While it is widely known that breast implants come in different sizes and fills (saline or silicone), it is lesser known that implants may be round as well as shaped.
There Are Two Basic Implant Shapes: Round and Teardrop
- Round: As the name suggests, round implants are circular in shape and are not considered anatomic. They tend to have a half-moon shaped profile and come in a full range of sizes and widths. Round implants come in different projections (the amount that a round implant “sticks out”) ranging from moderate (the flattest), moderate plus, or high profile (has the greatest amount of projection). Round implants are available in both saline and silicone.
- Shaped: Shaped implants are considered to be more anatomic because, like a teardrop, they are fuller at the bottom and taper upwards to a narrow tip. Generally taller than they are wide, shaped implants are available in different height to width ratios. This design gives more projection in the lower part of the implant compared to the upper portion. To best maintain the shape, shaped implants are made of a more cohesive silicone.
Both Round and Shaped Implants Can Look Natural and Beautiful
“Mostly all of our breast augmentation patients come in the office stressing they want natural looking breasts,” says Dr. Burke. While both round and shaped implants can achieve a natural look, one is likely the better choice for you. Round implants tend to add a more prominent fullness in both the upper and lower breast. Teardrop implants are designed to more closely mimic the natural slope of the breast and are often the choice for women wanting more projection in the lower part of their breast.
At her Barrington practice, Dr. Burke has found that shaped implants are especially beneficial for petite patients with little existing breast tissue. Not able to conceal a round implant with their own breast tissue, the teardrop shape contributes to a more natural shape and form of the augmented breast. Shaped implants are also good for taller patients as they can fit and enhance a longer torso.
Whether You Choose Shaped or Round, Dr. Burke is Here to Help
Dr. Burke will assist you in finding the right shaped implant based on your unique breast anatomy as well as what you hope to achieve through your breast augmentation. We also offer Vectra 3D Imaging which gives Dr. Burke the ability to simulate how different implants will look on your body. Something that Dr. Burke has found to be “very helpful in guiding my patients to their final decision.”
Dr. Burke is a board certified plastic surgeon and is experienced with both round and shaped implants. Familiar with either implant, Dr. Burke will help you make the best decision for your breast augmentation.
