How Do I Choose the Right Breast Implant Shape?

If you're having a breast augmentation, choosing the right implant can be confusing. We discussed how to choose the right size in a separate blog post, but how do you choose the right shape?

Read on to learn more about how Dr. Hayes helps each patient choose the perfect implant shape to meet their goals. 

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Breast implants come in two main shapes: 

• 1. Round Implants (saline or silicone)
• 2. Shaped Implants (silicone, also called teardrop, anatomic or gummy bears)

It would seem obvious that you would pick the implant that has the same shape as the breast you desire. Some women prefer a more round breast shape, while others would prefer a more natural appearance. So should you just choose the implant with these preferences in mind? 

You might be surprised to learn that both implant shapes can give a very natural look. It's important to know that when a round breast implant is placed inside a woman's breast, the silicone-gel settles a little and the implant takes on a teardrop shape. Well respected research studies, with blinded observers, have shown that no one can tell the difference between round and shaped implants when they are inside the body! Also, these blinded observers had no preference of which breasts looked better. If no one can tell the difference, why would someone choose one implant over the other? 

Dr. Hayes uses smooth round implants for most of his breast augmentation patients. As we said before, a round silicone implant will take on a teardrop shape when inside the body and so it gives a very natural look. He uses a shaped implant when someone is very thin and has little breast tissue. When there is little breast tissue, a shaped implant may give a more natural look than a round implant. 

So why use round implants for a standard augmentation? The answer is that round implants don't have the risk of rotation. It's a small risk, 3%, but if a shaped implant were to rotate it wouldn't look right and would require surgery to fix.

Although this topic can be confusing, it's important to remember that most women will have a beautiful result with round breast implants. There are special circumstances when using a shaped implant may be beneficial, and if this is an issue Dr. Hayes will let you know why your anatomy may benefit from using a shaped implant.

To find the best plastic surgeon, make sure you can find someone that you can trust. Your surgeon should take their time to make sure that you understand the details of your surgery and why a certain implant shape or size may be best for you.

If you're considering breast augmentation surgery, give our office a call. Dr.  Austin Hayes specializes in 24-hour breast augmentation recovery, which can help you get back to day-to-day activities in as little as one day.