Anatomical or Round - Which Has Better, More Natural Movement?

Anatomical (also called teardrop) shaped implants tend to be made firmer (this helps them maintain their shape), so they might not feel as natural as round implants which tend to be made softer. I therefore always use round implants for breast augmentation, even in petite, small breasted women. In such cases, the most important thing, for me, is to put the top half of the implant under the pec muscle to avoid the implant showing through and looking fake.Having said that, I do sometimes use anatomicals for reconstruction after a mastectomy and I think this is where they are really good.In any case round implants take on a teardrop shape when in the body - next time you get the chance, hold one by its top, let it hang down, and have a look!The other big advantage is that if a round implant moves inside the breast, the  shape of the breast does not change. In fact, a round implant can flip back to front and still not be a problem often! This is not the case with teardrop implants. If these rotate there will be an unnatural fullness in one part of the breast depending on how the implant has turned.Teardrop implants cost a lot more than round. This is therefore one of those situations where the more expensive option is not the better one.So, there you have it, as far as I am concerned, round implants all the way!

If you want more of a teardrop shape to your breast and have little of your own breast tissue, teardrop implants may be better. However, I have achieved great results with round as well and usually prefer it to teardrop. Ask your surgeon for their opinion

 

    There is not one superior implant for your shape and size.  Generally thin women who opt for larger implants no matter the type can look unnatural.   When an appropriate impant whether anatomic or round is selected for your frame they can both look and feel somewhat natural when placed in the submuscular plane.  I recommend your viewing many photos of women who have both types of implants so you can then select the look you prefer. Consult with an experienced surgeon whom you trust and can better guide you.

Dr. Pedy Ganchi/Village Plastic Surgery

Ridgewood, NJ

As others have stated, I am not a fan of anatomic implants either, especially for primary breast augmentation.  Anatomic implants may have a place for reconstructive breast surgery.  However, in my opinion traditional round smooth silicon submuscular implants give the best results.  

 

Good Luck.

I routinely place moderate plus profile, round, silicone gel implants with very natural looking results.  Visit with some local plastic surgeons and look at before and after photos when choosing the type and size of implant.

Thank you for the question. These days there are a variety of breast implants available; the variety of breast implant available raise a lot of questions from women considering breast augmentation surgery. Personally, I think that for most patients considering breast augmentation surgery, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of goals, far outweigh the specific type of breast implant utilized (when it comes to the success of the breast augmentation procedure).
Anatomical breast implants were designed to better simulate the natural breast shape; the problem with these implants is that if they shift or rotate, the entire breast will change shape as well. This change in breast shape may require further surgery to correct. Round implants, under the hand, can shift or rotate without changing the shape of the breasts. Overall, I find that beautiful outcomes can be achieved with the use of round saline or silicone gel breast implants for the vast majority of patients.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 words such as “very natural” or "C or D cup" 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 (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.
 

it is not proper to call any implant anatomic - just as the "normal" breasts of different women vary greatly, so do their desired results -  there is no such thing as an anatomic implant.  the most important thing to convey to your breast implant surgeon is your desired result - he or she should be able to advise you whether that result is possible given your pre-existing anatomy.

In order to prevent an anatomical implant  from rotating,the surface is textured

Textured surfaces are thicker,do not move as naturally as smooth surfaced implants,require larger incisions to insert,and have a higher rate of seroma formation.

Even with the textured surface ,rotation can occur resulting in an abnormal appearance

My  patients that have had their textured implants replaced with smooth implants have immediatly noticed the more natural feel of the smooth implants

It is not a hard and fast rule, but anatomical implants can give a more natural look in patients with small breasts like yourself.  This is because they have less fullness in the upper pole, which is what creates the so-called 'operated on' look.  The shape of the implant does not affect the way they feel and they may not move as much as a natural breast.

it is incorrect to think that a particular implant gives a more natural or unnatural look as the other. As soon as you put in any implant, it becomes unnatural. WHat you have is natural, but it is not what you want because it is too small. The  most natural, or least unnatural, implant is the one that will will least effect the appearance of the breast. That mean an implant that fits behind the normal boundaries of your breast (i.e. width) and flattest, less round,, implant (i.e. lowest profile). The paradoxical thing is that the patients who are the snallest, want the larger jump in size, and will become the least natural. You have to choose between size and naturalness. If you want natural, go with the smallest, least projecting implant that fits your breast. If it won't give you the size you want, then you have to accept some unnaturalnes. At some point, an anatomical implant will look less round, but there are other side effects you will need to be aware of like possible rotation of the implant and rippling.

Robin T.W. Yuan, M.D.