Round vs Teardrop Breast Implant Shape
Breast augmentation, one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures globally, offers patients an avenue to enhance or restore their natural breast size and contour. While several factors, such as implant material and placement, play a critical role in achieving the desired outcome, the shape of the implant is often a paramount concern for many. Implant shape, more than just an aesthetic choice, affects the overall appearance, feel, and longevity of the augmentation. Traditionally categorised into round and anatomical (or ‘teardrop’) forms, each breast implant shape caters to specific aesthetic goals and body types.
Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna brings years of hands-on experience to the table, working with various types of breast implants. She has successfully guided hundreds of patients in choosing the right implant shape for their unique needs and desires.
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Best Breast Shapes around the World
The world is diverse, and so are the preferences for breast implant shapes. While some of these preferences can be linked to societal ideals of beauty, they’re also influenced by individual desires for a specific look or feel.
In North America, round implants have historically enjoyed favouritism. They provide an upper breast fullness that many find appealing. On the other hand, parts of Europe have displayed varied preferences, with some countries leaning towards the natural slope of teardrop implants.
In Asia, the trend leans more towards teardrop or anatomical implants. The primary reason is their alignment with a more natural and subtle enhancement. This preference also often stems from the body types prevalent in the region and the prevailing aesthetic ideals. As the world continues to globalise, these preferences might change, influenced by various factors, including media, celebrity trends, and advancements in medical technology.
Breast Implant Shape Options
When considering breast augmentation, understanding the available implant shapes is fundamental. Each shape offers a distinct aesthetic and is designed to meet diverse preferences and anatomical needs. Here, we’ll discuss the two primary breast implant shapes: Round and Teardrop.
Round Implants
Round implants are, as the name suggests, circular and symmetrical. They are the classic choice and have been in use since the dawn of breast augmentation.
Features:
- Symmetry: Being entirely circular, they offer uniformity, ensuring an equal appearance from all angles
- Fullness: Round implants tend to provide more volume, especially in the upper part of the breast, giving a fuller look
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of breast sizes and shapes, they can be easily adjusted to fit individual needs
Considerations:
- Placement: The orientation of round implants doesn’t change the breast’s appearance, making surgical placement less intricate than teardrop implants
- Effect: While they provide volume, in some cases, especially when oversized for the body frame, they might look less natural than their teardrop counterparts
Teardrop Implants (Anatomical Implants)
Shaped like a natural breast, teardrop implants, also known as anatomical implants, have a sloping contour, fuller at the bottom and tapering towards the top.
Features:
- Natural Look: Their design closely mimics the natural fall of the breast, making them a favourite for those seeking an understated and organic enhancement
- Tailored Design: Often, teardrop implants are tailored to fit the exact anatomy of the patient, ensuring a snug fit and a harmonious alignment with the body’s natural curves
- Variability: They come in a range of widths and projections, allowing for a more customised augmentation
Considerations:
- Placement Precision: Due to their distinct shape, accurate placement is essential to avoid any asymmetrical appearance
- Rotation Risk: A potential drawback is that if a teardrop implant rotates post-surgery, it might cause the breast to look distorted. Hence, they often come textured to reduce this risk
Pros and Cons of Different Breast Implant Shapes
Breast implants have evolved over the years to cater to various aesthetic goals and anatomical considerations. Understanding the advantages and potential downsides of each shape can help in making an informed decision that aligns with one’s desired outcome.
Round Implants
Round implants are often chosen for their ability to offer a fuller appearance, especially in the upper part of the breast.
Pros:
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of body types and breast shapes
- Uniformity: They maintain the same shape regardless of movement, ensuring a consistent look from all angles
- Flexibility in Placement: Their symmetrical nature means there’s no concern about the implant rotating and causing an uneven appearance
- Fullness: Offers pronounced fullness, especially in the upper breast region, which some individuals find appealing
Cons:
- Potential for ‘Augmented’ Appearance: Depending on the size and placement, round implants can sometimes give a more obviously augmented look
- Less Natural Slope: Might not offer the natural downward slope that some individuals prefer, especially if chosen too large for a particular body frame
Teardrop Implants (Anatomical Implants)
Teardrop implants provide a shape that mimics the natural fall and contour of a breast, making them a popular choice for those looking for a more natural silhouette.
Pros:
- Natural Contour: The design aligns with the natural breast shape, offering a gradient that’s fuller at the bottom and tapers towards the top
- Customization: Comes in various widths and projections, allowing for a tailored augmentation experience
- Reduced Upper Fullness: For those who want a subtle increase without pronounced upper breast fullness, teardrop implants are ideal
- Texture: They often have a textured surface which can help in reducing the risk of complications like capsular contracture
Cons:
- Risk of Rotation: Unlike round implants, if a teardrop implant rotates, it can cause the breast to appear distorted
- Placement Precision: Requires meticulous placement to ensure the intended contour is achieved
- Potential for Rippling: The textured surface might sometimes lead to a slightly higher chance of rippling, especially in individuals with thinner skin or minimal breast tissue
Choosing Between Round and Teardrop Breast Implants
The ultimate decision between round and teardrop implants should be a blend of personal aesthetic desires and medical advice.
- Desired Outcome: Start by visualising your ideal outcome. If you’re seeking pronounced upper breast fullness, round might be your go-to. But for a gentle and natural slope, teardrop would be more suitable
- Body Frame: It’s essential to choose a shape that complements your body frame. Teardrop implants, for instance, might suit slender frames seeking a natural look, while round could work for those desiring a fuller look
- Consultation: Always consult with your plastic surgeon. Anca can provide insights based on your anatomy, ensuring the best possible result
Other Considerations When Choosing Breast Implants
Choosing the right breast implant isn’t solely about deciding on the shape. There are several other vital aspects to consider to ensure the augmentation aligns with your goals, comfort, and well-being.
Implant Material
Breast implants generally come in two primary materials:
- Silicone: Known for a soft and natural feel that closely resembles natural breast tissue. They require a larger incision and regular check-ups to ensure they remain intact
- Saline: These are filled with sterile salt water. They can be adjusted more easily in terms of volume during surgery and require smaller incisions. However, they might not offer as natural a feel as silicone
Implant Texture
The texture of the implant can influence how it settles and interacts with the surrounding tissue.
- Smooth Implants: Have a soft surface that allows them to move more freely within the breast pocket. This can lead to a more natural movement but may also result in implant malposition
- Textured Implants: Designed to adhere to the surrounding tissue, reducing the risk of movement and rotation. Especially preferred for teardrop implants
Implant Profile
The profile determines how far forward the implant projects.
- Low Profile: Provides a broader and flatter appearance, suitable for individuals with a wider chest frame
- Moderate Profile: Offers a balance between width and projection and is often the most chosen
- High Profile: Gives the most forward projection, ideal for those with a narrower chest frame but wanting significant forward volume
Breast Implant Placement
The implant can be placed either over or under the chest muscle.
- Subglandular (Over the Muscle): This method places the implant between the breast tissue and the chest muscle. Recovery might be quicker, but there’s a higher chance of visible implant rippling
- Submuscular (Under the Muscle): The implant is placed beneath the pectoral muscle. It offers a more natural look, especially for those with thin skin, but recovery might take a bit longer
Breast Implant Size
Finding the right size is more art than science. While some may be tempted to opt for a significant size increase, it’s essential to think about:
- Comfort: Bigger isn’t always better, especially if it leads to discomfort or back issues
- Proportions: Consider how the implant size complements your overall body proportions
- Future Adjustments: Remember, you can always opt for adjustments down the line
FAQs about Breast Implant Shape
What are the primary shapes of breast implants, and how do they differ?
Breast implants predominantly come in two main shapes: Round and Teardrop (also known as Anatomical).
- Round Implants are symmetrical and circular. They can offer volume both in the upper and lower parts of the breast. Since they are uniform in shape, there’s no concern about them rotating and changing the breast’s appearance
- Teardrop Implants mimic the natural contour of a breast, being fuller at the bottom and tapering towards the top. They are designed to provide a more natural silhouette, but their specific shape requires precise placement and has a risk of rotation which might distort the breast’s appearance
Is one implant shape considered better or more natural-looking than the other?
The perception of “better” or “more natural-looking” is subjective and can vary based on individual preferences, body type, and the desired outcome.
- Round Implants can look very natural when chosen in the right size and placed correctly. They can also provide a fuller, more augmented look, especially in the upper breast region, which some patients prefer
- Teardrop Implants are designed to resemble the natural fall of a breast, and thus often provide a more subtle and anatomically aligned augmentation. They are especially preferred by those wanting a gradient that’s fuller at the bottom and tapers at the top
What factors should I consider when deciding on an implant shape?
Choosing an implant shape involves considering:
- Aesthetic Goals: What kind of look are you aiming for? Fuller and more pronounced, or subtle and natural
- Body Frame: Your natural anatomy, including chest width and existing breast tissue, can influence which shape is more suitable
- Lifestyle: Activities you regularly engage in, like sports, can influence your choice. For example, athletes might opt for a more natural look to maintain their performance aesthetics
Can the shape of the implant influence its longevity and potential complications?
While the implant’s material and the surgical procedure play significant roles in its longevity and potential complications, the shape can also have implications:
- Round Implants: Since they are symmetrical, there’s no risk of them rotating and causing an uneven appearance. However, depending on placement and size, there might be a higher visibility of the implant edge
- Teardrop Implants: These come with a risk of rotation. If a teardrop implant rotates post-surgery, it can cause the breast to look distorted. To mitigate this, they often have a textured surface, which comes with its set of considerations, like a potential, albeit rare, link to certain types of lymphoma
If I change my mind post-surgery, is it possible to switch from one implant shape to another?
- Yes, it’s possible to switch between implant shapes post-surgery. The procedure is known as implant revision surgery.
Further Reading about Breast Procedures with Anca Breahna
- Read Anca’s Inverted Nipple Correction Surgery Page
- Read Anca’s Fat Transfer to Breasts / Lipofilling Page
- Read Anca’s Breast Reduction Surgery Page
- Read Anca’s Blog about Mini Boob Job – A Solution for Smaller Women
- Read Anca’s Blog about 9 Things You Need to Do After Breast Reduction Surgery
- Read more about How to Choose the Best Breast Implant Size
Medical References about Brest Implants
- Breast Implants – WebMD
- What Are the Risks of Breast Augmentation? – American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Breast Augmentation – Mayo Clinic
- Breast Enlargement (implants) – NHS
- What You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation – Medical News Today
Ms Anca Breahna, PhD, MSc, FEBOPRAS, FRCS (Plast) is a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in the field of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Anca performs a range of 
