What Are Teardrop Breast Implants?
Sometimes called anatomical implants, teardrop breast implants are silicone implants with a slim top and full bottom. Placing most of the volume at the bottom of the implants more accurately mimics the shape and slope of natural breasts. Teardrop implants are excellent for patients who want subtle enhancement rather than lots of cleavage. We’ve created this guide to answer your questions about teardrop breast implants, including who makes a good candidate, the costs, the risks, the benefits, and more.
What Makes Teardrop Implants Different?
Round implants produce a lot of upper pole fullness and cleavage, which is exactly what some women want. Teardrop implants, however, focus on creating a more natural look. Flatter on the top and fuller on the bottom, these implants are filled with a highly cohesive silicone gel to ensure they hold their shape. They also feature a textured surface that helps prevent them from rotating or shifting out of position. Plastic surgeons frequently use teardrop breast implants on women who don’t have a lot of their own breast tissue and those requiring reconstructive breast surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Teardrop Breast Implants?
Teardrop breast implants aren’t the best option for everyone. Depending on your wants and needs, however, they can provide several benefits, including:
- A more natural contour and slope
- Help for tubular breasts, asymmetry, and mild ptosis (sagging)
- Less upper pole fullness, perfect for slim patients who don’t want to look “done”
- Restoring a natural look in reconstructive or post-mastectomy cases
- Maintaining their shape even when the patient is upright (sitting or standing)
Potential Disadvantages of Teardrop Implants
It would seem that even the best things in life come with a few potential downsides, and teardrop breast implants are no different. Teardrop implants do offer many benefits, but they also come with a few challenges. It’s important to note, for example, that these implants require precise surgical technique and positioning. This isn’t a problem when you choose a highly experienced and well-qualified plastic surgeon like those at Mia Aesthetics, but it does mean you will need to choose your surgeon carefully. Other potential disadvantages include:
- Slightly higher cost than round implants
- Small risk of rotation, which can distort breast shape
- A firmer feel to the touch compared to round silicone or saline options
- Lack of suitability for patients who want significant cleavage or upper volume
Do Teardrop Implants Look Saggy? A Common Concern
Because they’re so much fuller on the bottom than the top, patients often express a concern that teardrop implants will make their breasts appear saggy. Opting for a teardrop shape won’t make you perky or give you the kind of cleavage that food you drop gets lost in, but it won’t inherently make your breasts look saggy either. When implanted in ideal candidates, teardrop implants look elegantly contoured and not at all saggy. If you have extensive skin laxity or deflation, however, round implants may offer better support for you.
Teardrop Implant Material & Surface Texture Considerations
There are exceptions to every rule, but teardrop breast implants are almost always made of cohesive silicone gel. They are typically textured to prevent them from rotating inside the pocket since rotation can distort breast shape.
Unfortunately, textured implants have been associated with an increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL is a rare cancer of the immune system—not the breast. Even rare risks are still risks, however, so it’s important to discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon and make sure you understand this disease and its treatment options. Some clinics no longer use textured implants because of BIA-ALCL.
Who Are Ideal Candidates for Teardrop Implants?
As previously mentioned, teardrop implants look great in the right candidates. But not every candidate is the right candidate. A teardrop shape doesn’t suit every body type, and it may not match your particular aesthetic goals. This brief outline can help you determine whether you may be a candidate, but always speak to a plastic surgeon to be sure. Teardrop breast implants are:
Ideal for:
- Women seeking a subtle, natural breast shape
- Patients with a longer torso or narrower chest width
- Breast reconstruction or corrective surgery patients
Not ideal for:
- Patients wanting round fullness or a push-up effect
- Those concerned about implant movement
- Patients with minimal skin support or laxity who may do better with round implants
Teardrop Breast Augmentation Recovery Timeline and Post-Op Experience
Recovery after teardrop implants is similar to round implants. You will be back to enjoying light activities in five to seven days and, depending on the nature of your job, back at work in a week or two. Full healing takes about six to eight weeks.
There are a few differences between the two recoveries, however. Patients who opt for teardrop implants often need to wear their surgical support bra a bit longer than those with round implants. Your surgeon may also restrict your upper body movements a bit more during the early healing phase. These two differences in recovery result from an extra emphasis on keeping teardrop implants in the perfect position while you heal since a shift can distort breast shape.
What Do Teardrop Implants Look Like on the Body?
Even when your plastic surgeon shows you a teardrop implant, it’s difficult to picture what it will look like once it’s in your breast. Happily, you can expect these implants to look naturally sloped, soft, and elegant. Teardrop breast implants result in a less “done” look than their round counterparts, often making them the preference for models, athletes, and professionals who want a more discreet enhancement. After teardrop implants, your before-and-after results will be more noticeable from the side than when someone sees you from the front.
Cost of Teardrop Breast Implants
On average, teardrop implants cost about $1,000 to $2,000 more than round implants due to material and complexity. Depending on your needs and desires, however, they can be well worth the added costs. Prices do vary based on:
- Implant brand and material
- Whether your implants are part of a reconstruction vs. cosmetic case
- Location, surgeon expertise, and surgical facility fees
Ask your surgeon for a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs and about financing options. A cost breakdown will help you compare apples to apples when looking at estimates. Some surgeons include anesthesia and facility fees in their pricing while others do not, which can make price comparisons misleading. At Mia Aesthetics, we always quote the full price so you don’t get hit with unexpected fees. We also work with several financing partners to make your surgery easier to align with your budget.
Recap: Should You Choose Teardrop Implants?
Teardrop implants are ideal for patients wanting natural-looking fullness with gentle contouring, especially when round implants feel too dramatic. If you’re looking for subtle, sophisticated results, and you’re willing to prioritize a natural shape over cleavage, these may be the right fit. A free virtual consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeons will help you explore whether this option matches your body and goals.