The new innovation in breast enhancement surgery is the development of shaped implants. Now not only are women asked to choose between silicone or saline, they are also asked to choose which shape implant they might want to consider. With all of these choices, Dr. Kole knows how confusing the process of choosing breast augmentation can be. To help inform patients about their options, Dr. Kole describes the new shaped implants and how they are different than the traditional round implants.
Round Implants: The traditional favorite
Round implants are historically the favored implant among women and surgeons. Round implants are perfectly round, meaning they are the same shape from any orientation. This ensures that even if the implant shifts while in the body, the shape of the breast will remain the same. Both saline and silicone implants come in the round shape, and smooth shelled implants (without texture) are always round. One downside of round implants that has been found is that in women with smaller chests and larger implants, the breasts appear full and round on the top half of the breasts—known as superior pole fullness— as well as the bottom half. Breasts naturally fall in a teardrop shape, being less full on top and fuller on the bottom. Round implants can appear unnatural if the breast appears too round on top. This is easily avoided, however, if your surgeon picks an appropriate size implant for your body shape and type.
Shaped Implants: New Innovations
Shaped implants mimic the natural teardrop shape of the breast. They are known as “teardrop” implants or contoured implants. Shaped implants are a solution to superior pole fullness, as they do not add additional fullness to the top of the breast like a round implant. However, one major concern about getting shaped implants is that they can only be oriented one way: they must be placed within the body in an exact position in order to create a natural look of the breast. Therefore, the consequences of the implant shifting are greater, because it will distort the shape of the breast. In order to prevent shifting within the body, all shaped implants are textured, which acts as an adhesive to the internal tissue of the breast. Textured implants may not be noticeable, but for women with very little natural breast tissue or thin skin, they may feel the textured implant under the skin, which creates a firmer feel and less natural feel of the breast.
Overall, women tend to opt for round implants because of their softer, smoother feeling inside the body. Surgeons tend to prefer round implants because of the lessened risks of misshapen breasts due to implants shifting inside the breast tissue pocket. However, some surgeons specialize in shaped implants and some women find that that is the option they prefer. It is important to discuss these options with your surgeon prior to making any decisions, and to ensure that your surgeon is skilled in inserting the type of implant you select.
To schedule a complimentary private consultation with Dr Kole to learn more about shaped vs. round implants and find out if you are a candidate for breast enhancement, please call our office at 215-315-7655 .
