Teardrop implants - why are they more expensive?

Textured implants seem to take a little longer for them to drop, but they do drop over 3-6 months. People argue that they don't drop, but I have seen it with my patients as I use almost exclusively textured implants in my practice. I like these implants so much, given the research noting decreased capsular contracture rates,  that I even use the textured gummy bear implants through the arm put incision. Shaped anatomic implants are not for everybody. There are a few patients for which they are a good option. These include breast reconstruction after cancer, women with constricted lower pole of their breast, completely flat chested women with almost no breast tissue and women that have a very long, tall chest. The project more lower because they are mimicking the projection point of a natural breast.  They are a great implant for the right patient. They cost more because the manufactures set the price higher for them, the reason for that is not known to me. Implants provide very little "lift."T. If you need a lift, an implant will not make it so that you don't need one. I hope this helps and best wishes. 

Ab206,I don't use textured tear drop implants very often. I typically only use them for breast reconstruction after mastectomy or a woman has very little breast to begin with. To use them in a normal breast for straight forward augmentation tends to not look so nice in my opinion.  These are all good questions. I'd make an appointment with a plastic surgeon to go over all of these details.Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any more questions.I hope this was helpful,Dr. Daniel BarrettPlastic SurgeryBeverly Hills, CA

The texture of anatomical implants allows them to
adhere to the tissue, helping to keep them in the proper position during
healing and beyond. This type of implant is fuller at the bottom and tapers at
the top in order to mimic the shape of a natural breast. They are often
selected for women who don’t have a lot of natural breast tissue or for those
undergoing breast reconstruction. Use of this implant will not lift the breasts
anymore than any other type of implant. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a
surgery which elevates breast position and can be performed in conjunction with
breast augmentation. The higher cost of teardrop implants is because the
manufacturer charges more for them.

textured implants are thicker and stick to the tissue-- therefore, less likely to drop drastically. They are much more palpable ( you can feel them) and less natural. Anatomical implants are usually textured to prevent rotation of the implants. overall, less natural feel but looks good in photos!!!Therefore, smooth, round implants are more popular despite the push by the manufacture of the implants to use the shaped/ textured type. I have replaced a lot of shaped/textured implants for the smooth/round type and I feel that will be even be more so in the the future--- The cycle of textured-smooth will continue....

Anatomic or "tear drop" shaped implants are an excellent option for patients looking for a more natural and often more "mature" look to their breasts. They are always textured to help them from rotating over time. Any texturing will cause a slower time to drop and settle into the final position. However, textured implants tend not to drop as dramatically as smooth implants.The anatomic shaped implants are currently more expensive. This is likely due to an increase cost to manufacture them. As with anything new, it seems to bring a slight price premium.It is important that you have a lengthy discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss the pros and cons of these implants.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

Thank you for your questions:1) textured implants will not "drop". The surface of the implant will integrate into the tissue around the implant. However the muscle (if placed subpectoral) and breast tissue will mold , stretch and conform around it.2)Cost is related to volume of sales and expense "to bring to market".  Thus  shaped and anatomical implants are low volume, research/development costs need to be recouped, and have limited indications as compared to round implants3)they are designed to  "project at the bottom" to give more lower breast pole fullness.thus are used more often in breast reconstruction where there is loss of most of the breast tissue due to the mastectomy.4) "lifting of the breast" I am certain what you mean, because no implant will lift the breast. However if you mean rotate the nipple areolar complex (NAC) by virtue of increasing the distance from the infra mammary fold (IMF) (breast crease) theoretically yes. However this can be accomplished with a round implant by slightly lowering the IMF.I thank you for these very insightful questions and giving me the opportunity to respond.I suggest (or hope you have chosen) a Bd. Cert. Plastic Surgeon who ideally is a member of the Am. Soc. for Aesthestic Plastic Surgery (thus demonstrating a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery and by virtue of membership as met additional criteria and demonstrated experience in our sub speciality area)My best, 

Tear drop or anatomic breast implants are not for everyone.They are great implants for patients who desire a naturally looking breast because they are smaller at the top and larger at the bottom.Those implants are much more expensive.   The manufacturers charge more for the anatomic shape.For women who desire more upper pole fullness (or fullness at the top of the breast), round implants are probably a better choice.  With regards to "dropping," anatomic textured implants will generally NOT drop because we place them in a very small pocket underneath the breast or muscle.  

I love the results with tear drop implants, but not for all or even most women.  I find them to be very specific based on body type and breast dimensions.They are more expensive because the manufacturer charges more.  In general, implants are a pass through charge, so the cost for the patient reflects the cost for the surgeon.The tear drop implants do project more at the bottom based on their design.  However, implants do very little to lift the breast.  I do not believe that tear drop implants lift the breast any better than round implants.  A woman who needs a breast lift to attain an aesthetic result, needs a breast lift, not a larger implant or a tear drop implant.I hope this helps.