS

Thank you for asking. Implant selection is hard to know without an examination and more information. Discuss your concerns and goals with your PS. Show pictures of your goals to your surgeon. Best wishes!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

Published on Apr 18, 2016

It sounds like that is what you are looking for. Make sure you show your plastic surgeon a photograph of what you expect, or ask to see photographs relative to what you want.

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Answered by Kenneth L. Stein M.D. FACS

It sounds like that is what you are looking for. Make sure you show your plastic surgeon a photograph of what you expect, or ask to see photographs relative to what you want.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milind K. Ambe, MD

Published on Mar 17, 2016

This is too difficult to answer, as I have not had the ability to examine you and take measurements. Without at least a photo or measurements, I cannot answer if this is appropriate or not.

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Answered by Milind K. Ambe, MD

This is too difficult to answer, as I have not had the ability to examine you and take measurements. Without at least a photo or measurements, I cannot answer if this is appropriate or not.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Daniel C. Mills, M.D., F.A.C.S

Published on Mar 14, 2016

Keep in mind that 70% of women wish that they would have gone bigger when they have implants put in. 220 mL is only about a cup and a quarter. So, if you're an A-cup now, you're only going to be a B-cup. This is no question in the smallest 3% of what I have put in over my 28-year practice.

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Answered by Daniel C. Mills, M.D., F.A.C.S

Keep in mind that 70% of women wish that they would have gone bigger when they have implants put in. 220 mL is only about a cup and a quarter. So, if you're an A-cup now, you're only going to be a B-cup. This is no question in the smallest 3% of what I have put in over my 28-year practice.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


More About Doctor Tom Pousti, M.D.

Published on Mar 11, 2016

Thank you for the question. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. 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 and 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 know words such as “natural” or "not obvious” 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.

Answered by Tom Pousti, M.D. (View Profile)

Thank you for the question. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. 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 and 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 know words such as “natural” or "not obvious” 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.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Body by Ravi

Published on Nov 16, 2015

This is a difficult question to answer in this particular forum. If measurements were taken with proper sizers or computer generated before and after were provided to you and you like the way you look, then you should trust your plastic surgeon. Having said that, you should seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. 215 mL implants will likely increase your cup size by one full cup size compared to what you are currently. Good luck!

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Answered by Body by Ravi

This is a difficult question to answer in this particular forum. If measurements were taken with proper sizers or computer generated before and after were provided to you and you like the way you look, then you should trust your plastic surgeon. Having said that, you should seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. 215 mL implants will likely increase your cup size by one full cup size compared to what you are currently. Good luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Edward Domanskis M.D.

Published on Nov 12, 2015

That size is awfully small. You may want to consider going larger. Also, if you are flat chested, you may want to think about anatomical implants to give you a shape.

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Answered by Edward Domanskis M.D.

That size is awfully small. You may want to consider going larger. Also, if you are flat chested, you may want to think about anatomical implants to give you a shape.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Published on Nov 11, 2015

Thank you for your question. Implant size is best determined after a thorough analysis of the patient's breast and chest wall anatomy as well as soft tissue characteristics. If you have a wide space between your breasts and you are looking to improve this with more cleavage that implant base diameter may be too narrow. That being said, a 215 cc implant size will look very natural and improve your breast appearance. I would discuss the implant size with your plastic surgeon with particular attention to your breast measurements.

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Answered by Charles A. Messa, III, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Thank you for your question. Implant size is best determined after a thorough analysis of the patient's breast and chest wall anatomy as well as soft tissue characteristics. If you have a wide space between your breasts and you are looking to improve this with more cleavage that implant base diameter may be too narrow. That being said, a 215 cc implant size will look very natural and improve your breast appearance. I would discuss the implant size with your plastic surgeon with particular attention to your breast measurements.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Randy Proffitt, MD, F.A.C.S.

Published on Nov 10, 2015

In our practice, we use the Mentor sizing system. This allows the patient to try on different sized implants and choose the size the patient thinks looks best for her. This eliminates the guesswork and allows us to meet our patient's needs within the limits of the patient's anatomy. Does your surgeon offer the sizing system?

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Answered by Randy Proffitt, MD, F.A.C.S.

In our practice, we use the Mentor sizing system. This allows the patient to try on different sized implants and choose the size the patient thinks looks best for her. This eliminates the guesswork and allows us to meet our patient's needs within the limits of the patient's anatomy. Does your surgeon offer the sizing system?

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Joseph M. Perlman, M.D.

Published on Nov 10, 2015

It all depends on your height and weight. If you are, for example, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 110 pounds, you'll probably be a full B afterwards. If you are 5'7" and weigh 150 pounds, they won't make a very noticeable difference.

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Answered by Joseph M. Perlman, M.D.

It all depends on your height and weight. If you are, for example, 5 feet 2 inches tall and weigh 110 pounds, you'll probably be a full B afterwards. If you are 5'7" and weigh 150 pounds, they won't make a very noticeable difference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS

Published on Nov 10, 2015

This is very difficulty to answer. Implant size is not the only part of the decision. We have a sizing system that allows patient to pick the size that visually works well for them. Check with your board certified plastic surgeon to see if he / she has this system. Other things to consider are your ribs, sternum, muscles and left to right visual and physical symmetry. I hope your know that the 215 is the lowest projecting implant Mentor makes.

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Answered by Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS

This is very difficulty to answer. Implant size is not the only part of the decision. We have a sizing system that allows patient to pick the size that visually works well for them. Check with your board certified plastic surgeon to see if he / she has this system. Other things to consider are your ribs, sternum, muscles and left to right visual and physical symmetry. I hope your know that the 215 is the lowest projecting implant Mentor makes.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Stephen Greenberg, MD

Published on Nov 10, 2015

Thank you for your question. It is hard to say without seeing you for a consultation which implant size and profile would provide you the best aesthetic result. If you are still having second thoughts or are unsure of what size you would like, I would highly recommend following up with your board certified operating surgeon to discuss these concerns. In my practice, I offer patients two types of breast sizing to better ascertain what type of result a patient is hoping to achieve at the time of their pre-operative appointment. The first type of sizing utilizes physical implant sizers that are placed in a sports bra to determine what sort of projection a patient is hoping for. The second type of sizing we use in my office is 3D imaging via the Vectra 3D imaging system. This system takes a photo of a patient's chest and allows us to see how the patient would look in a variety of different sizes, implant types and profiles. Best of luck!

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Answered by Stephen Greenberg, MD

Thank you for your question. It is hard to say without seeing you for a consultation which implant size and profile would provide you the best aesthetic result. If you are still having second thoughts or are unsure of what size you would like, I would highly recommend following up with your board certified operating surgeon to discuss these concerns. In my practice, I offer patients two types of breast sizing to better ascertain what type of result a patient is hoping to achieve at the time of their pre-operative appointment. The first type of sizing utilizes physical implant sizers that are placed in a sports bra to determine what sort of projection a patient is hoping for. The second type of sizing we use in my office is 3D imaging via the Vectra 3D imaging system. This system takes a photo of a patient's chest and allows us to see how the patient would look in a variety of different sizes, implant types and profiles. Best of luck!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Camille Cash MD

Published on Nov 10, 2015

This is a great question, but difficult to answer without an in-person consultation. Your body structure and measurements have a huge impact on what size Implants would be best for you. Although this is an online forum for board-certified plastic surgeons to answer patient questions, yours would be best served with an in-office consultation. I would suggest re-consulting with your surgeon or consulting with a physician that has the Vectra 3D Imaging system. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

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Answered by Camille Cash MD

This is a great question, but difficult to answer without an in-person consultation. Your body structure and measurements have a huge impact on what size Implants would be best for you. Although this is an online forum for board-certified plastic surgeons to answer patient questions, yours would be best served with an in-office consultation. I would suggest re-consulting with your surgeon or consulting with a physician that has the Vectra 3D Imaging system. I hope this helps. Best of luck to you.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Afshin Farzadmehr, M.D.

Published on Nov 10, 2015

Natural results depend on the approach and surgical technique, as well as the artistic abilities and sense of aesthetic and beauty that the surgeon has. Not all surgeons are capable of that. Implant choice is one factor only. If you are not comfortable, I would suggest getting a second opinion.

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6706_1441235433.jpg
Answered by Afshin Farzadmehr, M.D.

Natural results depend on the approach and surgical technique, as well as the artistic abilities and sense of aesthetic and beauty that the surgeon has. Not all surgeons are capable of that. Implant choice is one factor only. If you are not comfortable, I would suggest getting a second opinion.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Steely Plastic Surgery

Published on Nov 10, 2015

It is really difficult to comment on implant size without a physical exam and discussion about your wants and desires as well as reviewing pre- and post-operative photos to get an idea about what kind of look you are going for. I would have a second discussion with your board certified plastic surgeon and see if you two are on the same page as far as desired size. I hope this helps

//imgs-origin.edoctors.com/imageresizer/image/user_uploads/58x58_85-1/doctors/6138_1431012453.jpg
Answered by Steely Plastic Surgery

It is really difficult to comment on implant size without a physical exam and discussion about your wants and desires as well as reviewing pre- and post-operative photos to get an idea about what kind of look you are going for. I would have a second discussion with your board certified plastic surgeon and see if you two are on the same page as far as desired size. I hope this helps

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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