Why Do Some Women's Breast Implants Look Like 2 Round Rocks?

Question

Dear Doctors, I know this is a very silly question but I have seen many women with breast implants, and when the breasts end up very large they end up looking like 2 hard spheres, especially on smaller girls. I know that many women like this look, but it looks completely unnatural (In my opinion only) Why does this happen, and do your patients like this result? Thank you.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Implants that look like rocks can occur in a few different situations. A common cause is capsular contracture which is the development of firm scar tissue which contracts around the implant, making it feel hard. In other cases, the implant is simply much too large for the woman's build, so it appears and feels stuffed. But some women like it like that.

James F. Boynton, MD, FACS · Answer

The "baywatch" breast is the shape and description you are referring to I think. Patients that select extremely large implants for their frame that have very little native breast tissue end up with "large round" implants with very little tissue to cover them. They are also often hard. Often they also develop malpositions also known as "bottoming out" because of the excess weight of the implants. I try my best to avoid this type of augmentation.

Brian J. Lee, MD · Answer

There are several reasons that some implants look more round and unnatural than others. My preference is to make the breast look as natural as possible with s soft slope or gradual take off from the upper part of the chest/breast. This is better achieved by placing the implant under the muscle. Another reason is the type of implant. Mentor makes three profiles of implants, Moderate, Moderate Plus and High Profile. The higher the profile the more round the look. Lastly, as previously described by others is capsular contracture (Scar tissue compressing the implant and causing it to harden and bulge).

In summary, the three reasons for round implants are:

1. Placement above the muscle (controllable)

2. Type/profile of the implant used (controllable)

3. Capsular contracture (probably not controllable)

In summary, the three reasons for round implants are:

1. Placement above the muscle (controllable)

2. Type/profile of the implant used (controllable)

3. Capsular contracture (probably not controllable)

Marialyn Sardo, MD · Answer

Several factors can contribute to breasts looking like round spheres on the chest. One factor is too large an implant with too little breast tissue over it. Capsular contracture can also round up the implant and make it look like a ball. Placement of the implants over the muscle, especially if they are large with little tissue and capsule contraction can further create this unnatural turned over bowl look. While some women's anatomy increases the probability of this look, it can mostly be avoided by appropriately sized implants and good surgical judgment and technique. But as you mentioned, some women actually like the "fake" look!

Donald M. Brown, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question......which i might add is certainly not silly. The reason that these breast implants look like round rocks is that the implants are too large for the patient. I always tell my patients that the final appearance of the augmented breast is the result of the combination of their breast tissue and the implant. Having more breast tissue to "hide" the implant will allow them to have larger implants and still appear natural. Conversely, the smaller their natural breast and the larger the implant the more un-natural the final appearance will be. Finding that right balance requires much discussion with your plastic surgeon.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

You are correct that many women opt for implants that are not an appropriate size for them - usually too large. Part of this is media driven and part is uncertainty over what size will be most appropriate for them. From a surgeon's and staff perspective, we owe the patient a thorough consultation process including detailed sizing conversation. From the patient and their family, they should understand the issues with going too large. Our goal is to create a natural and well balanced look for the patient.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The shape and look of the breast depends upon the the size of the implant, and the volume of native breast implants.

Mahmood Kara, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry. Some patients prefer this look and aim for those results. It is from a subglandular placement.
Exact end results and cup sizes are usually quite difficult to calculate as everyone has a different starting point.

There are many different factors that go into choosing a breast implant size which will correspond with your body dimensions while concurrently achieving your aesthetic results. Some of these factors are: Implant size (CC's), Implant profile (Low, Moderate, High), Placement of the implant (Subglandular vs. Dual Plane) etc. We utilize smooth round cohesive silicone gel 'gummy bear' implants for the best results.

During a consultation your aesthetic goals are heard and taken into account with the measurements of your breasts and the integrity of your tissue, as well as level of ptosis (sag). From here we collectively can find your 'perfect fit'. You are able to try out sizers and different implants in our office such that you can get an idea of what size you would be post-operation. We also offer Crisalix 3D plastic surgery virtual simulator during our in-person and virtual consultations to preview potential results. After your consultation, you will receive your very own implant sizers to take home with you (at a small cost) whether or not you decide to go forward with your procedure.

I usually recommend that my patients stop smoking, take vitamin C daily, and avoid aspirin/ibuprofen and vitamin E 3 weeks prior to surgery. I specialize in the 24-hour Recovery method which minimizes trauma to the breast and decreases pain post-operatively.

We encourage you to look at our website and Instagram (drkaraplasticsurgery) for lots of before and after pictures!
Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery.

We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind
Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!

M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind

Michael Leff, MD (retired) · Answer

The usual reason for this appearance is implants that are too large for the woman's frame, and/or implants that have contracted capsules. I agree with you that this does not look natural in any way, but it is a preferred look for some women.

Why Do Some Women's Breast Implants Look Like 2 Round Rocks?

Answers (9)

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