Understand the Differences Between Teardrop and Round Breast Implants, Their Pros and Cons, and What to Expect from Surgery

Choosing breast implants is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make during your breast augmentation journey. At Linia Cosmetic Surgery, we understand that selecting between teardrop and round breast implants can feel overwhelming, especially when both options offer beautiful results. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the key differences, advantages, and considerations for each implant shape, empowering you to make an informed choice that aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Understanding Breast Implant Shapes

Before diving into the specifics of each implant type, it’s essential to understand what distinguishes teardrop implants from round ones. The shape of your breast implant fundamentally affects the final appearance of your augmentation, influencing everything from cleavage definition to the natural slope of your breast profile.

Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants are exactly as their name suggests: circular in shape when viewed from the front. These implants have been the gold standard in breast augmentation for decades and remain the most popular choice amongst patients in the UK and worldwide. Round implants are symmetrical, meaning they have the same shape regardless of how they’re positioned within the breast pocket.

The key characteristic of round implants is their uniform distribution of volume. They provide fullness throughout the entire breast, with particular emphasis on the upper pole (the area above the nipple). This creates a rounder, fuller appearance that many patients associate with the classic augmented breast look.

Teardrop (Anatomical) Breast Implants

Teardrop implants, also known as anatomical or shaped implants, are designed to mimic the natural slope of a breast. They have more volume concentrated in the lower portion of the implant, gradually tapering towards the top. This creates a contour that resembles a teardrop, hence the name.

These implants are asymmetrical, which means they have a definite orientation. The base is fuller than the top, creating a more subtle, natural-looking slope from the chest wall to the nipple. Anatomical implants were specifically developed to provide a result that closely resembles the appearance of natural breast tissue.

The Pros and Cons of Round Breast Implants

Advantages of Round Implants

Enhanced Upper Pole Fullness

Round implants excel at creating noticeable fullness in the upper portion of the breast. This characteristic makes them ideal for patients who desire more prominent cleavage or wish to fill out low-cut tops and dresses. The added volume in the upper breast creates that coveted “pushed up” appearance that many patients seek.

Versatility in Results

One of the most significant advantages of round implants is their versatility. Because they’re symmetrical, there’s no risk of rotation affecting your results. If a round implant shifts slightly within the breast pocket, your breast appearance remains unchanged. This reliability makes round implants an excellent choice for various body types and aesthetic goals.

Lower Cost

Generally speaking, round breast implants tend to be more affordable than their anatomical counterparts. The manufacturing process for round implants is more straightforward, and because they’ve been available longer, they’re typically less expensive. This cost difference can be significant, making breast augmentation more accessible to a broader range of patients.

Proven Track Record

Round implants have been used successfully for several decades, providing surgeons and patients with extensive data on their safety, longevity, and outcomes. This long history means that potential complications are well-understood, and surgical techniques have been refined to optimise results.

Excellent for Addressing Significant Volume Loss

If you’ve experienced substantial volume loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuations, round implants can provide the dramatic transformation you’re seeking. Their uniform fullness effectively restores breast volume and creates a youthful, lifted appearance.

Better Cleavage Definition

For patients prioritising cleavage, round implants typically deliver superior results. The fullness they provide in the inner breast area creates more noticeable cleavage, particularly in fitted clothing or swimwear.

Disadvantages of Round Implants

Less Natural Appearance in Some Cases

Depending on your body type and the size you choose, round implants may create a more obviously augmented look. The upper pole fullness, whilst desirable for some, can appear less natural than anatomical implants, particularly when you’re lying down or bending forward.

Potential for Visible Upper Edge

In women with minimal natural breast tissue or very thin skin, the upper edge of a round implant may be visible or palpable, especially when the implant is placed above the muscle. This is less common with submuscular placement but remains a consideration.

May Not Suit All Body Types

If you have a very athletic build with minimal body fat or existing breast tissue, round implants might not provide the seamless, natural-looking result you’re hoping for. In these cases, the uniform fullness can appear disproportionate to your frame.

The Pros and Cons of Teardrop Breast Implants

Advantages of Anatomical Implants

Natural-Looking Results

The primary advantage of teardrop implants is their ability to create exceptionally natural-looking results. The graduated fullness mimics the way natural breast tissue distributes within the breast envelope, creating a subtle slope that appears organic rather than obviously augmented.

Ideal for Reconstruction

Teardrop implants are frequently chosen for breast reconstruction following mastectomy or lumpectomy. Their anatomical shape helps recreate the natural breast contour, providing a result that closely resembles the patient’s pre-surgery appearance.

Better for Minimal Existing Tissue

If you have very little natural breast tissue, anatomical implants often integrate more seamlessly with your body. The graduated shape creates a more convincing illusion of natural breast tissue, even when there’s minimal coverage.

Reduced Upper Pole Fullness

For patients who prefer a more understated augmentation, the reduced upper pole fullness of teardrop implants offers a subtle enhancement. This creates a “naturally fuller” appearance rather than an obviously augmented look.

Improved Lower Pole Projection

The concentration of volume in the lower portion of the implant creates beautiful lower pole projection. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for patients with mild to moderate ptosis (sagging) who want to restore a more youthful breast position without a lift.

Customisable Projection Options

Anatomical implants are available in various projection profiles, allowing your surgeon to customise your results precisely. This level of customisation enables a highly tailored outcome that complements your unique body shape and proportions.

Disadvantages of Anatomical Implants

Risk of Rotation

The most significant drawback of teardrop implants is the risk of rotation. Because these implants have a definite orientation, if they rotate within the breast pocket, your breast shape will be distorted. Whilst modern surgical techniques and textured surfaces have reduced this risk, it remains a consideration.

Textured Surface Requirements

To prevent rotation, teardrop implants typically have a textured surface that encourages tissue adhesion. Whilst this helps maintain implant position, textured implants have been associated with a slightly higher risk of certain complications, including a rare condition called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It’s important to note that this risk remains extremely low, but it’s something your surgeon will discuss with you during consultation.

Higher Cost

Anatomical implants are generally more expensive than round implants. The more complex manufacturing process and newer technology contribute to this price difference, which can add several hundred to over a thousand pounds to your procedure cost.

More Complex Surgery

Placing teardrop implants requires greater surgical precision. Your surgeon must create a pocket that perfectly matches the implant dimensions and ensure proper orientation. This typically extends the surgery time slightly and requires significant surgical expertise.

Less Upper Pole Fullness

If you’re hoping for noticeable cleavage and upper breast fullness, anatomical implants may not deliver the dramatic results you’re seeking. Their natural slope means less volume in the upper breast area.

Firmness

Teardrop implants are filled with a cohesive silicone gel that maintains the implant’s shape. Whilst this is beneficial for creating the anatomical form, some patients find these implants feel slightly firmer than round implants, particularly soft round silicone implants.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Teardrop and Round Implants

Your Aesthetic Goals

Your desired outcome is the most crucial factor in choosing between implant shapes. Ask yourself what you’re hoping to achieve with breast augmentation. Are you seeking a dramatic, noticeably enhanced look with prominent cleavage? Round implants are likely your best option. Alternatively, if you want results that look like natural, fuller breasts without obvious signs of augmentation, anatomical implants may be more suitable.

Consider how you want your breasts to appear in various situations: whilst wearing clothing, in swimwear, during intimate moments, and during physical activities. Think about whether you prefer a more glamorous, augmented aesthetic or a subtle, natural enhancement.

Your Body Type and Frame

Your existing body proportions significantly influence which implant shape will provide the most harmonious results. Women with broader shoulders and a more athletic build often find that round implants create better balance and proportion. Conversely, petite women or those with a slender frame might find anatomical implants integrate more naturally with their physique.

Your chest wall dimensions also matter. A wider chest wall can accommodate round implants beautifully, whilst a narrower chest might benefit from the tailored dimensions available with anatomical implants.

Existing Breast Tissue

The amount of natural breast tissue you currently have affects how different implant shapes will appear and feel. Women with minimal breast tissue often achieve more natural-looking results with anatomical implants because the graduated shape compensates for the lack of natural tissue coverage.

If you have moderate to substantial existing breast tissue, round implants typically integrate well, with your natural tissue providing coverage that softens the implant contours.

Breast Dimensions

Your natural breast dimensions, including width, height, and projection, influence which implant shape will suit you best. During your consultation at Linia Cosmetic Surgery, your surgeon will take precise measurements to determine which implant dimensions will achieve your goals whilst maintaining proper proportion.

Skin Elasticity

Skin elasticity affects how well your breast tissue will adapt to and cover your implants. Good skin elasticity generally provides better results with either implant type, whilst reduced elasticity might make implant edges more visible, particularly with round implants.

Previous Surgeries or Medical History

If you’ve had previous breast surgery, radiation therapy, or certain medical conditions affecting your breast tissue, this may influence which implant type is most appropriate. Your surgeon will carefully evaluate your medical history to make personalised recommendations.

Lifestyle Considerations

Your activity level and lifestyle should factor into your decision. Very active individuals who participate in high-impact sports might prefer round implants due to their lower rotation risk. However, if you prioritise a natural appearance in athletic wear, anatomical implants might be preferable.

Budget

Whilst cost shouldn’t be the sole determining factor, it’s a practical consideration. If budget constraints are significant, round implants offer excellent results at a lower price point. However, if achieving the most natural-looking results is your priority and budget allows, the investment in anatomical implants may be worthwhile.

What to Expect: The Consultation Process

At Linia Cosmetic Surgery, your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Your surgeon will discuss your goals in detail, examine your breast anatomy, and explain which implant options are most suitable for your unique situation.

During this appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to view before-and-after photographs of previous patients with similar body types, try on different sizes using sizers, and ask any questions about the procedure, recovery, and long-term outcomes.

Your surgeon will take detailed measurements and may use 3D imaging technology to help you visualise potential results with different implant shapes and sizes. This collaborative process ensures that your final choice aligns perfectly with your expectations and anatomical considerations.

The Surgical Procedure

Regardless of which implant shape you choose, the basic surgical approach for breast augmentation remains similar. The procedure typically takes between one to two hours under general anaesthesia.

Your surgeon will make an incision in one of several possible locations: the inframammary fold (under the breast), periareolar (around the nipple), or transaxillary (in the armpit). The choice of incision location depends on various factors, including your anatomy, implant type, and personal preferences.

The implant pocket can be created either above the pectoral muscle (subglandular) or beneath it (submuscular). Submuscular placement typically provides more natural-looking results with better tissue coverage, particularly for women with minimal natural breast tissue.

For teardrop implants, your surgeon takes extra care to ensure proper orientation and creates a pocket that precisely matches the implant dimensions to minimise rotation risk.

Recovery and Results

Recovery from breast augmentation is similar whether you choose round or teardrop implants. You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the first week, which gradually subsides over the following weeks.

Most patients return to desk work within five to seven days, though you’ll need to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for four to six weeks. Your breasts will initially appear higher and firmer than your final result, settling into their permanent position over three to six months.

With teardrop implants, it’s particularly important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to minimise any risk of implant rotation during the healing process. Your surgeon will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.

Long-Term Considerations

Both round and teardrop implants are designed to be long-lasting, though they’re not considered lifetime devices. You may eventually need revision surgery to replace your implants, typically after ten to twenty years, depending on various factors.

Regular monitoring is essential for all breast implant patients. We recommend annual check-ups and, for silicone implants, periodic MRI scans to ensure implant integrity.

Making Your Decision

There’s no universally “better” choice between teardrop and round breast implants. The optimal option depends on your unique anatomy, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle, and goals. Some key points to remember:

Round implants offer versatility, reliability, enhanced cleavage, and proven results at a lower cost. They’re excellent for patients seeking noticeable upper pole fullness and obvious augmentation.

Teardrop implants provide natural-looking results with graduated fullness that mimics natural breast tissue. They’re ideal for patients prioritising subtlety and those with minimal existing breast tissue.

Posted In: Body Treatments Blogs

Written By: Firat Ekinci