Round vs Teardrop Breast Implants: Choosing the Right Shape for Your Anatomy

Surgical Disclaimer: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Results vary between individuals and are not guaranteed.

Breast augmentation involves the surgical placement of implants to enhance breast size, shape, and fullness. When considering this procedure, selecting the appropriate implant is a multifaceted decision involving size, material, texture, and profile.

Perhaps the most critical aesthetic decision is the choice of shape. Traditionally, the two most prominent options are round and teardrop (anatomical) implants. In this guide, we compare these shapes to help you understand how each interacts with your natural anatomy.

Understanding Round Breast Implants

Round implants are the most frequently utilised shape in breast augmentation. They are circular in design and provide uniform fullness across both the upper and lower poles of the breast.

Clinical Considerations for Round Implants

• Pronounced Fullness: They create a fuller, more defined look in the upper breast area, often enhancing cleavage.
• Positional Stability: Because they are symmetrical, if a round implant rotates within the breast pocket, the external appearance remains unchanged.
• Cost Efficiency: Generally, round implants are less expensive than their teardrop counterparts.

Potential Drawbacks

• Aesthetic Projection: In some patients, especially those with very little natural tissue, round implants can create a less natural, more “artificial” appearance.
• Visibility: There may be a higher risk of palpable rippling in patients with thin skin.

Round implants are often preferred by patients desiring a more dramatic increase in upper-pole fullness or those who already possess a moderate amount of natural breast tissue.

Understanding Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants

Teardrop implants, also referred to as anatomical implants, are designed to mimic the natural slope of a breast. They feature more volume at the base and a tapered, thinner profile at the top.

Clinical Considerations for Teardrop Implants

• Natural Silhouette: These implants are engineered to provide a natural-looking augmentation with a subtle slope.
• Structural Integrity: The gel within teardrop implants is often firmer to maintain the anatomical shape, which can reduce the likelihood of rippling or folding.
• Targeted Shaping: They are often well suited for patients with minimal natural breast tissue or those requiring specific shaping during reconstructive surgery.

Potential Drawbacks

• Risk of Rotation: Because they are not circular, any rotation of a teardrop implant can lead to an asymmetrical or distorted breast shape.
• Investment: Teardrop implants typically involve a higher financial investment than round options.
• Cleavage: They generally provide less “lift” or fullness in the upper part of the breast compared to round implants.

Choosing Between Round and Teardrop Implants

The decision between round vs teardrop implants is not one you have to make in isolation. During a thorough clinical consultation at The Lotus Institute, your physical anatomy and aesthetic goals are evaluated to determine the most suitable path.

• Anatomical Factors: Patients with a wider chest and more natural tissue may achieve a balanced result with round implants. Conversely, those with a narrower chest or very little tissue often benefit from the structured slope of a teardrop design.
• The “Family Test”: Our surgical philosophy is anchored in empathy and ethical guidance. We advocate for the procedure and implant type that best serves your long-term health and quality of life.

Whether you are considering augmentation for aesthetic reasons or for reconstructive purposes following a mastectomy, our highly qualified surgeons provide 30 years of clinical experience to help you navigate these choices.

Frequently Asked Questions: Implant Shape and Selection

Which breast implant looks most natural?

Generally, teardrop breast implants are designed to follow the natural contour of the body, providing a subtle slope. However, for patients with sufficient natural tissue, round implants can also provide a natural result when placed appropriately by an experienced surgeon.

Do teardrop implants feel different than round implants?

Teardrop implants often use a more “highly cohesive” (form-stable) silicone gel to maintain their shape. This can make them feel slightly firmer to the touch than some round gel implants, which can be softer and more fluid in movement.

What happens if a teardrop implant rotates?

If a teardrop implant rotates, it can create an uneven or unnatural appearance because the shape is not symmetrical. This often requires a secondary surgical procedure to correct the positioning. Round implants do not have this issue, as their shape is the same from every angle.

Can I change my implant shape later?

Yes, but this requires a revision surgery. During a revision, the surgeon may need to modify the breast pocket to accommodate the different dimensions of the new implant shape.

Book your consult with The Lotus Institute today

For the best results, let The Lotus Institute’s very own Dr Peter Widdowson or Dr Yezen Sheena perform your breast implant surgery. If you live in a regional area or cannot make your in-person consultation at our Gold Coast clinic, we’ll arrange a phone or video consultation at your earliest convenience. 

From aesthetic surgical enhancement procedures to non-surgical treatments , our exceptional nursing and patient care staff will be there every step of the way for a smooth treatment and recovery. 

If you have any queries, contact our team, who would be delighted to assist. 

Authors: Dr Peter Widdowson & Dr Yezen Sheena The Lotus Institute, Gold Coast

Dr Peter Widdowson – MB, ChB (Otago), FRACS (Plastic) Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience in Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery. An internationally acclaimed microsurgeon and reconstructive surgeon.

Dr Yezen Sheena – MBBS(Lond), MRCS(Eng), FRCS(Plast), FRACS(Plast) Internationally trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon with extensive experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, specialising in breast aesthetics, body contouring, and reconstructive procedures.