Teardrop or round implants? (Photo)

Thanks for your question! I would recommend a round implant of a lower profile (like a low or low plus profile). It will still take a very anatomic shape in your body, but you won't have the concern of rotation. Good luck!

Dear neurospicy91,

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
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Round devices do imitate shaped anatomic devices when placed in the submuscular plane due to the downward pressure of the muscle across the upper pole of the implant. Studies have shown that most (doctors and patients) cannot distinguish between the two post operatively. There is, however, a benefit to shaped anatomic implants when placed subglandular.
That being said, in my practice, round devices are preferred for a number of reasons: lower risk of rotation, cost, BIA-ALCL. I also prefer submuscular devices due to lower incidence of contracture.
The presence of native breast tissue serves to camouflage the device. In those patients with a reasonable amount of native breast tissue, the implant will be effectively hidden irrespective of plane. In those with a paucity of breast tissue (and a planned subglandular approach), the shaped anamtomic/tear drop implants hold a distinct benefit of softening the upper pole transition. This point becomes moot when placed submuscular or in patients with adequate breast tissue.
Each approach has both costs and benefits as do the differing devices. Patients are unique and so too is each operative plan. A potential augmentation candidate may be better suited for one approach or the other.
Based on your photos, I believe with careful sizing and planning you are a reasonable candidate for augmentation with a round device.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

A round implant will usually settle into a very nice teardrop shape after a a few months. This allows a patient to avoid extra potential problems associated with shaped implants. Good luck with your surgery!

Either round, smooth or anatomical implants can give you an excellent result. You appear to have a slight variant of a tuberous breast deformity where the distance from your nipple to your fold is shortened. Either implant can be used to augment and improve the shape and size of your breast. There are two things to consider about anatomically shaped implants that are not a concern with smooth around implants. First, the anatomically shaped implants must be textured to help to minimize the risk of them rotating and requiring an additional surgery to correct and the association with the textured implants and the very rare tumor, anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Due to these two factors that can occur with the textured anatomical implants, my preference and recommendation is always to use smooth, around implants. Best wishes.

Hello,The lower pole of the breast is short, and the nipple is positioned downward instead of in the center. I would recommend choosing anatomical, or teardrop-shaped implants.

In my experience round conforms to your shape the best. This fact should create a nice natural look. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

The difference between round and anatomical implants, if placed correctly, cannot be understood easily. I have seen many upside-down round implants as well. When the implants have textured surfaces it is not very common for them to rotate. When my patients want round implants with this kind of breast shape, I tell them that I will check during the surgery and see if they need a periareolar lift. As the anatomical implants have fuller bottom half, it will rotate your nipples upwards and give a better result.Also you can ask for fat grafting for a fuller cleavage.

The debate has been over for years. Anatomic implants do not confer a different result from round ones, they show clinically apparent rotation at least 20% of the time (and more than half rotate more than 30 degrees), and they are textured, which puts you at a small risk for BIA-ALCL, a lymphoma.

You bring up a great point! Teardrop implants need to stay in the perfect position to work as intended, and even slight movement can cause issues. Plus, shaped implants don’t move as naturally because they’re designed to stay fixed in place.

The good news is that most round implants naturally take on a teardrop shape when you’re upright, which solves the issue and gives you the look you’re going for. The only exception is the firmest cohesive gel implants, which don’t shift into that shape as easily.

Dr. B.