Deciding Between Breast Implant Shapes

There are two main breast implant shapes: teardrop (also known as anatomical) and round. Like any choice you’ll be making as you approach breast augmentation surgery, each one of these options has its own pros and cons.

Let’s take a look at what makes these two types of breast implants shapes different and how you can know which shape will be best for you.

What Are the Different Breast Implant Shapes?

Most patients spend a decent amount of time researching breast implant sizes and shapes. That’s because choosing these traits correctly — with close consideration to your own natural breast tissue and overall body shape and anatomy — can make a huge difference in the outcome of your procedure.

Whether you’re looking at saline implants, gummy bear implants, or silicone breast implant shapes, you’ll ultimately have two choices: Round breast implants or teardrop implants.

Round Breast Implants

A round breast implant is totally circular with an even diameter all around. Patients may choose saline or silicone implants in a round shape, and there are a variety of projections and sizes to choose from as well.

While some sources may claim that teardrop breast implants look more natural than round implants, this isn’t necessarily always true. You can certainly have a round implant in either saline or silicone gel that looks very natural too. The reason you’ll sometimes hear this, however, is that a round implant is going to achieve fullness all around the breast (on the top, sides, and bottom). Teardrop shaped implants, as you’ll see below, provide most fullness at the bottom.

Teardrop Breast Implants

Mimicking the natural contours of most breasts, a teardrop shaped implant is (as its name implies) teardrop shaped. At the top, it is thinner with less volume, and at the bottom, it is fuller.

Teardrop shaped implants tend to be made of silicone gel. Frequently, gummy bear implants are teardrop shaped. You’ll also find that nearly all textured implants are teardrop shaped. This is because a teardrop implant needs texture so that it does not rotate within the breast pocket.

On the other hand, round implants can freely rotate without changing the breasts’ appearance. Anatomical implants would look very odd if the fuller bottom somehow made its way to the top pole of your breast.

What Is Better Round or Teardrop Implants?

There’s really no right answer here. It all depends on what you want to look like once you’ve completely healed from your breast augmentation surgery.

Your anatomy will influence this as well. No two women have the same breasts, so allow your surgeon to assess your natural breast tissue and body frame to help you make the best choice.

How Do I Choose my Breast Implant Size and Shape?

Generally speaking, it’s best to arrive at your consultation appointment with a clear idea of your goals for surgery. Bring with you pictures of how your breasts used to look, pictures of celebrities whose breasts you would like to emulate, or other images and references that can help you convey to your surgeon your desired outcome. The more examples and details you can offer, the better.

Once you’ve discussed your goals and vision with your surgeon, he or she should have a base recommendation on the ideal shape for your anatomy and desired outcome. Naturally, you will be able to look at, feel, and even put on several different implant shapes to get a better idea of what shape will be best for you.

How Your Anatomy Will Impact the Breast Implant Shape You Choose

A woman’s height, chest wall anatomy, skin quality, and fat and glandular tissue volume will all affect how implants look on her. In addition, time, gravity, aging, hormones, and environmental factors can make a difference.

For example, if a woman has thinner skin, certain breast implant shapes and materials may be easier to see and notice. This is, of course, something we don’t want.

Therefore, when considering breast implant shape, it’s important to consider that younger skin will be thicker and more elastic and thus able to hide certain implant shapes and materials better than others. Aging, genetics, pregnancy, and environmental factors like sun exposure and smoking contribute to skin thinning and sagging.

Your surgeon will look at your skin, fat and glandular tissue volume, and other factors to help determine your ideal breast implant shapes.

Q&A: Choosing an Implant Shape for Your Breast Augmentation

What are the breast implant shapes that are good for natural-looking breasts?

For natural-looking breasts, teardrop or anatomical implants, round implants with a moderate profile, and those with lower or moderate projection are typically preferred. At the same time, the choice should be personalized based on the patient’s body type, existing breast tissue, and individual preferences. Take guidance from a qualified plastic surgeon.

Will different breast implant shapes look different on different women?

Yes. For example, for a woman who already has a decent amount of breast tissue on the upper poles of her breasts, round implants will tend to create a lot of cleavage and quite large looking breasts. If she were to choose teardrop shaped implants, on the other hand, she might achieve more of a natural looking increase in size.

Of course, different women prefer different outcomes for their surgery. So, a lot of your shape choice will depend on your goals.

What is the most common breast implant shape?

The most common breast implant shape is round. Round implants offer a uniform distribution of volume, and they are versatile, providing fullness both in the upper and lower parts of the breast.

Call to Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Smita

At her practice in New Jersey, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Smita Ramanadham performs breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, breast reduction, male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery), liposuction, tummy tuck surgery, and a range of other breast, face, and body procedures.

During your consultation with Dr. Smita, she will carefully assess your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals. She will help you determine the perfect implant shape to align with your vision, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident in every aspect of your decision. She will also answer any questions you may have about breast augmentation price and talk about the placement of your breast implant incision.

When you’re ready to take the next step toward the new you, give our office a call to schedule your one-on-one appointment with Dr. Smita.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/which-breast-implant-shape-is-best-for-you