Are teardrop breast implants safe and are they the only way to achieve subtle results?

As to the safety of teardrop implants, the main concern is that teardrop implants have a textured surface, which increases the risk of a (type of cancer called ALCL developing around the breast implant--for this reason, many surgeons (myself included) only use smooth round breast implants. The other added risk of teardrop implants is that they can rotate in the body and create a strange appearance.

Teardrop implants are absolutely not the only way to achieve subtle results. Subtle, natural results can certainly be attained with smooth round implants placed under the muscle or subfascial, especially if you have enough breast tissue. Round implants even create a "teardrop" shape in your body when you are standing upright.

Teardrop shaped implants by definition are all textured which absolutely has a small association with anaplastic large cell lymphoma which is a cancer of the capsule. Although it is extremely rare and unlikely, there is still a small chance that you could develop this cancer with a textured implant. It is absolutely possible to achieve a subtle, very natural result with a smooth round implant, particularly if the projection is low and the volume is minimal. Obviously, I would need to examine you physically and take specific measurements of your breast and chest to know precisely what volume and projection would be appropriate, but you can absolutely have a beautiful, natural and subtle result with a smooth round breast implant.

You can absolutely achieve natural, beautiful results with round implants. They key is to select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon who listens to you and aids you in selecting the right implant for you. Submuscular placement tends to give a more natural look and disguises the upper portion of the implant. Selecting the correct profile also influences how subtle or obvious an implant may appear. I've included a video on implant selection that I hope you find hellpful.

Shaped implants have fallen out of favor due to the texturing needed to keep them in the correct orientation and the effect this texturing has in causing an inflammatory response in your breast/chest wall tissue. Studies have shown no advantage of texturing over smooth implants. So in summary, I do no recommend them.

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hi Pioneering

To be honest the biggest impact on whether implants are natural or not is the size of the implant. Going under the muscle and choosing either a smooth round or a teardrop are other elements that can be used. In essence you can get a very natural result with a round implant under the muscle if it not too big.
Textured round give the most upper pole fullness but once again it depends on the size - smaller implants will be subtle. There is a 1/20 risk of rotation across the board for anatomical implants so I mainly use them when a patient wants to go a bit bigger and still have the most natural result possible. This makes the pocket tighter and the risk of rotation so far in my hands is 0% but I use them selectively. So in summary choose the size first then let your surgeon design the plane and implant choice depending on the natural look you want.
Regards
Damien

Dear Pioneering22818,
breast implant type and sizing selection is a complicated process and requires a detailed consultation that includes a discussion of your goals, a detailed examination, and a lengthy discussion. But the decision will always start and end with the patient. When it comes to sizing, we have all of our patients find 3 photos of their desired breast size. We ask for naked breast photos because clothing can obscure the true size (push up bras). Next, we consult with patients and go over the photos and take detailed breast measurements during a physical exam. Next, we using a sizing algorithm to determine a range of implants that will work based on the exam and the measurements.Lastly, during the operation, we use silicone sizers in the operating room to see how the size actually looks in the breast. We sit the patient up in the operating room, while asleep of course, and compare the sizer result with their desired look photos. If it is too small, we start the process over with a slightly larger implant. We don't stop until we get the perfect match.Of all of my breast augmentation patients, every one of them has been happy with their size due to this detailed and meticulous process. You don't want to invest time and money into a result that is either too big or too small.You should discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon and make sure that your surgeon understands your goals.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

I would not advise having a tear drop implants placed as they are likely textured implants. Textured implants have been associated with anaplastic large cell lymphoma. You can still achieve a great look with smooth, round, silicone implants.

It does not seem that there is a difference in shape between round and teardrop shaped implants after 1 year. On the basis of those few that we have done in the past years and results that are published in the literature, it appears that the only adventage of tearshaped implants is in group of patients who had breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Hope this helps.

Teardrop-shaped breast implants are considered safe, but like any surgical procedure, they come with potential risks. The choice between teardrop and round implants depends on factors such as body type, desired outcome, and surgeon’s recommendation. Both types can achieve subtle results; the key is selecting the right size and shape based on individual preferences and anatomy. Consult with a skilled plastic surgeon to discuss your specific goals and determine the best option for you.