Teardrop or Round? I would like to have full DD size breast. (Photo)

Question

I am wanting to get silicone implants, dual plane, 400-500CC. I have been recommended for a teardrop implant for "best results". But I am not so sure about the teardrop implants as I am a side sleeper and scared of all the complications such as flipping/turning. Etc. please advise.

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The most sophisticated approach to
breast augmentation is through the armpit with a surgical camera (transaxillary
endoscopic). Using this modern approach the space can be crafted under direct
vision, with virtually no bleeding and no postoperative bruising. Most
importantly, the shape of the breast is meticulously created. The other, older
methods of insertion are technologically less advanced. Both silicone and
saline implants can be placed through the armpit by a surgeon with skill and
experience using this approach. The incision in the crease is the oldest method
of placing the implants and puts a scar directly on the breast.

A round implant would be a better
choice because they move more like breasts. The anatomic implants have a
textured surface which makes them feel very unnatural. In addition, there is no
benefit to anatomical. There is an X-Ray study that shows the implants from the
side at 6 months. Standing, the round and the antomical implants have the same
profile. When you lie down however, the anatomical implants do not change,
which is unnatural. A round implant will change when you lie down, like a natural
breast would.

HP implants, which are a more modern
shape than moderate profile implants, fit most women better. They have a more
appropriate base diameter and can be made to look very natural or very
augmented, depending on where in the range the implants are filled to achieve a
particular volume. High profile implants are the first choice in my opinion. I
rarely find an indication to use moderate or moderate plus implants. The
subtlety in the final outcome is not achieved by which profile implant is used,
it is determined by the skill in the creation of the pocket, the choice of
volume, and where in the range the implant is filled.

There
are many advantages to sub muscular dual plane placement and very many
disadvantages to sub glandular placement.  I would see no indication to do
anything but sub muscular dual plane.  Subglandular silicone implant
placement is the historical approach to this surgery, and was widely used in
the 1960's.  The implant edges are more visible, the risk of rippling is
higher, the implant is in contact with the non-sterile breast tissue so the
risk of infection and capsular contracture is higher.  The interface
between the breast tissue and the muscle is blurred so the implant interferes
with mammography more than sub muscular placement.  The blood supply
surrounding the implant is worse so the risk of capsular contracture is higher.
 The support for the implant is less so there is more long term shape
abnormalities and sagging.  The look of a sub glandular implant is much
less appealing than a sub muscular implant.  The placement of sub
glandular implants makes any subsequent revision surgeries more complicated and
less successful.  There are no advantages to sub glandular implant
placement.

The choice between saline and silicone
is one that requires a complex discussion of all of the advantages and
disadvantages of both implants. The issues to be considered are safety,
density, mobility, rippling, rupture rate, consequences of rupture, detection
of rupture, need for follow-up care, cost of follow-up, appearance, feel,
sensation of heaviness, radio-density, mammograms, and costs, among other
things. There are advantages and disadvantages of both products. The decision
will ultimately be up to you based on what is appropriate for your particular
situation. Beautiful results can be obtained with either implant.

The best way to determine the size that
fits your personal perception of the perfect breast is to try on sizers. This
way you can see how they fit on you, how they add to your current volume, and
whether they fit your frame. Although the surgeon can guide you, only you will
be able to tell what is the right size. Try on sizers. Measuring a diameter and
then telling the patient what volume they can have (in high, moderate or
moderate plus implants) in my mind is backwards. The patients should be allowed
to choose the volume. Then the surgeon carefully considers the base diameter,
projection, profile, manufacturer, and fill material that will achieve the
patients goals of size as well as qualitative look (natural, intermediate, or
bold upper pole fullness or projection), all the while taking into consideration
the patient's anatomic features that will affect the outcome. The experience of
the surgeon and the degree to which they explain the options to you is of
utmost importance. The subtlety in the final outcome is not achieved by which
profile implant is used, it is determined by the skill in the creation of the
pocket, the choice of implant. Don't let the doctor tell you what would look
good on you. They cannot tell what you perceive to be the best size. There is
no maximum. That is up to you.

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeon in the USA are using round implants, but it doesn'y mean you can't get a great result from shaped product.Make sure that you are going to a board certified plastic surgeon who uses shaped implants frequently. The complication of rotation is a concern with shaped implants, but the occuence is only about 5%.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Online consultants will not be able to provide you with specific enough advice to be truly helpful. I can tell you that far more important than shape of breast implant will be careful selection of plastic surgeon, careful communication of goals, and careful execution of the procedure. Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery.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 know words such as “natural” or "full DD 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.  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/video, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Dario Felipe Cabello, MD · Answer

You are seeking an important volume and breast size.  I will recommend a round implant for that amount of volume.  At the beginning it may feel more projected but with time and after the swelling process they "reacommodate"  and achieve a more natural appearance.hope to help

Bennett Yang, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and the photo. When deciding between round and teardrop shaped implants there are pros and cons to each type of implant.You are correct to be concerned about malpositioning or malrotation of a teardrop template. When that happens unfortunately surgery is usually the only treatmentWith a round implant that is not a problem. Generally speaking the round implants have fewer complications and risks concerning positioning compared to the teardrop style implants. In my experience the teardrop implants look very natural but usually at a much more conservative size. Given the estimated size range implant that you are considering I would probably recommend a higher profile type implant.You should seek several consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons in your area before making any decisions. Also make sure that you have the opportunity to try on the implants in a test bra to get an idea of what this will look like on you. It's a good  idea to pick an implant that is an all-purpose implant meaning something that will look good on you 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  make sure that you have the opportunity to try on some implants of the different profiles available as well.As always it is best to be healthy, no smoking, and to make sure any health care conditions you have are managed by your primary care doctor.Best to you.

Teardrop or Round? I would like to have full DD size breast. (Photo)

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Teardrop or Round? I would like to have full DD size breast. (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Tear drop or round implants

Answer: Tear drop or round implants

Answer: Implant type

Answer: Implant type

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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