Why Implant Shape Matters in Breast Augmentation
If you’re considering breast augmentation surgery, you may have decided what type of augmentation you want, how big you want to go, where you would prefer your scars, and a number of other things. But you’re not quite done yet. You also need to decide whether you want round breast implants or prefer a teardrop (anatomical) shape.
The shape of breast implants significantly affects the results of the procedure, including how much cleavage you have and how your profile looks. Both your aesthetic goals and your body type will impact this decision, so it’s one you want to make with the help of your plastic surgeon. Your personal preferences matter a great deal, of course, but a surgeon can help you avoid choosing an implant that will look awkward on your frame.
Types of Breast Implant Shapes
Implants come in two basic shapes: round and teardrop. Each provides a different look as well as other features that set them apart from each other.
Round Implants
Round implants truly are round and symmetrical, so there is no worry that they may rotate after breast augmentation surgery and distort the shape of the breast. They provide increased fullness in the upper breast, making them ideal for patients looking for enhanced cleavage. These implants are available in low, moderate, and high profiles, allowing you to customize the amount of projection you want. (We’ll explain these projection options in more detail a little later.) The general vibe of round implants can be described as, “Yes, I have had my breasts done, and they look spectacular.”
Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants
Teardrop implants can provide an impressive amount of breast enhancement but do so in a more genuine way. These implants mimic the natural slope of your breasts by providing more volume at the bottom of the implant than at the top. These are great for a more intrinsic look and work particularly well for thin and petite frames. To ensure that they stay in place, teardrop implants are manufactured with a textured surface.
Key Differences Between Round and Teardrop Implants
This chart provides a convenient, easy-to-understand overview of the differences between round and teardrop implants.
| Feature | Round Implants | Teardrop Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Fuller upper breast with more cleavage | Natural slope, more subtle enhancement |
| Rotation | No risk of distortion if implant rotates | Will cause breast shape distortion if implant rotates |
| Best For | Patients seeking bold enhancement and cleavage | Patients who want a natural look |
| Cost | Generally less expensive | Generally more expensive |
| Texture | Available with smooth or textured surface | Textured to prevent rotation |
Breast Implant Profile Options (and How They Affect Shape)
Both round and teardrop implants come in different profiles. An implant’s profile describes how far the implant projects from the chest wall. As the name suggests, the best way to understand profiles is to literally imagine that someone is looking at you from the side. The higher the implant profile, the further it will stick out from your chest. Available profiles are:
Low Profile Implants
- Wider base with subtle projection
- Best for patients with a broad chest wall
Moderate Profile Implants
- Most common choice
- Offering balanced projection without appearing too prominent
High Profile Implants
- Provide maximum projection and fullness
- Often chosen by patients seeking a more dramatic result
How to Choose the Right Implant Shape for Your Body
The right implant shape for you will depend on where you are now and where you want to go. Getting the best look depends in large part on your current breast anatomy and chest width. Those with a narrow chest tend to benefit most from round, high-profile implants that can provide projection and fullness without excess width. Low-profile implants provide better proportions for those who have wider chests.
Your aesthetic goals are also a factor. Those who want an all-natural look tend to prefer teardrop implants. Round implants bring on the cleavage, however, and keep the upper fullness locked and loaded even when you’re lying down. Your lifestyle may also play a role, as those who are extremely active often prefer a teardrop shape.
Pros and Cons of Each Implant Shape
Most everything in life comes with pros and cons, and the different shapes of breast implants are no exception. Each shape has benefits, but they both have downsides as well that you should be aware of.
Round Implants Pros:
- Provide fullness in all positions (standing, sitting, lying down)
- No risk of shape distortion if rotated
- More affordable and widely available
Round Implant Cons:
- May appear less natural on very thin frames
- High-profile round implants can look too prominent for some patients
Teardrop Implant Pros:
- Mimic the shape of natural breasts
- Ideal for breast reconstruction or patients with minimal natural breast tissue
Teardrop Implant Cons:
- Risk of shape distortion if the implant rotates
- Generally more expensive and require textured surfaces
Recap & Next Steps
Round implants are ideal for patients seeking upper breast fullness, while teardrop implants offer a more natural, anatomically correct shape. The right implant shape for you depends on your body type, aesthetic goals, and lifestyle. Implant shape is an important choice that has a big impact on your breast augmentation results, so don’t try to make the decision in a vacuum. Schedule a free virtual consultation with us to learn more about implant shapes, sizes, profiles, and surgical plans. We’ll be happy to help you make breast augmentation choices that you’ll be happy with.