Teardrop or Round? (Photos)

Question

First off thank you for taking the time to read and answer. I personally don't like how my breasts look droopy and asymmetrical. Based on the pictures, do you think I should get "teardrop" or round implants? Is there a major difference between the two?

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

You really need fullness at the top of your breast and a round implant will do that better for you. Teardrop shaped implants sound like a good idea but really haven't taken off here in the states. I would select a round gel or saline implant. Good luck

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.

The best way to determine implant size is based on chest wall measurements that fit your body.  Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.

Implants under the muscle, there is less risk of capsular contracture.  Anatomic implants tend to give a more natural shape with more nipple projection.

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 and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Elisa A. Burgess, MD · Answer

Often times I ask my patients about their goals for breast augmentation.  Some like a real natural look and some like a rounder augmented look. Then I look at their existing breast volume and anatomy.  Then we start looking at possible implant volume or size. Crisalix 3D imaging is really helpful for this since it can give a gal an idea of what she may look like with any style, shape or size of implant. There are even virtual reality goggles that can be worn, so that you can look down and see what you may look like after augmentation. So you can see what you look like with a tear drop or a round implant.Make sure you go to a board certified plastic surgeon with some experience. Each of these implants have little tricks for placement. We also have Breast and Body Events that our local population can attend so that they can gather information and feel the implants. Our next Breast Event is next week and we are warming up the Crisalix so people can see first hand how much fun it is.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Tear drop implants do have a risk of malrotation, which round implants do not.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  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 with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

If the correct implant size and dimensions are chosen to fit your body type, there is not really a huge difference in the breast shape when using round or anatomic implants. Years ago, a study was done comparing the breast dimensions and shape using similar sized round and teardrop implants and they found almost no difference in how the breast looked. Most surgeons in the USA use smooth round implants. All teardrop shaped implants are textured surface implants which have a small chance of malrotation and a higher rate of seroma formation.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Both styles of implants will afford you a nice result, but with the degree of breast tissue you already have present I would favor a round implant.  Hope this helps.

Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD · Answer

The majority of women who undergo a breast augmentation will use a smooth round implant.   The anatomical implants work well for breast reconstruction cases, but are not ideal for a breast augmentation.  They are firmer and require bigger incisions for placement.  The best thing to do is to go for a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons and see what is going to work best for you.  I hope this helps.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and photos.

Round implants are used in 95% of primary breast
augmentation surgeries in the United States.

Round implants are often used to provide a more augmented
look rather than a natural look in patients with sufficient soft tissue
coverage.

If the breast has a good shape, and has enough padding under
the skin for the implant, or if there is concern regarding implant pocket
control and implant rotations, round implants are the first choice.

I believe your breasts have a breast shape of their own, and
tear-drop shaped implants are not needed.

A tear-drop shaped or anatomical implant is used in cases
where your breasts have very little breast tissue such that an adequate shape
is not readily perceivable. It is also used for patients who have tuberous breasts
in which the lower pole is constricted. So if you prefer a natural 45:55 upper-pole
to lower-pole ratio, then you can opt for a tear-drop shaped ‘gummy bear’
implant. However, it holds the risk of implant rotation which means that within
in your breast pocket, it may flip up-side down resulting in more fill
distribution in the upper-pole of the breast.

All this being said, a round implant with a less cohesive
filler can also provide a natural look similar to a tear-drop shaped implant.
When the silicone gel is not form-stable (i.e., not viscous) it causes the upper-pole
of the implant to collapse inward when inside your body resulting in a fill
distribution similar to a tear-drop shaped implant.

As such, many of us surgeons just use round implants.

Please consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get
more information about the different choices.

Hope this helps!

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your breast size and shape, I don't think you will be able to tell a difference between round and shaped implants. Round may be better due to lower cost.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

'There are currently a wider variety of
types and shapes of silicone implants than existed previously. They vary in:
outer surface texture, dimensions of width and height, projection, silicone gel
densities, as well as volume. The fact that there are more options is
confusing to most patients, but beneficial in helping to achieve an optimal
cosmetic result for each patient's particular anatomy. You will get a variety of answers to your question based on a surgeon' particular preference and experience. The vast majority of implants used in the United States are smooth round implants.

I would suggest that you find a
plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally
a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that
you  trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns at a
consultation with that surgeon  in person.

Robert Singer, MD  FACS

La Jolla, California

Teardrop or Round? (Photos)

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