Teardrop or Round implants after a delayed mastectomy? I know the risks but want the most pleasing outcome. (photos)

Deciding between round and shaped implants - depends on the look that you are going for.  Teardrop implants may have a more natural look, round implants have the simplicity of being all round so you don't have to worry about them moving / spinning. 

I personally do a lot of breast reconstruction and have always used tear drop shaped implants after tissue expansion.  I have had the expanders rotate and do advise patients that the final implant could.  However, a well desgined pocket with appropriate steps to prevent rotation will minimize the chance.  With so little tissue to cover an implant I really favour tear drop shaped implants in the setting of breast reconstruction, particularly thin patients.I would discuss this with your surgeon.  It sounds like you have a great rapport which is so important.  Go over your concerns with them.  They will be able to tell you the pros and cons of one versus the other specific to you and help you decide which you are most comfortable with.Dr Rodger ShorttOakville Plastic Surgeon

This is a highly debatable question and everyone can give you their theory.  Bottom line is that some plastic surgeons get a better result with the round and some get a better result with the anatomical implant.  You have to find out which implant YOUR plastic surgeon is best with.  I use the shaped devices that are textured and feel that has the most pleasing, natural result in MY HANDS.  I fat graft every single one of my patients to help soften the look and add thickness.  I also have my patients get 3D nipple areolar tattoos as I feel it is a better cosmetic result than doing the nipple reconstruction which tends to flatten the very part of the breast where you want the most roundness and projection.  One of my concerns with your pictures is that things don't look quite expanded enough- especially your right side.  Now I understand that you aren't done and pictures aren't always a great representation of things, but it looks like potentially your right side isn't filling like the left (perhaps there may be a leak which isn't unheard of).  It may be great and just that the pic doesn't portray reality, but just a concern. 

Again ONLY IN PERSON examination allows a response. Seek a few in person please. I prefer round but that is after the examination when I determine better route... 

I prefer round silicone implants. I have not really loved the whole textured anatomic look because they can rotate.  Best to be seen in person for a proper analysis.  Good luck.

I have been very happy with the shaped form stable silicone implants for reconstruction.  There is less rippling and the shape is more "natural", but they can rotate and you can go bigger with round.  It just depends what you value most- shape or size.

If you have found a plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast reconstruction chances are you will be able to get a good result with either implant. The look you are going to get is determined by the implant style and volume, as well as your anatomy. Some patients get  natural results with round implants, while others achieve that look more easily with shaped implants. In my reconstruction practice about 70% of my patients get shaped implants. In my experience there are certain body types that just look better with round implants. When I take my patients to the operating room I usually bring some of each in the appropriate size range. We use sizers to determine which style and volume looks best for each patient. You should consider spending some time looking at patient photos on the website of your surgeon or others to find  a few examples of results that you like. Print those out and share with your surgeon so he or she can get a clear idea of what you have in mind. Good luck with your surgery. 

I understand your concern.  But since pictures can be misleading, I have to start with a disclaimer and highlight the importance of a personal consultation to really determine what really needs to be done. Round and teardrop/anatomical implants have the same appearance once inside the breast pocket because of the gravity's effect--pulling most of the filler material to the lower aspect of the shell, leading to more fullness in the area.  In fact, a study published by the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal last year has suggested that patient satisfaction was almost the same between women who had round implants and those who had teardrop implants. Because teardrops are not supposed to rotate inside the pocket or else they can lead to deformity, they always come in textured surface (nevertheless, there is a small risk of flipping).  Meanwhile, this design is not necessary with round implants because all their sides are equal, thus they can rotate without causing any problem.But as someone who needs reconstruction, you may be a good candidate for gummy bear breast implants, which are always teardrop in shape.  They are the fifth generation silicone implants, and compared to their predecessors their filler material is more cohesive.  In fact, no silicone gel will leak even if their shell is cut in half. And lastly, if you're goal is the natural look, you can never go wrong with a conservative implant size, which means that it is within your anatomical limits, breast/chest measurement, shoulder, waist, body frame, amount of skin and tissue, etc.You may consult other PS so you can have more options and come up with a highly informed decision. Good luck and best wishes.