If you’re unhappy with the shape or size of your breasts and are considering breast implant surgery, there’s plenty to think about. The size, profile and type of implant are all important considerations to discuss with your surgeon, but so is the shape of the implant itself.
There are two breast implant shapes to choose from: round and teardrop, also known as contoured (round) and anatomical (teardrop). Both these breast implant shapes come in different profiles (how far the breast projects forward from the chest) and sizes, so your decision really comes down to your chest anatomy and aesthetic goals.
In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between teardrop vs. round implants and share a few pointers to help you decide which breast implants are best for you.
Round vs. teardrop implants: What’s the difference?
There are several key differences between round and teardrop breast implants that will influence your decision. They include your aesthetic goals, your body type, the implant placement and the preferred incision location. It is the job of your surgeon to provide clarity around these factors, but we’re here to give you a head start.
Teardrop implants
Teardrop breast implants are narrower at the top and fuller at the bottom, hence the teardrop name. That gives them a more natural and subtle look, as most natural breasts are thinner at the top and gradually slope to a more projected fullness towards the bottom.
Teardrop implants can elevate the breasts to correct mild sagging and eliminate the need for breast lift surgery. That makes teardrop implants best suited to women who want a natural look with a mild lift. Patients with more significant sagging may also require a breast lift, which can be performed at the same time as the augmentation.
Teardrop implants usually have a textured surface to prevent them from moving or rotating within the chest, while round implants can be smooth or textured. Textured breast implants tend to offer better firmness of the breast.
Teardrop implants before and after
Round implants
Round implants are the most common breast implant shape for cosmetic augmentation in the UK. They provide the classic, round ‘boob job’ shape that most women envision when thinking about implants. They give excellent fullness, lift, symmetry and cleavage. They also provide more fullness in the top part of the breast, with minimal variation in fullness or projection between the top and bottom part of the implant.
Patients who opt for round implants can choose between a smooth or textured surface, as the implants are less likely to rotate or shift out of position. Smooth implants feel softer and more natural and move around in the same way as natural breast tissue during activity.
Round implants also come in different profiles – moderate plus, high and extra high – based on your preferences. The profile determines how far the implant projects forward from the chest wall when the patient is standing.
Round implants before and after
Round vs. teardrop implants: Which look the most natural?
Teardrop-shaped breast implants are considered to look more natural due to their anatomical structure. They align with the breast’s natural contour, with less volume at the top of the breast and more at the bottom. They don’t project from the upper chest as much as round implants, avoiding that distinctive upper chest fullness. That’s why teardrop implants are preferred by women seeking a more subtle enhancement.
That’s not to say that round implants can’t look natural but they do have to be appropriately sized and positioned to fit the proportions of your body.
Teardrop vs round breast implants: The pros and cons
Both round and teardrop implants have their own benefits and even some disadvantages, with the right choice for you depending on your goals.
Teardrop implants
The pros
- Their natural shape makes them an option for women who want a more subtle look.
- They’re less likely to ripple or fold which can be visible through the skin.
- They’re a good choice for women who want lift and a shaping effect.
The cons
- They’re generally more expensive than round breast implants.
- They tend not to provide as much cleavage as round implants.
- There can be a little more scarring as the incision to implant them may be slightly larger.
Round implants
The pros
- They offer a fuller and more dramatic look.
- There’s less risk of rotation as your breast shape won’t be affected if the implant moves.
- They’re typically less expensive than teardrop-shaped implants.
The cons
- They can look less natural than teardrop implants if they’re not proportionate to your overall figure.
- They may not be suitable for women with little natural breast tissue.
- Their softer feel makes them less suited to correcting mild sagging or grouping of the breast.
Which breast implants are best? Get expert advice from our specialists
No one breast implant shape is better than the other. The right choice for you depends on factors such as your aesthetic goals, the amount of natural breast tissue you have, your nipple position, the amount of breast sag and the distance between your breasts.
Generally speaking, we’d recommend that round implants are better suited to younger women with firm breast tissue who want equal fullness at the top and bottom. Teardrop implants, on the other hand, tend to be a good fit for women who want subtle augmentation, have modest breast tissue and may have some breast sagging.
At Enhance Medical Group, we know that implant shape is just one of many considerations. Implant type, texture and size have just as much impact on the final outcome. That’s why we take our time and work closely with every patient to understand their particular goals and desires so we can create beautiful, natural-looking breasts.
Find out more about breast surgery and get in touch to book a free consultation with our experts.