If you have decided to get breast augmentation mammoplasty surgery but are not sure which implant shape will work for you, this blog can help. Breast Implants come in different shapes and sizes as well as textures. The most popular shaped implants are round and teardrop implant also known as anatomical implants. There is always a debate amongst surgeons about which shaped implant is better than the other for different patients.
There is a big difference between anatomical and round implants. In this article, we will discuss the difference between them, as well as pros and cons of each one to give you a better idea. For many patients, choosing the type of implant that will work for them is a complex decision, and the key is to work with your surgeon and trust their experience to tailor the choice to meet your specific needs and goals. The right patient, with the right surgeon and the right implant, is often a recipe for success.
Sydney Plastic Surgeon Dr Jeremy Hunt routinely performs breast enhancement (mammoplasty) procedures for patients in Sydney, NSW.
About Round Breast Implants
These implants are round in shape and have a very smooth texture on the outside. Round Implants are recommended for women who want a fuller upper pole look. The gel found inside round implants is very soft as compared to the anatomical implants which reduces their ability to shape the breast as compared to the alternative.
About Teardrop or Anatomical Implants
These implants are usually micro-textured and have a teardrop look. They are also known as teardrop implants. The gel inside the implants is quite firm and able to shape the breast tissue to a larger extent. The combination of shape and feel not only increases the size of your breasts but can also address the shape issues and skin laxity. The results will depend on individual factors, so you should discuss the potential benefits and downsides with Dr Hunt before making your decision.
Comparing Round Vs Anatomical Implants
Let’s compare these shapes and look at the benefits of both the round and anatomical implant.
Benefits of Anatomical Implants
It should be noted that the benefits will depend on the individual patient’s circumstances, goals, and the surgical plan. Patients should understand that the benefits are not guaranteed, and they should always be considered along wit the potential risks.
With this being said, generally speaking, patients may choose anatomical implants due to:
1. Shape
The anatomical implants are designed to imitate a natural shape. They are thinner on top and have more fullness towards the bottom area. These implants can be an option for people who don’t want an overly dramatic look.
2. Slightly Textured Surface
The outer shells of the implants are micro-textured which is very important if you don’t want your implant to shift and move around. The texture on the outer shells offers a better grip that will help keep your implants in place. The slightly rougher surface also can minimise the risk of developing a hard shell capsule around the implant also known as capsular contracture.
3. Reduced Risk
The risk of rippling and implant visibility is reduced with this type of implant. If you want to be quite risk-averse, it is recommended to choose these implants.
4. Surgical options
As the anatomical breast implant is quite firm, a skilled surgeon will be able to create many types of breast shape with them. If you want to shape your breasts along with increasing their size, anatomical implants can help.
Benefits of Round Breast Implants
Again, the benefits will vary with each patient, and what works for one person may not be a good option for another. But in general, people may choose round implants due to a desire for:
1. More Dramatic Results
If you are not a fan of natural shape and wish to add more fullness to your breasts, round implants can help. They add fullness to both the top and bottom parts of your breasts, providing a shape that isn’t possible with teardrops or anatomical implants.
2. Lower Risk of Implant Rotation
With round implants, there is a very low risk of rotation involved after implantation. As the shape is the basically same, the rotation won’t have any impact on the look of your breasts. That is a major plus if you don’t want to consider breast revision surgery needed if your implant flips
3. A More cost-effective option
Round implants generally cost less than teardrop implants, so you might be saving some money
Pros and Cons of Round vs Anatomical Implants
While both types of implants can bring about great results when used correctly by a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, there are some pros and cons to each of them. Let’s have a look:
Pros of Round implants
- As the shape of the implant is round, they don’t carry the risk of rotation. Your breasts won’t be affected even if the implant rotates
- Round Implants are less expensive as compared to anatomical implants
- With round implants, the risk of BIA-ALCL is much lower
Cons of Round Implants
- They carry a higher risk of capsular contracture
- Round Implants can bottom out
- Round Implants are not recommended for people looking to address laxity
- Round implants are not firm enough to address shape-related issues in breasts
Pros of Anatomical Implants
- Anatomical Implants are firmer than round implants and have better reshaping capabilities
- Teardrop implants are quite versatile and your surgeon can help you achieve your desired look based on your preferences and your body type
- These implants have a lower risk of capsular contracture
Cons of Anatomical Breast Implants
- These are more expensive than round implants. Expect to pay extra on top of your Breast surgical procedure fee
- They carry a risk of rotation when not inserted properly
- These implants have a slightly textured surface. NOTE – the macro textured implants (heavy textured) have been associated with BIA-ALCL and are currently not in use. A Micro-textured surface that is currently the surface of Anatomic or shaped implants, has a much lower risk of BIA-ALCL, though it is marginally higher than that of smooth implants. In the eyes of the Australian TGA (Therapeutic Goods Authority), the benefits of this micro-textured surface on anatomic implants does outweigh the slightly higher risk of BIA-ALCL.
The Right Fit for the different Breast Implant Shapes – Ideal Round Vs Anatomical Patients
Let’s discuss the suitability of round and anatomical (NOTE – this is general information only, the right options for your particular case can only be decided after a consultation with your surgeon):
Round breast implants are better suited for women:
- Who are in their early twenties with a firm breast tissue
- Who want to achieve a rounded breast shape with equal fullness on the top and bottom
Anatomical breast implants are better suited for women:
- Who desire proportionate and more subtle augmentation
- Who are slim and have modest breast tissue
- Who have breastfed in the past
- Who are dealing with breast asymmetries
- Who want a breast lift mastopexy along with augmentation mastopexy
- Who are dealing with constricted breast base deformities
Either type will suit women:
- Who have enough glandular breast tissue and want to achieve more breast volume
Is One Implant Better Than the Other?
No, we simply cannot say that one is better than the other, because certain implants may work better for some patients than others. It all depends on what works for you. We have discussed the pros and cons, suitability and benefits of each implant shape in detail. There is a lot more that goes into breast surgery than just shape. The implant texture, type (silicone or saline), and size are equally responsible for the final outcome.
To find out what is a suitable implant for you, book a consultation with Dr Hunt now and discuss your goals, desires and expectations are.
After looking at your breasts, learning about your desired aesthetic, Dr Hunt will be able to tell you what can and cannot be achieved realistically along with recommending an implant shape.
What will suit you might not suit your friend and vice versa. So, listen to your surgeon before you listen to anyone else.
Breast Implant Shape – FAQS about Round VS Anatomical Implants
Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get regarding teardrop and round implants:
Are round implants or teardrop implants better?
- Both implants can be useful in different cases depending on the patient’s goals. The choice of implant eventually comes down to the type of results you want. It is essentially a matter of personal preference and desires, with input and recommendations from your qualified surgeon.
Do round implants look bigger than teardrop?
- Round implants do look slightly bigger when compared to the anatomical implants with the same volume. It is due to the wider diameter and circular shape that round implants offer.
Can round implants look natural?
- Round implants can provide a natural look as long as your surgeon places them correctly and uses the right size and profile for the patient. If the implant is too large or too high of a profile for the patient, the result will be a very full, rounded upper pole. It’s important to be realistic about your expectations and discuss them with Dr Hunt thoroughly before surgery.
Is 50 too old to have breast implants?
- There is no age limit for getting breast surgery. People can get breast implant surgery (augmentation mammoplasty) or surgery to lift breasts (mastopexy) at any age, provided that they are in a good health, have breasts that are fully developed, and do not suffer from any chronic illnesses.
What is the safest breast implant?
- Both saline and silicone implants can provide successful results, but both also come with risks. There is always a slight risk of BII, BIA-ALCL or other Breast Implant Complications. A Breast Implant is NOT a lifetime device. You may need to remove or replace your implant in the future or after 10 – 20 years.
What is the safest breast implant?
- Both saline and silicone implants are considered safe. The implant shape has nothing to do with safety. It essentially comes down to the experience and expertise of the surgeon and how well you follow pre and post-care instructions. There is always a slight risk of BII, BIA-ALCL or other Breast Implant Complications. A Breast Implant is NOT a lifetime device. You may need to remove or replace your implant in the future or after 10 – 20 years.
What’s the most popular breast implant size?
- The most popular size for breast implants is between 325 to 375 cc which may result in a small to a large C cup.
What do anatomical implants look like when lying down?
- Unlike round breast implants which fall to the side, a tear-drop implant will usually maintain the same shape lying down.
What are Motiva implants?
- Motiva Breast Implants are popular medical-grade silicone implant with a specially designed form and texture. The product has been extensively tested in three major areas: chemically, physically and biologically. Another popular choice is Mentor Implants.
Further Reading about Breast Implant Surgery (Augmentation Mammoplasty) to help choose Round VS Anatomical Implants
- Read Dr Hunt’s Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty page
- See Dr Hunt’s Real Patient Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty Before and After Photos
Recommended Breast Implant blogs about Round Vs Anatomical
- Choosing your Breast Implants & Implant Surgery Options
- Choosing the Right Implant Size – Sydney Guide to Breast Implant Size
- Benefits of Mentor Implants and Why Dr Hunt uses them
- Mini Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty with Smaller Implants
- Recovery after Breast Implant Removal
Medical References about Round Vs Anatomical Implants
- Round versus Anatomical Implants in Primary Cosmetic Breast Augmentation Mammoplasty: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
- Which breast implant shape is best for you?
- Shaped versus Round Implants in Breast Reconstruction
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is suitable for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and requires a personalised approach to reach their goals.
Dr Hunt has provided his one-on-one service and attention to detail to thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia.
Dr Hunt’s qualifications and education
Dr Jeremy A. Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from well-established and experienced plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If breast reduction mammoplasty is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
