Tear Drop Vs Round Breast Implants for Petite Build?

More than 90% of women have smooth round silicone implants. A recent presentation at the plastic surgery society meeting disclosed that 50% of plastic surgeons couldnot tell the difference between gummy bear and conventional silicone implants following breast augmentation. One thing is certain: gummy bear implants are harder than round silicone implants. Some women like this better, and some women prefer the softer feel. This is the #1 method I use to help women choose between these two implants. The second involves the desired breast shape: If women want to have an "augmented" look with a high "shelf" to their breast, I advise women that this is more likely to result with the smooth round silicone implants.In my current practice, I use about 3 pair of round implants for every 1 pair ofgummy bear implants.In terms of going with a larger size, make sure your plastic surgeon is board certified and has experience with breast augmentation. Your breast fold may need to be lowered to accommodate implants of your desired size range. If your chest and breast width is narrow, gummy bear implants will likely be too wide for your breasts. You may need to consider ultra high profile breast smooth round silicone implants if you want to go on the larger side (narrow width, but large volume).

Round and shaped implants look the same from the side 6 months after surgery.  An X-ray study which imaged the implants from the side 6 months after surgery showed no significant difference in breast shape with the patient standing.  However, there are significant advantages in smooth round implants with respect to feel and mobility compared to textured anatomic implants.  

Deciding on which implant to use is always a difficultdecision for women. The benefit is that in this day and age is that there areso many choices of implants that the augmentation can be tailored to eachpatient.

The shaped implants can help decrease the roundappearance that some women are afraid of having after their breastaugmentation. First of all I would tell you that by using a silicone gelimplant, whether it is round or shaped will help decrease the chance that youare going to look fake. The silicone implants are much softer and give people amore natural appearance and feel. The shape implants in my opinion are a goodoption for women that want to have a bigger implant and still avoid a fake appearance.Shaped implants are also a good option for patient undergoing breastreconstruction. When patients are using a very small implant the differencebetween a shaped and a round silicone implant is very small.



They are both good implants, and this is where your plasticsurgeon will help guide you on what implant will help you achieve you aestheticgoals. Please consult with your board certified plasticsurgeon to help guide you on what implant would be best for you for your breastaugmentation.

I appreciate your question!

After performing hundreds of breast augmentations, I have found that the size of implant best for you is dictated by your chest wall measurements. Once we determine that we can choose the profile based on what you want or need to achieve.  If you are seeking a natural look, then the diameter of the implant should be equal to or, more ideally, smaller than the width of your breast. The breast width is a measurement of how wide your breast is at the base, which should be measured at the level of the nipple. Choosing an implant that is smaller in diameter than your breast width will avoid the "side breast" fullness that is often associated with a more artificial appearance. Other than that, you should choose the implant based on volume, not on the dimensions of the implant. You should choose a board certified plastic surgeon that you trust to help guide you in this decision. Bringing photos as well can help us to finalize, but please understand that these are of other people’s bodies and your results will probably be different.

Silicone will give you fullness at the top (upper pole fullness). Silicone implants come pre-filled with a silicone gel and are the softest implant available. They feel more natural, which makes them a good option for women with less natural breast tissue; but they require a larger incision. It may be more difficult to realize if this type of implant has ruptured, so it is important to monitor them with annual follow-up visits. Additionally, because this implant contains a softer silicone (less cross-linked), if this implant should rupture, it may leak but only into the scar capsule formed. However, the newer silicone in these implants may not leak even when the implant shell is ruptured.

Anatomic gummy bear implants might be a good choice to give you a more natural look. These highly sought after, anatomic implants offer a look that more closely resembles the natural silhouette of a breast, and, therefore, is a very attractive option for individuals seeking a natural-looking, aesthetic primary breast augmentation. Additionally, these implants are an especially excellent option for patients undergoing restorative or corrective breast surgery because they provide more stability, shape, and reduced incidence of capsular contracture. Compared to other types of silicone gel implants, the silicone in the cohesive gel implant is more cross-linked; therefore, should the implant shell “rupture,” it maintains its shape and silicone does not leak.

During your breast augmentation consultation, you should feel the different types of implants available, and try on various implant sizers in front of a mirror to help you to get an idea of how you will look following the surgery. You should also bring pictures of the look you would like to achieve, as well as a favorite top to wear when trying on implant sizers. I also use a 3D imaging system to allow you to try on a variety of shapes and sizes. I prefer this method over adding volume due to implants being under the muscle.

We will also discuss the possibility of needing a lift along with an implant. This will depend on the amount of ptosis (nipple position) as it relates to your breast, inframammary crease and chest wall. Needing a lift or not will also determine where to place the scar for the incision.  In some cases if the breast and nipple is really ptotic (low) it might be best to stage the procedure by performing a lift first and then doing an implant at a second stage. This will also allow you to have a better understanding of the true size and shape of your breast.

The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.

Best of luck!

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Thank you for your question
Both tear drop implants and round implants are considered perfectly acceptable for breast augmentation surgery. my advice to you to use round implants and the reason for that is round implants are softer than the anatomic implants ,And Beautiful, natural results are achievable with round implants . make sure you book an appointment with board certified plastic surgeon to discuss with him about your future results also you can do a 3D analysis to see your future results before the surgery .
good luck:) 
regards 
Güncel Öztürk MD

There is quite a bit of information out there regarding the difference between the round and anatomic.  Although you can make a round implant appear like a tear drop, it is not possible to do the same with an anatomic.  Some of the difference are:Anatomic:  doesn't change its shape when lying down, will still look the way as if you were standing, they are more firm, tend to have less wear and tear on the tissues over time, more firm, possibility of rotating, less ripplingRound:  have more upper pole fullness, can be softer, move around in the breast, can still look very natural.To really summarize the major point here is that the round implants (depending on the type used: responsive vs soft touch vs cohesive) can be softer than the shaped implants which only come in cohesive type gel.  It is important to discuss this with your plastic surgeon and see what he/she recommends for what you are trying to achieve.Hope that helps.