What Shape Breast Implant Should You Choose?
Millions of women get breast implants every day, but each one of them wants something different. Some women may want only a small improvement, while other women may be looking for a substantial increase in breast size. For this reason, your first consultation with a plastic surgeon is the most important. This is an opportunity for you to tell the surgeon what results you would expect from the procedure, so she can recommend the best type and size of implant for you. When considering breast implants, there’s more to think about than just the size of the implant. The shape of the implant is also a consideration that can affect the final results of your procedure. Breast implants can either be round or teardrop shaped and each shape will determine the final appearance of your breasts. Some factors that you should consider in choosing the implant shape include:
- Your body physique
- The amount of breast tissue
- The positioning of the implant
- Where the incision site will be located
Round Breast Implants
The round implant is the most commonly chosen shape and it’s further divided into four types, which vary the projection of the breast. In terms of implants, the projection is defined as the forward distance of the breast from the chest wall. To obtain the highest level of projection, the implant would have to have a larger base. The volume of the implant would also need to be significantly larger. Round implants are ideal for increasing fullness in the top portion of the woman’s breasts. Often, women who want more volume choose round implants. They’re helpful in providing more mass, so cleavage will be enhanced. Round breast implants provide a fuller appearance, but they can also appear unnatural. Women who are more concerned with maintaining a natural appearance are often dissuaded from choosing the round implants. Some advantages to the round implant include eliminating the problem of rotation. Since the implant is round, any rotation won’t be observable. Additionally, the round implant is less expensive than the teardrop implant. This type of implant can be chosen as either a smooth or textured implant.
Teardrop Implants
The teardrop shape was developed to provide an implant that more closely resembles the shape of a natural breast. The implant is sloped, so there’s greater volume at the base of the implant. For this reason, a teardrop implant will provide greater projection than a round implant of the same size. The biggest attraction of the teardrop implant is the natural appearance it provides, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come without drawbacks. The biggest concern for most women is the cost. Teardrop implants are more costly, so financing the augmentation may be a problem. Additionally, the implant has a tendency to rotate, so it’s not possible to use a smooth implant. For this reason, teardrop implants are only available in textured shells. Ultimately, it’s up to each individual to choose the ideal implant for her situation. While the teardrop implant is more expensive, financing this option may be worthwhile if it will give you the results you want for yourself. Since this is a decision that will affect your happiness and self-confidence, choosing the right style and size of implant is essential. Consulting a plastic surgeon with experience in providing breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures will help you learn more about the procedure. At Rocheford Plastic Surgery, you can benefit from the expertise of a board-certified surgeon. Dr. Heather Rocheford has more than 25 years of practice and has been managing her solo practice since 2002. An initial consultation with Dr. Rocheford will help you understand your options, so you can make an informed decision.
