One very important decision you have to make when undergoing a breast augmentation is what implant shape you will choose. There are both round and teardrop-shaped implants, and the one you choose will have a significant impact on the way your final results look.
What is teardrop breast augmentation? It is a surgery that changes the size of the breasts using implants that have a more natural shape that resembles a teardrop.
What Does A Teardrop Breast Augmentation Involve?
A teardrop breast augmentation involves using implants that are shaped to follow the curve of a natural breast rather than being perfectly round. These implants are often called anatomical breast implants because they have more of a natural-looking transition from your upper chest to the fullest part of your breast.
What “Teardrop” Means
These implants are not symmetrical like round ones, which is what makes them more unique.
- The upper portion is more tapered.
- More volume sits in the lower portion.
- They have a distinct top and bottom orientation.
These implants need to be carefully positioned by your surgeon because each one has a specific orientation. If they are even slightly askew, the slightest movement will affect how natural and balanced they look.
Why Patients Choose This Shape
Not everyone wants very full or rounded upper breasts that create significant cleavage. The teardrop shape may be preferable to these women because it can:
- Create a softer, more gradual slope that looks like natural breast tissue.
- Reduce the volume in the upper breasts and create less cleavage.
- Create good results for patients with less natural breast tissue.
Your final results will also depend on your specific anatomy, the size of the implant, and the placement location.
Teardrop vs. Round Breast Implants
One of the most common questions we hear is, “How do round vs. teardrop breast implants compare?” Both are commonly used, and both can look great when correctly matched to the anatomy of each woman.
Teardrop Implant Shape
Teardrop implants are designed with a clear top and bottom. They are most often used for reconstruction purposes or for women with little natural breast tissue.
- More volume sits in the lower part of the breast.
- The shape is meant to more closely follow natural anatomy.
- Placement must be very precise to avoid asymmetry or an abnormal look.
Round Implant Shape
A large study revealed that round implants are chosen about three times more often than teardrop breast implants. 74% of women in the study chose round implants, and around 26 percent preferred the teardrop shape.
Round implants:
- Are the same shape all the way around.
- Can create more fullness in the upper part of the breast.
- Do not require such exact placement because slight shifts will not cause asymmetry issues.
Which Looks More Natural?
Both teardrop and round implants can look natural because the shape of the implant is only one part of the puzzle.
Obtaining breast augmentation results that look natural depends on:
- Both the size of the implant and how far it projects from your chest (profile).
- Where the implant is placed (under or over the muscle).
- How much existing breast tissue you have naturally.
- The quality of your skin (elasticity).
- The technique used by your surgeon.
Teardrop implants may help create a softer slope for some patients, but they do not always look more natural for everyone.
Who May Be a Candidate for A Teardrop Breast Augmentation?
Teardrop breast implants are not going to be the best fit for all women, but they may be a good choice for some.
You may be a good candidate for teardrop implants if you:
- Desire a more gentle, sloped breast shape.
- Do not have much natural breast volume.
- You want more subtle enhancement results.
The shape of the implants that will work the best for you will depend on many different factors, so it is best to set up a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Min to help guide you through the process.
Benefits And Limitations Of Teardrop Implants
Like any implant choice, there are possible benefits and possible limitations you may need to consider.
Possible Benefits
Teardrop breast implants may offer:
- A shape that mimics how breasts naturally sit on your body.
- Added fullness toward the bottom of the breast.
- May help create a more balanced breast shape for some patients.
Possible Limitations
- The implant can rotate, which will affect the appearance.
- Some patients notice they feel firmer and less natural.
- This shape does not flatter everyone’s body type.
- The surgeon’s level of expertise is critical because placement precision is especially important.
What Happens During A Typical Consultation?
During your consultation, you will begin to create the plan for your breast augmentation that will best fit your body and frame.
A typical consultation with your surgeon may involve:
- Evaluating your anatomy, breast shape, size, and skin quality
- Discussing your goals and expectations of the results
- Looking at all your implant options, including type, shape, size, and profile.
- An explanation of the process, including placement, incision options, and what to expect during recovery.
Schedule a breast augmentation consultation with Newvue Medical to discuss whether teardrop or round implants may fit your goals.
Where Can I Get A Breast Augmentation With Teardrop Implants In Seattle?
Dr. George Min at Newvue Plastic Surgery performs breast augmentations with round or teardrop implants in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding areas, including Bellevue and Kirkland.
Dr. Min is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast procedures.
To find out the best implant shape for you, set up a consultation today.
FAQs
Are teardrop implants better than round implants?
No. Not always. Each option has its own benefits and limitations, so the right choice depends on your anatomy and the results you are looking to achieve.
Do teardrop breast implants look more natural?
Sometimes. They may create a softer, more natural-looking shape for some patients, but the final results will depend on the combination of options included in your breast augmentation plan.
Can teardrop implants rotate?
Yes. And if they do rotate, they change the shape and appearance of your breasts because they have a distinct shape of being thinner at the top and more rounded with fullness at the bottom.
Will teardrop implants still look natural when I am lying down?
They may not always look the same as natural breast tissue in every position. Teardrop implants have a set shape and are designed to hold that shape whether you are standing or lying down. Natural breasts tend to shift more with gravity, so this is something to talk about with your surgeon when deciding which implant style you are going to choose.
