Can you help me decide between teardrop or round implant on Asian body? (Photo)

The majority of implants placed in the US are round. It is true that the anatomic implants always have the potential for rotating and creating a contour issue. You can achieve natural results with round implants, so I find very little use for the anatomic implants.

Hello and thank you for your question and sharing your photos. I believe smooth round implant in a submuscular position will give you a nice natural result. Shaped implants can rotate in the pocket and cause problems. I
would seek consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full
evaluation and advice.
Best
wishes and good luck,
Pejman
Aflaki, M.D.
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants. My patients tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size breast implant is right for them. I believe a round smooth saline or silicone implant placed behind the chest muscle (in a dual plane) will give you the most natural result.
Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author                   
RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee

I would use the round implant, as I no longer use textured implants and if the anatomic should twist a little it does not look right.

Hi CoolIt depends on what ultimate size you want to be  both those implant choices will give you a natural look  if tou choose a smaller implant the a round is fine  the bigger you go - the more benefit a teardrop has. Essentially for any given volume a teardrop will give you a more natural look concerning the upper pole and cleavage - which is what you see in clothes.We have a breast sizing service at breastsizing.comCheers Damien

Dear Cool4889,
I use both tear drop (shaped) implants and round implants in my practice. One has to understand the dimensions of the breast to determine which implant would work best. A shaped implant looks like a tear drop and like a natural breast shape. This may sound like it makes the most sense for breast augmentation but if a patient has breast tissue already, this tends to push out or project the bottom part of the breast more so than what is natural. Two things that look like a breast don't necessarily make for a more natural looking breast. A round implant often times has a more natural look than a shaped implant because it increases the breast size more evenly. I still use shaped implants in a few circumstances when patients have no breast tissue. Patients that are very flat or have had a mastectomy. Shaped implants also have the increased risk, up to 30%, of rotation so I'm very careful when using or recommending them. The bottom line is that one should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast surgery to determine the best implant for each patient. All of my breast augmentations are designer breast augmentations which means that one size does not fit all. I customize the surgery and implant based on the characteristics of the patient and their goals.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Tear drop/anatomic/shaped implants are a variant of silicone implants. The difference being a form stable gel fill which imparts the anatomic shape. The "gummy bear" gel is the most cohesive/firm available. It is form stable and will hold a shape thus the shaped/gummy bear. Additionally, these devices are textured as orientation is crucial (a tear drop is only a tear drop when oriented appropriately). The texture acts as a sort of velcro holding the implant in position.
In my practice most patients will choose a smooth round device. When placed in the submuscular plane, the aesthetic differences are minimal. The downward pressure by the muscle across the upper pole of the round device forces it to assume a more tear drop appearance. Recent studies have shown that both patients and surgeons have difficulty distinguishing between the 2 implant types post-operatively. Additionally, shaped implants are more costly and have an increased risk of rotation.
Finally, although very rare, the few documented cases of BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) have all been in cases of textured devices. Until more data is available many are shifting their practice back to smooth round devices.
Studies have shown most cannot tell the difference between the shaped and round devices when placed submuscular. In light of the added cost (2x), larger incision, and BIA-ALCL risk...most will opt for round devices placed beneath the muscle.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Verified Member
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  For most patients similar results will be achieved with either a tear drop or round implant and for a myriad of reasons, I would favor a smooth round implant placed beneath your chest muscle that is sized to the approximate width of each breast.  Hope this helps.

I do not think there is a noticeable difference in the end results of teardrop implants compared to round implants. Plus all tear drop implants are textured and we are trying to stay away from the textured implants currently. A properly selected round implant with your input will serve your wishes

Hello, thanks for your question and photo. The patient needs to discuss the size and shape of the implants with the doctor. The final decision depends on the goals and the body contour of the patient. I suggest the teardrop implant for the best natural result, especially in the case of small body size. See a board-certified plastic surgeon at your area and do not be afraid to talk openly about your concerns and goals. Good Luck!