If you are considering a breast augmentation, one of the first decisions you will have to make is the shape of your implants. Understanding the difference between teardrop vs. round implants can help you decide which option may fit the proportions of your body and give you the results you want.
The right choice for you will depend on your personal anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. One of the highly qualified IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa surgeons will help guide your decision based on how well the implant will fit your frame and deliver the results you are looking for.
This quick implant shape overview should help you determine whether anatomical implants or round breast implants would provide you with the upper fullness or more natural look you desire.
What Is The Main Difference Between Round vs. Teardrop Implants?
The main difference between round vs. teardrop implants is their shape, which will make a significant difference in your final results and how your breasts look when your surgery is complete.
- Round implants have a symmetrical shape that is the same on the top and bottom.
- Teardrop implants are also called anatomical implants because they are shaped with a narrower top and fuller bottom to more closely resemble the slope of a natural breast.
It is also important to point out that the implant shape is different from the implant type (saline vs. silicone) or size, which are additional details you will need to decide upon during your breast augmentation planning process.
Characteristics of Round Implants
Many patients choose round implants because of their consistent and predictable shape. Because they are symmetrical, they usually maintain the same look even if they shift slightly.
- Round implants are smooth.
- Their symmetrical shape provides equal fullness.
- They can create more upper fullness in some patients, depending on the implant’s profile and placement. (The profile is the amount of projection from the chest wall.)
- If the implant shifts or rotates, the appearance is not usually significantly altered.
- Many patients choose round implants when they want a fuller look in the upper portion of the breast or more noticeable cleavage.
Characteristics of Teardrop Implants
Teardrop implants are designed to mimic the natural slope of breast tissue, with less fullness at the top and more volume toward the bottom.
- Their tapered top and fuller bottom shape create a gentle sloped appearance that resembles natural breast tissue.
- Placement of these implants requires exact precision because the implant has a specifically defined orientation.
- Any rotation can change the breast shape, because the implant is not symmetrical.
- Anatomical implants used in the United States are textured to help reduce rotation and are linked to a slightly higher risk profile.
According to several studies and the FDA, a rare form of lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) occurs more frequently in patients with textured implants than in those with smooth implants.
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| Round Implants | Teardrop Implants(Anatomical) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Symmetrical | Tapered top with a fuller bottom that looks and moves more like natural breasts. |
| Upper fullness tendency | These usually offer more fullness and cleavage at the top. | Usually, a more gradual slope and natural-looking shape. |
| “Natural look” | The final appearance depends on your specific anatomy and implant placement. | These are designed to look more like naturally shaped breasts. |
| Implant movement (rotation) | If the implant happens to rotate from its original position, the movement is normally not noticeable. | If a teardrop implant rotates at all, this movement can change the shape and appearance of the breast. |
| Surface options | Most often, these are perfectly smooth. | These are normally textured to prevent rotation. |
| Best For | Patients seeking more upper fullness or cleavage | Select cases where a sloped contour is desired. |
| Cost / surgical complexity | Placing round implants is usually routine for qualified surgeons. | Teardrop implants often require more precise placement. |
Benefits vs. Drawbacks When Deciding Round vs. Teardrop Implant Shape
Round Implant Benefits
- The shape stays consistent even if the implant rotates or shifts.
- They are easy to source and available in many sizes and profile options.
- Round implants can create noticeable upper fullness if desired.
Round Implant Possible Drawbacks
- Patients with thin tissue or a petite frame may find that a round implant provides a less natural appearance for their body proportions.
- The final results will still significantly depend on the level of tissue coverage and where the implant is placed.
Teardrop Implant Benefits
- Can create a gradual slope for a more natural look.
- It can be used when a surgeon wants a very specific contour.
Tear Drop Implant Possible Drawbacks
- Implant rotation can change the shape of the breast.
- Implants are textured to reduce movement, which slightly increases possible complication risk and may influence implant choice.
- Placement usually requires more precision during surgery.
What Do Surgeons Base Their Recommendations For Implant Shape On?
Choosing implant shape involves more than just your personal preferences. Your surgeons will consider several different things before determining what options may work best for your body.
Some of the important things they consider include:
- How much existing breast tissue you already have, and how well it will effectively cover the implant.
- The width of your chest and the natural width of your breasts, which will affect how the implants fit on your body.
- Skin elasticity and how well it will stretch. This may include determining if a breast lift may be recommended at the same time.
- Implant placement (over or under the muscle).
- Your aesthetic goals. Are you looking for upper fullness or a more natural, subtle slope?
Once your implant shape is selected, the next steps usually involve choosing from saline vs. silicone implants, your desired size, and profile.
Questions to Ask at Your Consultation
When you are considering breast implants, the best way to find out what your options are is to meet with a board-certified surgeon who has extensive experience with breast augmentations.
During your consultation, you will learn about all the different choices you will have to make and how each one will affect your final results. Understanding these different choices may help you feel more comfortable when asking questions during your consultation, so you can make the decision that is right for you.
Some questions you may wish to consider asking include:
- On my frame, what implant shape is most likely to look natural and why?
- If I choose teardrop implants, how do you reduce the risk of rotation?
- What implant surface options do you recommend and why?
- What changes might I notice if an implant shifts over time?
- What does long-term follow-up or monitoring look like after surgery?
- Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with both shapes and similar body types?
Where Can I Learn More About Breast Implants?
IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa offers a number of surgical breast enhancements, including breast implants, breast lifts, breast reductions, and more, in their Georgia and Florida locations.
Our board-certified surgeons take the time to evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and go over all your implant options so you feel comfortable that you understand all the options available and can make informed decisions.
The extensive experience in breast augmentation of our IBI surgeon Dr. Angelina Postoev allows them to provide expert guidance to their patients, helping them through the many choices involved in preparing for their augmentation.
If you are considering breast implants and want to learn more about which option may fit your goals, schedule a consultation today at IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa.
FAQs
Do Teardrop Implants Always Look More Natural?
Not necessarily. The final appearance of your implants depends on many variables, such as tissue coverage, implant placement, and implant size. Some patients achieve a natural look with either implant shape.
Can Round Implants Look Natural?
Yes. If the right size, profile, and placement are chosen with your body proportions in mind, round implants can create natural-looking results in many patients.
What Happens if a Teardrop Implant Rotates?
If a teardrop implant rotates inside the breast pocket, the fuller part of the implant may move to the side or top. This can change the shape of the breast and may make it look uneven. In some cases, the surgeon may recommend a revision procedure to reposition the implant or adjust the implant pocket.
Are Teardrop Implants Always Textured?
Yes. If you are undergoing your surgery in the United States, teardrop (anatomical) breast implants are typically manufactured with a textured surface. The texture helps the implant stay in the correct position inside the breast pocket, since the implant has a defined top and bottom shape. Your surgeon will talk with you about implant surface options and safety considerations during your consultation.
