In our previous installment of Breast Implants 101, we discussed the Breast Implant Profile. We learned that the profile of a breast implant helps determine the shape of the breast based on "how far" the implant projects forward from the chest wall. The appearance, shape and size of the breasts can be significantly improved with a Breast Augmentation, and the final result of your procedure not only depends on the skill and expertise of your board-certified plastic surgeon, but also on which implants you choose and how they're implanted. Your plastic surgeon will discuss all of the options, benefits and risks associated with Breast Augmentation surgery.
Today, we'll be discussing the Breast Implant Shape.
Breast Implant Shape
The shape of a breast implant is one of the most important choices a woman can make when considering a Breast Augmentation. A woman’s body type and other characteristics combined with her goals and desired results plays an important role in making the right choice. The size and shape of the breasts varies from woman to woman, so breast implants are produced in many shape and size combinations to match.
In addition to a woman’s goals, needs and body type, the placement of the implant and where the incision is made also help determine which options are available. We’ll be discussing placement options (submuscular vs. subglandular) and the four incision types; transaxillary or underarm, inframammary (fold beneath the breast), areola (nipple), and Transumbilical (near the navel) in a later article.
Round Breast Implants
Round breast implants are the most commonly used implant for breast enhancement and augmentation. Round implants are available in low, medium, and high profiles. The higher profile implants can enhance the forward projection of the breasts without the need for larger, wider-based breast implants. The round breast implant offers a greater amount of lift, fullness and cleavage and is especially full in the upper poles of the breasts.
A round breast implant can also have a smooth or textured surface. Regardless of its texture, a round implant appears as flattened sphere with a symmetrical shape. This shape prevents the risk of implant rotation (a complication where shaped implants move or otherwise rotate into an unnatural position such as upside-down) since it can move freely within the capsule of the breast.
Some women feel that round implants produce an artificial appearance. These women will generally opt for a more natural-looking implant such as the shaped or “teardrop” implant.
Anatomical or Teardrop (Shaped or Contoured) Breast Implants
An Anatomical or Teardrop breast implant is commonly referred to as a “shaped” or “contoured” breast implant. Unlike a round breast implant, the Teardrop breast implant provides a gentle, sloping contour. This helps create the more natural appearance of “teardrop” shaped breasts. Anatomical, Teardrop shaped implants are available in high, moderate or low profiles and provide greater projection by increasing the volume of filler they contain.
Anatomical, Teardrop shaped implants always have a textured surface. This helps prevent implant rotation, which can result in the breasts becoming distorted when the implant rotates. Unfortunately, the textured surface also creates a potentially higher occurrence of wrinkling, rippling or capsular contracture. Teardrop shaped breast implants offer more natural-looking results, but the upper area of breasts that have teardrop implants will not appear as full as breasts that have round implants. However, the extra fullness provided by the round breast implant is what appears unnatural to some women.
Women wanting more natural-looking, teardrop-shaped breasts will generally opt for these implants. Compared to round implants, the Anatomical, Teardrop shaped breast implant generally costs more. For many, the results are generally considered worth it.
To learn more about implant options and to determine whether a breast augmentation or "breast enlargement" is right for you, you should consult with a qualified plastic surgeon in your area.