Shaped implant or round implant for tuberous breast?

Breast implant shape is not the first thing to consider when patients have tuberous breasts. To create a less tuberous breast shape. the constricted tissue surrounding the nipples must first be released. If the areolae are puffy, this can be corrected as well. A lift may be necessary if there is sagging. Then, if the patient would like larger breasts, implants can be used. The shape of the implant can be selected based on the goals of the patient.

You need a consultation to be certain. However, round implants typically manage the constricted base and tubular breast better than anatomical shaped implants.

Thank you for your question. I might disagree slightly with some others on here. And I am going to answer several of your questions together....

Shaped vs. round implant - this is up for debate, the honest answer is that either will work and some surgeons might have a preference for one or another. I actually prefer a shaped implant for these cases, especially if the patient has a severely deformed breast or very little glandular tissue. You want to make sure you choose a highly-cohesive gel implant, and now these come in both round and shaped, so there are options, but the highly-cohesive gel will help shape the breast over time, so whichever shape you choose, the shape of the final outcome will look more like the implant you choose (especially if you are small breasted to start out with). My preferred approach to a tuberous breast with enlargement of the nipple/areola is an incision around the nipple to place the implant (under the muscle usually, but this really depends on soft tissue/breast coverage thickness), scoring of the gland restriction in the lower pole, and then a periareolar mastopexy on the way out! But this same approach can be done with a shaped or round device.

Which implant type bounces/jiggles more softer? - my advice here is to choose a highly-cohesive gel implant, which is firmer but also ripples less and will do a better job at shaping the breast. If you choose a "softer" or less cohesive gel implant, the implant will be more likely to be shaped and formed by the breast than the other way around and this can be a problem when there is baseline shape deformity in the breast (tuberous breast).

Tubular breasts, saggy, tight, constricted. Over or under the muscle implant? - see above, in general the answer is under the muscle, but the implant can be placed over the muscle if you have enough natural soft tissue thickness and breast tissue to adequately cover the implant. If you do go in front of the muscle, I usually suggest using a textured implant (all shaped implants are textured) as the risk of capsular contracture is less with a textured implant than a smooth implant when placed in front of the muscle. This would need to be determined by an exam to find out what is best for you.

Hope this helps!

Dallas Buchanan, MD
VIVIFY plastic surgery
Tampa, FL