What are the pros and cons of tear drop shape implant? I know they could rotate but what are the chances for that?

Question

My width is 11.5-11.75. What is the biggest size i can go for with teardrop? I am looking for very natural look.

Goretti Ho Taghva, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello loveforboobs, thank you for your interesting question!  Tear drop shape implant is a great addition to the plastic surgeon's armamentarium for aesthetic breast surgery.   In my practice, it is most often used in patients who desire a natural breast shape without an overfilled upper pole.  It is excellent in patients with very little breast tissue because the shape implants help define the breast shape without creating the fake and overly round appearance.  It is also good for patients with mild breast ptosis/ pseudoptosis because the center of the implant is positioned a bit lower than traditional round implants.  Although malposition/ rotation of the implant is a documented risk, it is extremely rare when the breast pocket is well created and not over-dissected.  The choice of implant size depends on various factors and measurements, and it is best for you to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in person to discuss your options.  Good luck!`

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

#Augmentation #lift  with #shapedimplantsShaped implants are all textured and should not rotate when used properly.  Your PS needs to measure you and determine the best shape and size of any implants that are used.In my practice, about 20% of the patients benefit from shaped implants

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Tear drops are being heavily promoted by the manufacturers, but like every product there are pros and cons.Less fullness in the upper pole-- but many patients want more fullness in the upper pole. Round gel implants under the muscle take on a tear drop shape anyway.Textured so they stick in the correct position- but on occasion they can still rotate and will look funny. If a round implant rotates it will make no difference.  Because they have to stick I feel the breast can look less mobile, less natural.Texture can lower contracture rate- Above the muscle a lower rate of contracture is clear, but below the muscle texturing make less difference. Round implants can be textured as well, but they will stick internally, be less mobile and IMO may look less natural.Thicker gel- All of today's implants are cohesive, the tear drops are slightly more cohesive so that they maintain their shape. This translates into a firmer implant which for some surgeons and patients may not be a good thing.Ultimately your surgeon should base the selection of implant on you your goals,and your breast examination. If there is a reason for a textured teardrop it is a nice option to have, but smooth round implants may have less issues down the road.Hope this has helped.

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  Rotation of teardrop implants is thought to be uncommon but the exact incidence is not well understood.  Surgeons have different indications to use teardrop vs round implants.  In my practice I use teardrop implants if the nipple position is lower than ideal and the person wants to improve the apparent position of the nipple on the breast without having a lift.  Teardrop implants are firmer so if a person does not have much tissue thickness I find that they are more likely to feel or see the edge of the implant, particularly if they are inserted above the muscle.  They are more expensive and often a slightly longer incision is required for their insertion.  A proper assessment is required to discuss appropriate implant size and shape.

Stephen W. Gordon, MD · Answer

Drop Silicone implants in my opinion are the best choice for natural looking breast results. Silicone textured implants breast shaped may all around made by Allergan or [0:25:02] rarely rotate. I cannot give you an answer regarding whether it’s the biggest size possible based on your breasts with alone but I assume that since your question was found in the category having to deal with breast lifts and implants that you also need a breast lift. That being said, it’s probably not wise to look to be as big as you possibly can because breast implants under the best of circumstances do contribute weight and to a very weight sensitive procedure. We must remember that a woman has saggy breasts due to gravity and genetics and gravity and genetics are not going to change in your lifetime. So you might want to take it easy on maximum largest implant that you could put in there. Thank you.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided information as well... Those kind of implants, tear drops are a good option if you want to achieve natural results, some results of past patients said that they have a proportion or rotation  when they're textured implants, so I would suggest you to go with smooth type for better results, hugs!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Tear drop shaped implants are a good option.  Some downsides are that they can rotate and they are textured. I prefer the round smooth implants.

Whitney A. Burrell, MD · Answer

The tear drop implant is relatively new to the market but already has many names: form-stable, shaped, gummy bear.  There are many advantages, a few disadvantages, and some similarities with the older gel models. The shaped or "tear drop" implant provides a more natural shape that avoids the high and round upper pole. This is a strong draw for women seeking a natural rather than "augmented" look. Secondly, the stability of the implant in terms of its density and the fact that the lower pole has strong projection can also help with mild forms of breast ptosis or "droopiness": it helps "lift" that lower pole of the breast.  Thirdly, the textured shaped implants have lower rates of capsular contracture.  Lastly, because the silicone has a higher rate of cross-linkage, even if the implant were to rupture, the silicone doesn't run.  It has the consistency of a gummy bear, hence its other nickname.  A board certified plastic surgeon should thoroughly examine you and carefully discuss all the risks and benefits: tear drop implants are more expensive, and not everyone will see a huge benefit in using them, so the surgeon should discuss weighted benefits and give you other options as well.  You are correct that base width is one of the parameters informing size, but as with round gel implants, the projection varies between styles.  The appropriate size is determined by your anatomy and tissue quality. Too big and you risk a "bottoming out" effect with early stretching of the tissues.  You are also correct about the risk of rotation. One of the reasons to select an experienced board certified plastic surgeon is that he or she will be well-versed in the proper technique for placement of the shaped implant.  If the implant is not placed snugly, there is a much higher risk of rotation.  The shaped implant also requires that drains be placed to avoid fluid build-up which might increase the rate of rotation.  All the best to you in this process, and I hope you are thrilled with your results!

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and the best size for you would be determined after measurements and trying on various sized implants till you see the volume on your chest that you like.  Your surgeon will then be able to pick the best shaped implant for you given your anatomy .Dr. Corbin

Susan Kolb, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I personally do not know if the risk of complications of textured implants (including a small risk of lymphoma, silicone particles in the lymphatics and axillary lymph nodes, and increased risk of infection especially with trauma), are worth the change in shape.  Our clinic treats these complications every week.

What are the pros and cons of tear drop shape implant? I know they could rotate but what are the chances for that?

Answers (10)

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