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This blog has been authored by “Dr. Joe” Gryskiewicz MD, FACS.
About Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz:
Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing aesthetic
surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and belongs to the American Society of Plastic
Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society, The Rhinoplasty Society, and many other national institutions.
In addition to being in private practice, Dr. Joe is a writer and international speaker. He has traveled the
world delivering over five hundred presentations to professional organizations on plastic surgery topics such as
breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, hot topics, and ethics. He writes for a number of medical journals, society
newsletters, and academic publications.
What Is The Difference Between Teardrop And Round Implants?
August 14, 2024
Written By Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS
Studies show that people dissatisfied with their breasts have lower levels of happiness and self-esteem. Thankfully, breast augmentation surgery can improve the breasts’ shape and size. But how do you know which implant works for you? Breast implants are available in different shapes, sizes, and textures. It would therefore help to know the difference between teardrop and round implants. This article discusses teardrop and round implants in detail. We also discuss the pros and cons of each and who they best suit.
It is essential to note that what works for your friend may not work for you. Choosing the right implants for you involves seeing an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr Joe Gryskiewicz to discuss your goals and expectations. They will give you realistic advice on the most suitable breast implant.
What Are Breast Implants?
Breast implants are prostheses surgically inserted into the breasts. Implants are necessary for improving a breast’s appearance or correcting asymmetry, boosting confidence. The best implants for you will depend on your desired results, body build, and surgeon’s recommendations.
What Are Teardrop Implants?
As the name implies, teardrop implants have a teardrop shape and are micro-textured. These implants have a firm gel that helps to shape the breast tissue. Consequently, the shape and feel of teardrop implants can change the size and shape of a breast. Furthermore, they help with skin laxity.
What Are Round Implants?
Round implants are round in shape. Their texture is smooth or textured, and they help achieve fullness and perkiness. The gel in round implants is softer than in teardrop implants. Consequently, this type of implant is not flexible in its ability to shape the breast.
Differences between Teardrop And Round Implants
This section discusses the pros and cons of teardrop and round implants to examine their differences.
Pros of Teardrop Implants
Natural shape
The teardrop shape is thinner at the top and fuller towards the bottom. Therefore, teardrop implants mimic the form of a natural breast. These implants have a natural form and are suitable for people who want natural and less dramatic results. Furthermore, teardrop implants enhance the breasts subtly and beautifully
Slightly-textured surface
The surface of the teardrop implants is micro-textured. Therefore, they don’t shift. Also, the outer shells provide a better grip, keeping your implants in place. Basically this is a myth.
Furthermore, because of the slightly rough surface, there is minimal risk of developing capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs when the body creates a hard fibrous capsule around the implants. However, over many years, textured implants eventually have the same rate of capsules as round implants.
Low risk of implant visibility
Teardrop implants have a look similar to that of natural breast tissue. Therefore, they pose a lower risk of rippling and implant visibility. Furthermore, because the implants are made out of high cohesion gel, they maintain their form in the event of a rupture.
Cons of Teardrop Implants
Teardrop implants are more expensive than round implants and many have been pulled off the market because of the risk of lymphoma (ALCL).
The implants have an increased risk of rotating when experts do not carry out the implant surgery.
Pros of Round Implants
Dramatic results
Round implants give the breasts upper pole fullness. So, round implants are a better option if you are not going for a natural look but just want fullness in your breast.
Improved cleavage
Because round implants add fullness to the upper pole, they give the breasts a superb-looking cleavage. Due to their results, you don’t need a pushup bra to enhance your cleavage.
Low risk of rotation
Round implants have a low risk of rotation after their implantation. Even if they rotate, there is no impact on your breasts since the implants are round in shape
Cost-effective option
Round implants are not as expensive as teardrop implants. So, getting these implants can save you some money
Cons of Round Implants
Round implants are not firm enough to change breast shape. Therefore, they are not suitable for people looking to address breast laxity issues
These implants can bottom out
There is no higher risk of capsular contracture with round implants compared to teardrop implants if you follow the patients over many years.
Which Breast Implant Should You Go For?
Anyone with enough glandular breast tissue looking to achieve fuller breast volume can use teardrop or round implants. Cases where either implant is more suitable include:
1. Teardrop Implants
Teardrop implants are more versatile, correcting many breast shape and size issues. Therefore, these implants suit people looking for proportionate and natural results. Also, if you have breastfed in the past, are slim, or have modest breast tissue, teardrop implants are suitable for you.
Furthermore, teardrop implants are suitable if you want a breast lift with augmentation, have breast asymmetries or have breast base deformities.
2. Round Implants
Round implants are suitable for anyone. Also, if you want a rounded breast shape with equal fullness at the top and bottom, round breast implants are for you.
What Is The Perfect Breast Implant For Me?
This post has discussed round and teardrop implants, including their pros and cons and whom each implant suits the most. Nevertheless, you cannot decide using only these factors alone. You still have to consider implant texture, type, and size.
Therefore, it is best to consult an experienced plastic surgeon to discuss your goals. Then, after examining your breasts and the desired results, Dr Joe Gryskiewicz will let you know the most realistic implant for you.
Do Round Implants Look Bigger Than Teardrop Implants?
Round implants and teardrop implants of the same volume do not have the same size. However, round implants are usually slightly more prominent than teardrop implants because of their circular shape and broader diameter. Furthermore, because round implants give the upper and lower portions of the breasts more fullness, they tend to appear more prominent.
Which Implant Is Better – Round Or Teardrop?
Both implants have their pros and cons. Round implants give the upper and lower parts of the breast fullness and are cheaper. These implants also do not have any complications, even if they rotate.
Teardrop implants, on the other hand, are more natural looking and firm. But, if they rotate, they can create asymmetry. Generally, the best breast implant for you depends on your body build and the results you desire to achieve. The newer round gel implants like XTRA and Boost are superior to teardrop implants.
Can Round Implants Look Natural?
Round implants give the breasts more cleavage. Therefore, the implants have a natural look due to gravity when standing. But when you lie on your back, the implants look round.
How Long Does It Take Teardrop Implants To Fluff?
Fluff is when your implants begin to fill in the breast’s lower area below the nipple. Usually, it takes a few days to six weeks for the implants to drop and three months for them to settle entirely. Nevertheless, the healing process can take several months.
The time it takes your implants to fluff depends on the size and texture of the implant. Larger implants drop faster because they weigh more. And textured implants do not drop as fast as non-textured implants due to the friction between the implants and the surrounding tissues. Furthermore, the position of your implant placement also affects the settling time.
It is important to note that breasts are not perfectly symmetrical. So, one implant may drop faster than the other. Usually, breast implants with more space between the nipple and breast crease fluff more quickly.
Do Implants Look Bigger Or Smaller After They Drop?
Your implants may appear bigger or fuller after they drop to a lower and more natural-looking position on your chest.
At What Age Can I Get Breast Implants?
The breasts change with age, weight changes, and pregnancy. There is no age limit for breast augmentation. Nevertheless, although teenagers can get breast-augmentation surgeries, it is best to wait for the breasts to develop fully. Generally, most women have fully developed breasts at age 18. Another factor determining when to get breast implants is the implant type. For instance, 18 is the minimum age to get saline implants, while 22 is the minimum age for silicone implants.
What Type Of Implant Feels Most Natural?
Implants’ shape does not affect their feel. For example, both teardrop and round implants can look natural. But when it comes to feeling, silicone gel implants are more natural to touch.
What Is The Safest Breast Implant?
The shape of an implant has nothing to do with its safety. Nevertheless, both silicone and saline implants are considered safe. Generally, your implants’ safety depends on the surgeon’s expertise and how you follow the pre and post-surgery instructions.
How Likely Are Teardrop Implants To Rotate?
A downside to teardrop implants is their tendency to rotate post-surgery. A rotation in these implants makes the breasts appear sideways and symmetrical. Fortunately, their slightly-textured nature reduces the risk of rotation. Nevertheless, there is still a 10 to 20% risk of teardrop implants rotating. Can you imagine being in that 10 -20% risk group? Yikes!!
FAQs about Round and Teardrop Implants
Are teardrop implants also Gummy Bear implants?
Gummy bear implants come in different teardrop shapes.
Is there a natural Breast augmentation option?
Fat grafting is when fat is harvested from areas in the body where it is in excess and transferred to another part. Therefore, your surgeon can move fat from your tummy, hips, or thighs to the breast area to increase the size. Usually, this technique only increases the breast size by half a cup or a full cup size, depending on the patient.
What to expect after a breast implant surgery?
Immediately after the surgery, you need to recover from anesthesia. Avoid doing chores for the first few days after the surgery. Fatigue, soreness, and tightness in your chest after the first 24 hours. You can use pain medication prescribed by your surgeon to alleviate the pain. Dr. Joe uses his Quick Recovery® Approach. See his published paper on this website.
What is the breast implant procedure?
During a breast implant surgery, the plastic surgeon will make a single incision in the armpit, or in the inframammary crease (below the breasts) or periareolar (around the areola) position. A transaxillary approach is most commonly used to insert implants if you have normal anatomy. After making the incision, your surgeon will separate the breast tissue from the connective tissue or muscles of the breast to create a pocket. The surgeon then inserts the implant in the pocket, centering it behind the nipple. Silicone implants are pre-filled with silicone gel before they are inserted. Saline implants are inserted empty then the surgeon fills them with sterile salt water. Once the implants are in place, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures and bandage it with skin adhesive and surgical tape.
What should you do after a breast implant surgery?
Following post-surgery instructions can speed up your recovery process. After your surgery, it is best to sleep on your back, drink plenty of water, and give your body time to heal. In addition, it is best to quit smoking as cigarettes delay wound healing. Wear the surgical bra your surgeon recommends. Also, keep the surgical incisions clean to prevent infections.
What is the most common breast implant size?
One breast cup size is about 180 – 200 cc, but the results vary depending on the implant type, texture, body build, and placement. Generally, 300 to 400 ccs are the most common implant sizes. Nevertheless, depending on your preferences, you may choose a smaller or larger size. The surgeons at Gryskiewicz Cosmetic Surgery will take meticulous measurements to fit the implant to your individual measurements.
Studies show that people dissatisfied with their breasts have lower levels of happiness and self-esteem. Thankfully, 
Round implants are round in shape. Their texture is smooth or textured, and they help achieve fullness and perkiness. The gel in round implants is softer than in teardrop implants. Consequently, this type of implant is not flexible in its ability to shape the breast.
Teardrop implants are more versatile, correcting many breast shape and size issues. Therefore, these implants suit people looking for proportionate and natural results. Also, if you have breastfed in the past, are slim, or have modest breast tissue, teardrop implants are suitable for you.
This post has discussed round and teardrop implants, including their pros and cons and whom each implant suits the most. Nevertheless, you cannot decide using only these factors alone. You still have to consider implant texture, type, and size.