Teardrop implants - why are they more expensive?

Question

Do textured anatomical implants take longer to drop? Why are they so much more expensive then gel cohesive round implants of the same brand? Why do they project more at the bottom? Does that mean they can do more to lift the breast the round implants can?

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

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

Scot Martin, MD · Answer

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.

Raad M. Taki, MD, FACS · Answer

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....

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

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

Teardrop implants - why are they more expensive?

Answers (8)

Answer: Smooth vs. textured round vs anatomical

Answer: Smooth vs. textured round vs anatomical

Answer: Anatomic Breast Implants

Answer: Anatomic Breast Implants

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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

Teardrop implants - why are they more expensive?

Answers (8)

Answer: Smooth vs. textured round vs anatomical

Answer: Smooth vs. textured round vs anatomical

Answer: Anatomic Breast Implants

Answer: Anatomic Breast Implants

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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