I'm not sure whether to have round based or oval based teardrop implants.

Breast implants come in round or
teardrop ("anatomic") shapes, and the "teardrop" implants can have numerous configurations, base dimensions, profiles, and can be silicone or saline. While some plastic surgeons prefer the
teardrop-shaped implants in some situations, smooth round implants are
generally the softest, most natural in appearance (upright and lying down),
least likely to be felt externally, and (for saline implants) least likely to
leak. They also cost less than teardrop-shaped textured implants.

Textured surface implants have a
thicker shell, are more likely to be felt externally, and have a somewhat
higher leak rate (saline implants) because of the thinner or weaker areas in
the tiny peaks and valleys of the shell surface. Since teardrop-shaped implants
must have proper positioning and must stay in that position (sloped part up,
rounded part down) to take advantage of their innate shape, by necessity they
are textured so that the body's tissues can adhere to and maintain the proper
position of the implants. (Upside-down teardrop implants really would look
weird.) Even less major malposition asymmetries are “stuck” and remain a bit
“off” in appearance. This adherence also makes initial positioning
critical—textured implants do not settle or drop over time. Post-op tissue
swelling and tightness diminish, giving a softer feel, but position (by
definition) is determined by the initial placement and adherence.

Teardrop, “anatomic,” or
“gummy-bear” implants cannot and do not move very much at all as the patient changes
from a standing to a reclining position. Teardrop implants remain
teardrop-shaped when the patient is lying down, whereas the natural breast
flattens out and assumes a round appearance. Teardrop, “anatomic,” or
“gummy-bear” implants are also more costly than round smooth implants. The
smooth round implant does just what a natural breast does: it is
teardrop-shaped when the patient is upright, and flattens and drops slightly to
the side when the patient reclines. Thus, the round implant is actually more
anatomically realistic than the teardrop, “gummy-bear,” or so-called “anatomic
implant.”

Some implant manufacturers and
plastic surgeons have suggested that the “anatomic” or teardrop-shaped breast
implant has a more natural look than a round implant, and much advertising and
marketing has been used to promote “anatomic” implants to the public. These
implants are perfectly good devices, but are more expensive than smooth, round
implants, and whether or not they are truly more "anatomic" is
questionable.

A recent study compared actual
women with smooth, round implants to women with textured, teardrop-shaped
implants. Mammograms were performed in upright and supine (lying-down)
positions, and digital tracings computerized and compared. Both the round and
teardrop-shaped implants had a sloped, teardrop shape when the women were
upright. In fact, in upright patients, teardrop and round implants were
indistinguishable on X-ray. But when a woman is lying down, the natural
non-augmented breast flattens, drops to the side of the chest, and assumes a
round shape, as does the round smooth implant. The teardrop-shaped implant
stays teardrop-shaped in the lying-down position, which makes this unusual
appearance actually less anatomic than the round implant!You would be best to consider extra-fill cohesive silicone gel implants (like the Allergan Natrelle Inspira, or Sientra style 106) to reduce visible rippling since you are so thin and bony, but going with teardrop-shaped implants will require absolute position perfection at the time of surgery, since they do not drop, and if they are "off," they stay that way. Plus, they require larger incisions, cost more, do not flatten and drop to the sides slightly like natural breasts do (you DID want "as natural as possible" did you not?), oh, and did I say they cost more?Which of those do you really like? The higher cost must make them "better," right?I think you should obtain another couple of consultations and consider other (perhaps better) options. IMHO, of course! Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Hello, as you have found from your consultations, different surgeons will have a unique approach to breast augmentation.  Sight unseen it is not possible to provide specific advice to you, but in my practice for most slim patients with a flat chest I prefer to use round implants.  The majority are very pleased with the outcome.

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best resource
when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and concerns.

Having said that, there is really no way to accurately predict what size you
would like without an examination. During your examination and consultation,
you should try on some sample sizes and see what you are comfortable with. This
is an accurate approximation of what you would get. If in doubt, go up one size
from the one you like. Then the PS can help explain with the size and current
condition of your breasts the effects of those sized implants will have on you.


If you have accomplished this step, then trust your plastic surgeons advice as
to what would be the best size for you. They have the experience. If you are
uncomfortable, go on another consultation.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon