Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better? (Photo)

Question

I had a mastectomy and was advised by my surgeon to go with silicon teardrop implants, but they feel heavy and rigid to me. When I felt the smooth, round implants they felt softer, lighter and more pliable, which I like. I am concerned that since I have no fat in my chest that the rounds might look too "severe" and have an obvious outline. My surgeon is also concerned that I don't have enough fat for fat grafting. My exchange surgery is in 8 weeks and I'm trying to decide between the two types.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Jphillli,

Thanks for your question and photos. Based on your photo, it seems that you have rippling already. My recommendation based on this fact would be to get shaped implants under the muscle. If not fat is available  then layer another a new piece of acellular dermis to thicken the skin so that the rippling is less obvious. If you go with round the ripple rate is higher. The weight is the same regardless of round or shaped, i.e the 1 pound of feather or lead concept! The shaped implants soften. But ultimately the decision is yours and based on what YOU WANT. good luck!

All the best,

Carlos Mata MD, MBA, FACS

#breastreconstruction #shapedimplants

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Lisa Cassileth, MD, FACS · Answer

This answer is always evolving as implants evolve. If you are thin, and your bones show right through your chest wall (check out the  collarbone!), then chances are that you will have some rippling, whichis seeingthe implant through the skin. The advantage of shaped cohesive gel teardrops is that they really don't ripple much. The disadvantage is that they are really stiff and have an "edge" to them. Also, in real life, breasts don't have the same shape no matter what, as these implants do. Since smooth round cohesive gels came out (like Allergan's line SRF/SRM/SRLP etc) I've been using these on my skinny women often, and everyone seems very happy with them, as they ripple a little more but not as much as the old gels like style 10,15, and 20's. My current practice is to let the patients feel them both and decide for themselves, as well as telling them the information I just gave you. Everyone gravitates to one or the other immediately. As for your fat graft, if you can just get 20 or 50cc it would make so much of a difference. It will be better than the TE for sure!!! Best of luck!!!

Jacqueline Anne Luong, MD · Answer

I actually am not a fan of the anatomic implants especially in thin women.  In my experience the upper pole of the implant is noticable and patients do find the implants to be too stiff.  Lately I have been using "more filled" implants such as Natrelle SRF style.  The higher fill volume minimizes rippling which can be a problem in thin women.Good luck,Dr. Luong

Erika Sato, MD, FACS · Answer

The final decision is definitely up to you and what you think you will be happy with. What I can tell you is I personally would choose an anatomic implant. They do feel rigid but soften with time. It takes ~3-4 months but they do soften and tend to feel more natural. They are also textured so they don't move, but look more natural versus a round implant.

Sara Yegiyants, MD, FACS · Answer

Go with the anatomic shaped implants. It will give you a nicer, more natural shape. Weight of the implant is the same for similar volume silicone implant regardless of shape.  You will benefit from fat grafting of the upper poles and will only need about 20 to 30 ml per side. Potential donor sites can include abdomen, back, flanks, buttocks, or thighs. Best, Dr. Yegiyants

Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better?

Answer: Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better?

Answer: Implant choice for reconstruction

Answer: Implant choice for reconstruction

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Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better?

Answer: Can mastectomy patients get a nice result with round implants or would "anatomical" teardrop shape be better?

Answer: Implant choice for reconstruction

Answer: Implant choice for reconstruction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reconstruction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.