Finding the Right Implant Shape – Pros and Cons of Round & Teardrop Breast Implants

If you have decided to get breast augmentation surgery but are not sure which implant shape will work for you, this blog can help. Breast Implants come in different shapes and sizes as well as textures. The most popular shaped implants are round and teardrop implant also known as anatomical implants. There is always a debate amongst surgeons about which shaped implant is better than the other for different patients.

There is a big difference between anatomical and round implants. In this article, we will discuss the difference between them, as well as pros and cons of each one to give you a better idea. For many patients, choosing the right type of implant is a complex decision, and the key is to work with your surgeon and trust their experience to tailor the choice to meet your specific needs and goals. The right patient, with the right surgeon and the right implant, is the recipe for success.

Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt routinely performs breast enhancement procedures for patients who want beautiful breasts and natural looking results.

About Round Breast Implants

These implants are round in shape and have a very smooth texture on the outside. Round Implants are recommended for women who want a fuller upper pole look or perkier breasts. The gel found inside round implants is very soft as compared to the anatomical implants which reduces their ability to shape the breast as compared to the alternative.

About Teardrop or Anatomical Implants

These implants are usually micro-textured and have a teardrop look. They are also known as teardrop implants. The gel inside the implants is quite firm and able to shape the breast tissue to a larger extent. The combination of shape and feel not only increases the size of your breasts but can also address the shape issues and skin laxity.

Comparing Round Vs Anatomical Implants

Let’s compare these shapes and look at the benefits of both the round and anatomical implant.

Benefits of Anatomical Implants

The benefits of anatomical implants include but are not limited to:

1. Natural Shape

The anatomical implants have a natural shape. They are thinner on top and have more fullness towards the bottom area, mimicking a natural breast. These implants are ideal for people who don’t want an overly dramatic look and like their results to be natural. The teardrop shape mimics the curves of a natural breast and is ideal to give you a subtle, beautiful enhancement.

2. Slightly Textured Surface

The outer shells of the implants are micro-textured which is very important if you don’t want your implant to shift and move around. The texture on the outer shells offers a better grip that will help keep your implants in place. The slightly rougher surface also can minimise the risk of developing a hard shell capsule around the implant also known as capsular contracture.

3. Improved Results and Reduced Risk

The feel of implants is similar to the natural breast tissue. The concerns regarding rippling and implant visibility will be reduced greatly. If you want to be quite risk-averse, it is recommended to choose these implants.

4. Shapely Breast Tissue

As the anatomical breast implant is quite firm, a skilled surgeon will be able to create any type of breast shape with them. If you want to shape your breasts along with increasing their size, anatomical implants can help.

Benefits of Round Breast Implants

The benefits of round implants include but are not limited to:

1. More Dramatic Results

If you are not a fan of natural shape and wish to add more fullness to your breasts, round implants can help. They add fullness to both the top and bottom parts of your breasts, giving you a dramatic makeover that isn’t possible with teardrops or anatomical implants.

2. Great Looking Cleavage

Most people undergoing breast augmentation want to achieve a more enhanced cleavage and round implants can do that for you. And no, you won’t need to wear uncomfortable push-up bras to do that.

3. Lower Risk of Implant Rotation

With round implants, there is a very low risk of rotation involved after implantation. As the shape is the basically same, the rotation won’t have any impact on the look of your breasts. That is a major plus if you don’t want to consider breast revision surgery needed if your implant flips

4. A More cost-effective Option

Round implants generally cost less than teardrop implants, so you might be saving some money

Pros and Cons of Round vs Anatomical Implants

While both types of implants can bring about great results when used correctly by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, there are some pros and cons to each of them. Let’s have a look:

Pros of Round implants

As the shape of the implant is round, they don’t carry the risk of rotation. Your breasts won’t be affected even if the implant rotates
Round Implants are less expensive as compared to anatomical implants
With round implants, the risk of BIA-ALCL is much lower

Cons of Round Implants

They carry a higher risk of capsular contracture
Round Implants can bottom out
Round Implants are not recommended for people looking to address laxity
Round implants are not firm enough to address shape-related issues in breasts

Pros of Anatomical Implants

Anatomical Implants are firmer than round implants and have better “lifting” and reshaping capabilities
Teardrop implants are quite versatile and your surgeon can help you achieve a natural or a fake look based on your preferences and your body type
These implants have a lower risk of capsular contracture

Cons of Anatomical Breast Implants

These are more expensive than round implants. Expect to pay extra on top of your Breast surgical procedure fee
They carry a risk of rotation when not inserted properly
These implants have a slightly textured surface. NOTE – the macro textured implants (heavy textured) have been associated with BIA-ALCL and are currently not in use. A Micro-textured surface that is currently the surface of Anatomic or shaped implants, has a much lower risk of BIA-ALCL, though it is marginally higher than that of smooth implants. In the eyes of the Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Authority), the benefits of this micro-textured surface on anatomic implants does outweigh the slightly higher risk of BIA-ALCL.

The Right Fit for the different Breast Implant Shapes – Ideal Round Vs Anatomical Patients

Let’s discuss the suitability of round and anatomical (NOTE – this is general information only, the right options for your particular case can only be decided after a consultation with your surgeon):

Round breast implants are better suited for women:

Who are in their early twenties with a firm breast tissue
Who want to achieve a rounded breast shape with equal fullness on the top and bottom

Anatomical breast implants are better suited for women:

Who desire proportionate and natural-looking breasts
Who are slim and have modest breast tissue
Who have breastfed in the past
Who are dealing with breast asymmetries
Who want a breast lift along with augmentation
Who are dealing with constricted breast base deformities

Either type will suit women:

Who have enough glandular breast tissue and want to achieve more breast volume

Is There a Perfect Breast Implant?

Yes, there is a perfect implant for you. However, we simply cannot say that one is better than the other. We have discussed the pros and cons, suitability and benefits of each implant shape in detail. There is a lot more that goes into breast surgery than just shape. The implant texture, type (silicone or saline), and size are equally responsible for the final outcome.

To find out what is the perfect implant for you, book a consultation with Dr Hunt now and discuss your goals, desires and expectations are.

After looking at your breasts, learning about your desired aesthetic, Dr Hunt will be able to tell you what can and cannot be achieved realistically along with recommending the right implant shape.

That is how you get the perfect implant type and shape for yourself. What will suit you might not suit your friend and vice versa. So, listen to your surgeon before you listen to anyone else.

Breast Implant Shape – FAQS about Round VS Anatomical Implants

Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get regarding teardrop and round implants:

Are round implants or teardrop implants better?

Both implants can be useful when the surgery is performed by the right plastic surgeon. The choice of implant eventually comes down to the type of results you want. It is essentially a matter of personal preference and desires.

Do round implants look bigger than teardrop?

Round implants do look slightly bigger when compared to the anatomical implants with the same volume. It is due to the wider diameter and circular shape that round implants offer.

Can round implants look natural?

Round implants can provide a natural look as long as your surgeon places them correctly and uses the right size and profile for the patient. If the implant is too large or too high of a profile for the patient, the result will be a very full, rounded upper pole (a fake look).

Is 50 too old to have breast implants?

There is no age limit for getting breast surgery. People can get breast implant surgery or surgery to lift breasts at any age, provided that they are in a good health and do not suffer from any chronic illnesses. Age is just a number when it comes to breast implants.

What type of implant feels the most natural?

Both round and anatomical implants can look natural. When it comes to the feel of the implants, implants filled with silicone gel feel natural to touch.

What is the safest breast implant?

Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe. The implant shape has nothing to do with safety. It essentially comes down to the experience and expertise of the surgeon and how well you follow pre and post-care instructions. There is always a slight risk of BII, BIA-ALCL or other Breast Implant Complications. A Breast Implant is NOT a lifetime device. You may need to remove or replace your implant in the future or after 10 – 20 years.

What’s the most popular breast implant size?

The most popular size for breast implants is between 325 to 375 cc which may result in a small to a large C cup.

What do anatomical implants look like when lying down?

Unlike round breast implants which fall to the side, a tear-drop implant will usually maintain the same shape lying down, which can appear somewhat unnatural in some women.

Whiche popular celebrities are believed to have had teardrop implants?

Although we can’t really say for sure, these celebrities supposedly chose teardrop implants; – Salma Hayek, Kim Kardashian, Tyra Banks, Elizabeth Hurley, Katy Perry, Eva Mendes, and Christiana Hendricks.

What are Motiva implants?

Motiva Breast Implants are popular medical-grade silicone implant with a specially designed form and texture. The product has been extensively tested in three major areas: chemically, physically and biologically. Another popular choice is Mentor Implants.

Medical References about Round Vs Anatomical Implants

About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon

Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.

Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.

Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.

Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education

Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.

Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Want more information before scheduling your consultation?

Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us

If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.

Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Tag: anatomical breast implants

Round Vs Anatomical Breast Implants