Round vs Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants

These days, most of us know what breast implants are. But unless you’ve had implants, you’re probably unaware of the different types of implants that are available—or the deciding factors that determine the best type and shape for you. So, in this article, we’ll explain some of these factors and discuss one of the significant decisions you’ll need to make with the guidance of your plastic surgeon—whether to choose round or teardrop implants.

What Is a Breast Implant?

A breast implant is a silicone prosthetic device filled with a gel-like fluid material that is surgically implanted behind or in place of a female breast. This can be for reconstructive purposes (after mastectomy or injury) or cosmetic surgery (to enhance the shape and volume of the breasts).

Over the years, various materials have been used to fill the implants; however, today, the two materials used are cohesive silicone gel and saline (sterile salt water). At Bella Plastic Surgery, Dr Dona exclusively uses implants filled with cohesive silicone gel as they look and feel more lifelike.

Breast implants come in various weights, widths and profiles, but the two main shapes are round and teardrop (anatomical).

Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants are circular and symmetrical. They have the same uniform shape all over. Due to their shape, both the upper and lower halves of the implant will have the same curved shape.

Round implants are an excellent choice for those who want a significant change in shape in their breasts, along with pronounced fullness, particularly in the top half of the breast (this area tends to lose volume with age or after pregnancy). As they are uniform in shape, they are unlikely to create any unnatural-looking edges.

As with teardrop implants, round implants come in various widths and profiles, but they don’t vary in height due to their circular base.

For some women, round implants may not be the best choice due to their breast shape. For example, if the breast is somewhat droopy, a round implant won’t lift the breast tissue as well as a teardrop implant will. Consequently, the nipples may sit slightly low and point downwards, as if hanging from the implant. Alternatively, if a woman has a very tight underboob with minimal lower breast volume, a round implant may not create enough volume in the lower half of the breast with a well-balanced nipple, as a teardrop implant would.

Teardrop (Anatomical) Breast Implants

Teardrop implants mimic the natural slope of the breast. There is a gradual transition from the fuller bottom to the subtly enhanced top. Also known as anatomical breast implants, they are suited to women who prefer a more natural-looking result.

Having the bulk of the volume at the lower half of the implant helps with the following:

• Creates a more natural silhouette and upper pole fullness without looking artificial.
• Helps lift drooping breasts – these implants are like wedges and can help lift the breast and nipples up.
• Creates a fuller ‘underboob’ in very tight lower breasts that need additional enhancement

Teardrop breast implants are filled with highly cohesive silicone gel that is firmer to the touch, allowing them to maintain form. This type of material prevents any rippling effect that can occur with round implants. Also, if an implant ruptures, highly cohesive silicone gel has a thicker, more solid consistency and is less likely to leak into the breast tissues.

The height of teardrop breast implants can also vary. They can be low, moderate or tall.

One important consideration with teardrop implants is that they can rotate, which will cause the breasts to look different. Typically, this occurs in under five per cent of patients. To minimise this risk, teardrop implants are textured — they have a rough surface which provides extra grip or hold. Textured implants also help minimise the risk of capsular contracture, where scar tissue tightens around the implant.

If an implant has rotated and doesn’t return to its original position, it must be surgically removed and, typically, replaced with a round implant.

Factors Influencing Implant Size

Perhaps one of the most important decisions with implants is selecting the breast implant size, as this significantly affects the overall appearance of the breasts. Implants are measured in cubic centimetres (cc). The choice of the implant size is determined by various factors, such as:

• Patient’s frame: A short, petite woman would require different sizing from a woman with a large, solid frame.
• Current breast size: The size of a woman’s existing breasts will determine how much augmentation is required to achieve the patient’s desired aesthetic.
• Desired results: Some women require subtle, natural-looking results, while others hope for a dramatic change in appearance.
• Body adjustments: Patients who have experienced dramatic weight changes, pregnancy or a breast lift may have different size considerations.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Breast Implants

Selecting the right breast implant shape for you is not only based on personal preferences; a lot has to do with your overall size and shape—and the size and shape of your breasts. Factors to consider include:

• Body type: Your height, width, and curvature will help determine the appropriate implant size and shape. Dr Dona will choose an implant that will fit with your natural curves and the shape of your physique.
• Amount of breast tissue: This plays a critical role in choosing the right implant for your breasts, as individuals with more natural tissue can cover the implant, affecting the final shape and texture of the breast.
• Chest wall: Details such as the structure of your chest wall, including your ribs and underlying muscles, affect the implant’s suitability and appearance on your body.
• Personal objectives: Your desired aesthetic goals will strongly determine the choice of implants. Some women may want minor enhancements and a natural look, while others want an unapologetically large or even ‘fake look’ to their breasts.
• Lifestyle: Individuals with an active lifestyle may require an implant that is durable enough to cope with physical strain without compromising the aesthetic results.
• Medical history: A patient’s medical history, particularly any previous breast surgeries or susceptibilities to specific conditions (like capsular contracture), must be carefully assessed before deciding on the implant.

Implant Placement Techniques

When placing breast implants, a plastic surgeon must choose one of two techniques — submuscular (under the muscle) or glandular (directly behind the breast tissue but on top of the muscle). This choice is dependent on several variables and can have a significant impact on the implant surgery results. Here are some of the primary considerations:

Submuscular placement (dual plane pockets):

Placing part of the implant under the muscle affects the following issues:

• Appearance: Might result in a more natural contour, especially in the upper breast area.
• Concealment: Provides more cover over the implant, which is beneficial for patients with very little breast tissue.
• Capsule contracture: Less risk of capsular contracture.
• Stability: Potentially provides a more stable implant position, minimising the risk of further surgery.
• Recovery: Typically warrants a longer and more painful recovery.

Subglandular placement

Placing the implant more superficially, under the breast tissue (but on top of the muscle) affects the following issues:

• Cosmetic outcomes: Gives a more pronounced aesthetic result with a more noticeable cleavage.
• Capsular contracture: There is a potential increased risk of capsular contracture.
• Risk of rippling: Having the implant placed more superficially (closer to the skin) means the implant edges are more obvious, so any implant rippling can be noticeable, especially amongst thin patients.
• Recovery: Typically, the recovery period is faster and less painful.
• Stability: Potentially, this is a less stable implant position, meaning the implant pocket may stretch over time, allowing the implant to move slightly.

Your Initial Consultation With Doctor Dona

If you’re interested in breast implants, your first step is to meet with specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Eddy Dona for an Initial Consultation to discuss your aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr Dona will listen to your concerns and objectives, then assess your natural breast tissue, chest wall and overall body shape before recommending the most suitable type of breast implants for you.

Dr Dona will also discuss the different breast implant shapes available, the pros and cons of each type and how they suit your body type and personal preferences. This will give you a good understanding of the qualities of each implant type so you can make an informed decision and be confident that the results will suit your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Dr Dona will also discuss your proposed surgical procedure’s potential risks and complications.

Breast Implants – FAQs

Which implants look most natural?

Breast implants filled with cohesive silicone gel typically look and feel more natural than implants made of saline. This is why Dr Dona only uses silicone implants in his surgical practice. The placement of the implant can also affect the appearance, with implants placed under the muscle often looking more natural than those placed under the breast tissue. For implants to look the most natural, other factors will need to be carefully considered by the surgeon, such as the patient’s body type and size, the appearance and size of the chest wall and the amount of natural breast tissue they have.

Do round breast implants always look more fake?

Round breast implants do not always look more fake. When chosen and placed correctly (e.g. with a lower profile and placed under the muscle), round implants can look much like natural breast tissue. Some individuals believe that teardrop implants always look superior and natural in shape, but this is misleading. The best choice depends on the individual’s body type and personal objectives.

Should I choose teardrop or round implants?

Teardrop implants are thinner at the top and gently slope down to a fuller, more rounded base (like a teardrop). Many people have the misconception that round implants give a round, unnatural look to the breast, but this is not the case. Both round and teardrop implants can look very natural. To choose between the two, you must have an Initial Consultation with Dr Dona so that he can understand your aesthetic goals, assess your body (including evaluating the amount of natural breast tissue you have) and assess other vital factors. Only then can you decide on the best type of implant to suit your needs.

Do different breast implant shapes pose different risks?

Anatomical (teardrop) implants tend to move slightly more than round implants. To help minimise this risk, teardrop implants have a textured surface which adheres to the breast tissue, minimising movement and the chance of repositioning. If the implants do move and do not return to their original position, they must be surgically removed and, typically, replaced with round implants.

Do implants need to be changed every decade?

Many people wrongly assume that implants need to be changed every 10 years. This assumption is not the case, and implants have no expiry date. However, a breast implant’s average lifespan is between 10 and 15 years. Breast implants only need to be replaced if there is an issue, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, or your aesthetic preferences have changed.

Keep in mind, also, that your body changes over time. There are weight fluctuations, pregnancy and breastfeeding — and the ageing process — and all of these factors affect the appearance of your breasts and overall body shape. Consequently, you may wish to change your implants to suit your changing body better.

Can I breastfeed with breast implants?

Most women can breastfeed with breast implants, and implants do not affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed. A breast implant is placed under or over the pectoral muscle and does not interfere with the breast ducts or mammary glands, where breast milk is excreted.