In terms of shape, breast implants are available in two kinds: round and anatomical (or sometimes
referred to as teardrop). Patients
should remember that the implant’s contour has a significant impact on the
final result of their breast augmentation surgery.
To date, round implants are more commonly used than the anatomical versions because they
come cheaper and are believed to last longer.
But still, the best option largely depends on the patients’ goals and
expectations and certain features of the body.
However, anatomical implants are still popularly used on women who had mastectomy or cancer
surgery, though plastic surgeons have started using them for cosmetic breast
augmentation after realizing that they provide great aesthetic results.
But nowadays, round implants are more preferred by many
doctors because they have a lower risk of implant wrinkling since they often
come in smooth surface, which cannot pull the tissue. By contrast, teardrop implants are always
available in textured exterior because they are not supposed to rotate inside
the breast pocket.
The anatomical implant’s textured surface will prevent it to
flip over, which if occurs can lead to visible distortion. But studies have suggested that this
particular design can lead to higher risk of visible rippling, especially for
implants that have large “graininess.”
The risk of visible and palpable rippling is particularly a
concern for women with limited fat and tissue on their breasts. For this reason, most plastic surgeons do not
recommend teardrop implants for patients with little tissue coverage.
While round implant has all its sides equal, it does not
mean the result is always a dome-shaped breast that looks unnatural. Contrary to popular belief, its shape can
still lead to natural appearance with a proper implant placement.
In fact, round implants can turn into a teardrop shape if
held on one side and left suspended.
Another advantage of round implant over teardrop is that it
comes at a lower price. In addition,
several studies suggested that it often lasts longer particularly those with
smooth surface.
Because round smooth implants do not pull the tissue, they
are less likely to wrinkle—one of the factors that can weaken the implant
shell.
Also, patients who will choose round implants can either use
saline (salt and water solution) or silicone filler. By contrast, anatomical implants are only
filled with saline because a cohesive gel like the silicone cannot be used.
Currently, silicone-filled implants are more popular than
saline version because they provide a more natural result; this is not
surprising because silicone gel is designed to mimic the suppleness of the
breast tissue.
