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).

The anatomic or tear shaped implants are outstanding for women with very little breast tissue. Women who have a petite build often have very little breast structure and the anatomic shape implants give an outstanding natural look to the breast envelope that doesn't have much definition.Round implants can work extremely well, however there is a tendency to see or feel a wrinkle when a round implant patient is upright.  This is especially true with saline implants in very thin women with small breasts.   

When it comes to picking an implant shape for cosmetic breast augmentation I feel that for most women there is no clear advantage of the shaped implants. The extra cost are not justified for the amount of extra upper pole fullness one can get. Beyond cost they are a little more stiff feeling and typically one needs larger incision to place them through. Additionally  I would be very uncomfortable in using any incision other than the infra-mammary incision. With that said I have used them in cosmetic augmentation and have been very happy but it is the minority of patients in my practice that will benefit from that shape of implant. 

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.

Blinded research studies have shown that no one can tell the difference between round and teardrop shaped implants when they are inside the body. Appropriately sized round implants can have a very natural look and they allow you to avoid the small risk of rotation that can occur with teardrop shaped implants. By following certain principles of implant sizing, performing the surgery in a very specific way, and exercises during the recovery we can get most patients back to their day-to-day activities within one to two days. Make sure you find an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon.

First off, at your age of 19 when you asked the question, you would only qualify for a saline round implant.  Depending on your shape, you can look very natural with the round smooth saline implant.  As for anatomically shaped implants vs round implants, from a more recent study, it's hard if not impossible to tell the difference once implanted.  I have typically used the shaped implants for those patients with little breast tissue who have a tighter skin envelop.  That being said, of all the patients who received shaped implants, I may have one, possibly two who have observed a real rotation.  So to answer your question, normally, for a patient like you, who is of the correct age in the U.S., I recommend shaped implants.  After some of the more recent studies though, and some issues with textured implants in general, I will begin using more of the smooth round gel filled implants.  They look nice and don't have the potential for rotation issues.  I hope this helps. 

The tear-dropped shaped implants are idea in very specific patients.  I like to use the shaped implants in patients who are thin and petite who are looking for the utmost natural look.  This type of implants gives minimal upper pole fullness and little cleavage along the midline of the chest; hence for a natural un-operated look. However, with that said, it has it own inherent set of risks including fluid accumulation and rotation of the shaped implant.  
The implant selection should be based on a combination of your desired size, soft tissue dynamics, breast base diameter and skin elasticity.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thank you for your question.  Shaped implants are a nice option in the right patient - i.e. one who is small-breasted, of fairly small frame, who doesn't want to be too big post-op, and who wants a very natural appearance, with less fullness in the upper pole and more in the lower.  That said, a very nice and natural-looking augmentation can still be achieved with a round implant.

Teardrop shaped implants were originally promoted as providing a more natural breast appearance. However, that claim has never been proven. Recent studies have shown that even experienced plastic surgeons cannot tell the difference in appearance. Shaped implants have some disadvantages. They can rotate, causing asymmetry. They are also textured (to help prevent rotation). There are problems with implants that are textured, including risk of a rare cancer called ALCL. So round smooth implants are best. Round smooth implants also happen to be less expensive. You can read more on this subject at my website. I have attached a link.