Round or teardrop implants? I have tubular shaped breasts. (Photos)

Tuberous breast is not, technically speaking, a "yes" or "no" question. There can be different points on the continuum. The typical hallmarks include a high, tight fold with "puffy" or distended areola, minimal breast tissue and potentially herniation of the breast tissue through a tightened ring thus the "tuberous" label. It is a congenital deformity which usually manifests at puberty. To what degree it manifests will vary from one patient to the next.
Treatment of tuberous breasts varies depending on the degree of the breast architectural distortion. Surgical correction typically involves:
-areolar reduction
-submuscular augmentation
-release of constricted breast tissue
All of these techniques work in concert to correct the tuberous deformation of the breast.
Based upon your photos, you do not appear to have tuberous breast deformity. In my practice most patients will choose a smooth round device. When placed in the submuscular plane, the aesthetic differences are minimal. The downward pressure by the muscle across the upper pole of the round device forces it to assume a more tear drop appearance. Recent studies have shown that both patients and surgeons have difficulty distinguishing between the 2 implant types post-operatively. Additionally, shaped implants are more costly and have an increased risk of rotation.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Hi, based on your photos I would not say that you have tuberous breast changes. The decision around having round or anatomical implants is individual and depends on what you are aiming to achieve, and which implant characteristics you choose to prioritise. I would recommend seeing a plastic surgeon with a specialist interest in aesthetic breast surgery, Using a 3D simulation system, such as the Vectra, may help you to visualise the natural results that you wish to achieve.

Thanks for your question!  Personally, I prefer round, silicone gel implants.  Gels tend to look and feel more natural than saline and hang in a more anatomic shape.  In my opinion, because of your anatomy, you wouldn't be as pleased with a tear drop shaped implant.  Good luck!

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a Breast Augmentation Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

Hello there Firstly you DO NOT have tubular breasts . You have an attractive breast shape.Implant choice is just one of many factors that come in to play in determining your final result . Implant size is just as important and implant pocket also plays a role .If you get an implant that is in the right size range you could get excellent results with either tear-drop or round implants . It all depends on what result you are after .CheersTS

You do not have tubular breasts! 

Your breasts will have a naturally augmented look if you select the right implant. A natural aesthetic breast tends to have a gentle slope in the upper part, peaking at the nipple and a rounded lower part of the breast. This can be achieved by using a natural shaped or anatomical shaped or tear drop shaped implant. These are implants that taper towards the top (towards your collar bone, on your chest) and are fuller at the bottom (towards your abdomen), giving the breast a more natural shape. A large implant can result in a rounded appearance in the upper pole, rather than a gentle slope. But if this is what you desire, then this is what you may need to go for.

Round implants do give more upper pole fullness and you could potentially get a "stuck on" appearance. This can particularly be an issue if you do not have much of your own breast tissue. But if prominent breast in the upper part is what you desire, then these implants may be for you. There is a reason why the tear drop implants are called 'anatomical' implants - it is because they resemble the anatomical shape of a natural breast! 

For optimal outcome, please consult a fully qualified plastic surgeon, who has specialist qualification in plastic surgery 'FRCS Plast' after having being trained adequately in the field of plastic surgery, is registered on the 'Specialist register for Plastic surgery' with the General Medical Council and has been considered competent enough to be a member of the 'BAPRAS' (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) and 'BAAPS' (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) at the least.

I would not characterize your breast shape as tubular, but that's not the important issue here.  Cup sizes are not standard across bra makers, and implant sizing is NOT based on height, weight, BMI, or desired cup size.  This is something you will need to do IN PERSON with an experienced surgeon to determine what works well for you, and to get advice about if what you like is possible and what to expect with regards to results.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.  

I wouldn't consider your breasts truly tubular, however if your goal is to achieve a rounder softer look, a round shape implant will be more successful for you.Choosing the best size to meet your proportions will be your key to avoiding a fake look.  You have a substantial amount of breast tissue so it should not be a problem.  I like to use sizers for women to get a look at what the end result will likely be- that's very helpful.Take a look at the Ideal Implant.  This implant is extremely popular and offers the best of features- soft, natural, structured saline so no ripple or 'swish' of water movement and...no MRI for detecting leaks.  Best safety profile out there!Good luck!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Hello and thank you for your question. Congratulations on your upcoming procedure.  I agree with your surgeon's choice of a round implant.  You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation with release of lower pole constriction.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  This entire surgery
can be performed with a small incision technique.  
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Hi moomin21,

Thank you for the photos. I think you are a great candidate for breast augmentation surgery. It is best, however, that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for proper and thorough assessment.

In addition, 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, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 

Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery