Should You Pick Round or Teardrop Breast Implants?

When you decide on breast augmentation, there are many things for you and your surgeon to consider. What type of implants do you want? What profile and size will work to achieve your goals? While these are the two most common questions you may be thinking about, another important factor is what implant shape will work best.

While round implants tend to be the popular choice, teardrop implants are another option to consider.

What Are Round Implants?

Round implants are just like they sound. They are a compressed circular sphere and are completely symmetrical. They are filled with either saline or silicone and have a more fluid-like consistency. Because of their round shape, they are ideal for women looking to get more fullness in the top portion of the breast, as well as create more cleavage. They are the most common type of implant used, as well as the easiest in terms of surgery. They require a smaller incision and the chances of complications, such as rotation or wrinkling, are slim to none.

What Are Teardrop Implants?

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomic implants, feature a teardrop shape similar to a natural breast. There is a thin upper area that drops down to a fuller, round shape, with the majority of the implant volume in the lower section. Unlike round implants, teardrop implants are a cohesive silicone gel. This firmer substance helps the implant maintain its shape, but also gives a firmer, less natural feel to the breast.

Teardrop implants are designed to look like the natural breast shape, making them great for women with minimal breast tissue.

Teardrop implants are great for women with minimal existing breast tissue and those undergoing breast reconstruction as they provide a natural breast shape. Unfortunately, there are added risks associated with teardrop implants. Because of their shape, they require a larger incision and a greater chance of visible scars. Another possible complication with teardrop implants is the risk of rotation.

Which Implant is Right for You?

There are no studies that say that one implant is better than the other and, in fact, one study even shows that surgeons can’t tell the difference between the two after surgery. A 2016 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery had 30 plastic surgeons and nurses review preoperative and postoperative photos of 30 women, 15 with round implants and 15 with teardrop implants. The surgeons and nurses were unable to identify the difference between the two implants.

Which implant is right for you will depend on your desired goals and which one your surgeon believes will help achieve your goals.

For more information about breast augmentation and the types of breast implants available at Martin Plastic Surgery, please contact our Las Cruces office today at 575-521-7111 or contact us online.