January 5, 2025 - Dr. Markarian

“Should I get a round implant instead of an anatomic for a more natural look?” This is a great question and I hear it often.Short answer: You can get a “natural” look with either round or anatomic breast implants and achieve a similar but not identical result.Long answer: This depends on several different issues including specific tissue characteristics, breast dimensions and the ultimate goal in both look and feel. While “the look” may be discussed easily in an online forum, “the feel” obviously has to be discussed in person.I don’t want to over-simplify things too much, but “natural” means different things to different people, and this takes into consideration a whole range of social and cultural preferences, not to mention regional and geographic norms.Round ImplantsRound implants, as the name suggests, are smooth and circular. They’re a popular choice for women seeking a fuller, more dramatic look, especially in the upper pole of the breast. The gel inside these implants is softer than that of anatomical implants, which can limit their ability to reshape the breast.Anatomical ImplantsAlso called teardrop implants, these are designed to mimic the natural shape of the breast. The firmer gel inside helps reshape tissue more effectively, making them a great option for addressing concerns like breast sagging or tuberous breasts.Round vs. Teardrop Implants: Pros and ConsRound ImplantsPros:Maintain shape even if they rotateLower risk of ALCL (a rare implant-associated lymphoma)Lower risk of capsular contracture, which is basically when your body forms too much scar tissue around the implantCons:Higher risk of bottoming outLess effective at addressing breast laxityNot as firm, limiting reshaping abilities for certain casesAnatomical (Teardrop) ImplantsPros:Provide a more natural, teardrop shapeBetter at lifting and reshaping the breastCons:Might be more prone to capsular contracture Obvious if they rotate, requiring revision surgeryHigher risk of ALCL due to the micro-textured surfaceThe implant could leak silicone if it breaks, and this silicone might stay in place or spread into the surrounding tissueQuestions to ask when choosing breast implantsWhen choosing between round and anatomical implants, it’s important to consider:Do you have enough natural breast tissue to achieve the look you want?Are you dealing with sagging that may require reshaping?Do you prefer a natural appearance or a fuller, more dramatic profile?What feel are you going for?What’s your lifestyle like? Are you very active?What’s your budget?What if my breast implants rotate?Round implants maintain their shape even if they rotate, while anatomical implants may require revision surgery if rotation occurs. Proper surgical technique and wearing a supportive bra can minimize this risk.Which implants will look more natural?If you’re aiming for a more natural appearance, anatomical implants are often the preferred option. These implants are specifically designed to mimic the natural teardrop shape of a breast, with a gentle slope that’s thinner at the top and fuller at the bottom. This design helps create a subtle, realistic look that closely resembles the contours of natural breasts.On the other hand, round implants tend to deliver a fuller, more dramatic look, especially in the upper part of the breast, known as the upper pole. This added volume can create a more noticeable enhancement, which some people love but might not appear as natural on certain body types, depending on the individual’s anatomy and aesthetic goals. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences, the look you’re hoping to achieve, and your surgeon’s recommendations based on your body type and lifestyle.Which implants will feel more natural?It’s tough to say for sure which will feel more natural, as both round and teardrop implants can feel pretty realistic these days.Smooth round implants feel soft and move around a lot like your natural breast tissue. Textured round implants are a bit firmer and stay in place better, but they might not feel as natural to the touch. Most people go for round implants for their more comfortable texture.Teardrop implants are designed to mimic the natural shape of your breast, with a denser feel at the bottom. This can create a very realistic look and feel.A big factor is the type of silicone gel used. Modern implants use a cohesive gel that’s designed to feel much more like real breast tissue.Are round or anatomical implants right for me?The best way to explore this is by a consultation in person with your plastic surgeon who will perform a thorough physical examination, openly discuss your goals, and outline a clear plan on how to achieve them.Once that realistic goal is set, the rest of the process becomes much easier — you can then discuss implant type (desired size & shape), location of the implant (above vs below the muscle), and incision used. All these factors can be altered to fit your exact needs and ensure that the final Breast Augmentation result looks as natural as possible. For more information regarding the customizable aspects of a breast enhancement procedure, you can view our blog on Boston Breast Augmentation Procedures.

MD, MSPH, FACS

HARVARD-TRAINED BOARD
CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

Day: January 5, 2025

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Breast Implants: Round vs. Anatomical