Choosing a breast implant shape is one of the decisions you’ll have to make prior to undergoing breast augmentation surgery. Along with size, the shape of your breast implant – either round or contoured (teardrop) – can help you achieve the look you desire.

Taking your appearance goals into account, your plastic surgeon will likely recommend round or contoured breast implants based on several variables, including:

– Your body type

– The amount of pre-existing breast tissue you have

– Whether the implant will be placed above or below the chest muscle

Round Implants

Round breast implants work well on most women, regardless of body type, existing breast tissue, and implant placement, so surgeons tend to recommend and use them more frequently than contoured implants. Many women choose these spherically shaped implants because they can provide more fullness in the top part of the breast (upper pole fullness), increased cleavage, and a higher, perkier appearance to the breasts. Round implants can be smooth or textured. A smooth round implant that moves freely within the breast pocket creates a more natural look and feel to the breast, and reduces the chance of implant rippling. For these reasons, textured round implants are not frequently recommended.

Contoured Implants

Contoured or teardrop implants have a sloped front that mimics natural breast contours, with the bottom portion fuller than the top. These implants are most helpful for patients with little or no existing breast tissue, or significant ptosis (drooping), which can occur after bearing children, breast feeding, or weight loss. However, there are several drawbacks to these implants. Unlike the surface coating options you’ll have with round implants, teardrop implants must be textured to help prevent the implant from rotating within the breast pocket. Textured teardrop implants are often more noticeable, particularly because they have a thicker shell, which increases the chance for implant rippling. Additionally, if implant rotation does occur, the breast can appear misshapen and distorted. Contoured implants may also lead to a less natural feel to the breast, particularly because the implants must be completely filled with saline or silicone fillers, making them appear and feel more rigid than a smooth, round implant. Finally, contoured implants are generally more expensive than round breast implant options.

Implant Profile

In addition to selecting a breast implant shape that works for your body type and amount of existing breast tissue, you may also have to choose between low-, moderate-, and high-profile options. A breast implant’s profile is the measure of how far the breast tissue extends from the chest wall. For example, a low-profile breast implant provides minimal projection from the chest wall, whereas a high-profile implant provides maximum projection.

Understanding all of your breast implant options beforehand can help you communicate your desired result to your surgeon during your initial consultation. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and to work closely with your surgeon to choose the implant shape, size, and placement that works best for you.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/ breast implants, and more.

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including breast augmentation, breast implants, and more.

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