Are the disadvantages of teardrop implants very significant and can you really achieve a natural look with round implants?

Question

I'm a 6 foot women with a natural cup size of 36b, my first consultation is in a week and I'm torturing myself over round or teardrop.

Damien Grinsell MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi.  It really depends on 2 things - how big you want to go and how much natural tissue you have to "hide" the implant.  The difference is really the upper pole.  A round gives a slightly more prominent upper pole.  If you are going for a conservative size then a round is usually fine.  If you are very thin with minimal breast tissue then an anatomic or teardrop implant is better.  In my practice I am usually the one deciding on the exact implant depending on the patients desired outcome.RegardsDamien

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I find that a natural look can be achieved with either type of implant but it depends on the person's body type, implant size, and other factors. I think your surgeon will be able to discuss the pros and cons of these implants for your specific body type.

Farah Naz Khan, MD · Answer

Hard to answer this without photos or an in person exam. Best to let your operating surgeon evaluate you in person and make the best recommendations for you based upon your breast measurements. The goal of breast augmentation is to optimally fill your breast pocket, not to overstuff or understuff it. At my practice, we utilize a series of 5 breast measurements that help me determine the ideal implant size, which in turn helps me deliver a 24 hour recovery. Do your research and choose a surgeon who takes the time to sit down with you and discuss your goals/expectations to determine the best size for you. Good luck!!

Robert Cohen, MD · Answer

It's very difficult to answer your question without seeing preop photos, but I have some helpful videos on Realseff, and I'll give you some basic information.  There are a lot of different brands and styles of anatomical (teardrop) implants.  These implants can create a very nice shape, and in the right hands the risks are very low.  You need to make sure the surgeon is experienced with these implants as they require very precise measurements and surgical dissection.  The risk of implant rotation, if the surgery is done properly, should be around 1%, so very unlikely.  Softer smooth, round implants moderate profile will give a similar, natural look to anatomical implants, but you will lose some of the benefits of a textured implant (i.e. Positional stability, more cohesive gel, lower capsular contracture rates).  I would recommend you see a surgeon with a lot of breast augmentation experience with both round and anatomical implants to help you make your implant selection.  Good luck!

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. Choosing teardrop vs round implants depends upon your desired results. Round implants will give you more upper pole fullness than the shaped ones. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.

Damian Marucci, MBBS, PhD, FRACS · Answer

Thanks for your excellent question.
The difference in the final cosmetic result from round versus anatomical/tear drop implants tends to be subtle, so I wouldn't worry too much. Generally speaking, if patients want a more natural look, I recommend anatomical implants, but if the desired increase in cup size is small, you could probably go either way. If a patient is looking for a more "out there" look, then large round implants are going to give you that. Some surgeons prefer round implants as they can't rotate (as anatomical implants rarely can), but I don't think this should be a primary concern in selecting your implants. 
The most important thing is to consult with a well trained plastic surgeon who will be able to guide you through the process.
Good luck with your consultation next week.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Don't torture yourself. Once you have selected your plastic surgeon carefully, he/she will be a good guide for you. 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 “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.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. You sound like you are a great candidate for a breast augmentation.  The size, profile, shape, texture, and type of implant (e.g., saline, silicone gel, “gummy bear”) is based on your desired versus existing breast size and shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue quality.  In general, a shaped (or teardrop) implant will give a more natural appearance, but depending on your pre-existing breast tissue, this may be unnecessary.  Alternatively, you may like the appearance of the round implants after comparing them side-to-side. This decision should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck! 
 
 Best
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 
 Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Are the disadvantages of teardrop implants very significant and can you really achieve a natural look with round implants?

Answers (8)

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