When deciding on breast augmentation surgery, each patient must make several important decisions. The primary decision is the choice of implant type and size, which is determined during pre-surgery consultations using various sizers. The knowledge and experience of the surgeon are crucial in this process, as they need to understand the patient’s expectations and illustrate how the breasts will look after the procedure. So, which implant is the best choice – anatomical or round?
Round or anatomical implants – the difference in shape
Breast implants consist of a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel (silicone implants) or a saline solution (saline implants). Round implants provide the effect of lifted and fuller breasts, resembling a larger or smaller hemisphere, depending on the height of the projection profile, which can be standard, moderate, high, or ultra-high. Implants with high and ultra-high projection are designed for women with a narrow chest and those seeking a larger breast profile.
Anatomical implants have a teardrop shape, resembling the structure of the breast gland. They give the breasts a natural appearance and allow for maintaining a subtle downward slope. Anatomical implants are suitable for women who want to enhance their breasts discreetly, and they are also recommended for patients whose breasts have lost fullness and firmness due to pregnancy or other circumstances.
There are situations where using a round implant can achieve similar results to an anatomical implant. This is possible when the patient has good tissue coverage, well-shaped breasts, and the selected implants for the procedure are not too large. For slender women with very small breasts, choosing an anatomical implant is advisable.
Choice of implants and the achieved effects
During consultations, the patient should receive information about the effects that can be achieved with different implants. This allows for decision-making and alleviates any doubts regarding the appropriateness of undergoing the procedure. Round implants create the impression of full breasts by increasing their volume both in the lower and upper parts. They are symmetrical, so they do not alter the appearance of the breasts when shifted. Placing them submuscularly or partially submuscularly allows for a more natural look, especially in younger patients.
Anatomic implants, also known as teardrop implants, primarily enhance the lower part of the breasts.
When selecting the right breast implants, it is essential to consider both the patient’s preferences and several other equally important factors, such as her body structure and the size of natural breasts. Taking these into account enables making a well-informed decision and achieving the desired effect for the patient. Both the use of round and anatomical implants allows for achieving a shapely, full bust, provided that the implant is chosen appropriately for the patient’s anatomy.
Which implants allow for breast correction?
Anatomic implants are used for correcting various developmental breast disorders such as pseudoptosis, tuberous breast, or poorly developed lower pole. They are also used for breast reconstruction. In the correction of asymmetrical breasts, both round and anatomical implants can be used, although the latter are more commonly chosen. This is due to their greater size variability.
Anatomical implants and the risk of rotation
Anatomical implants are not symmetrical, and due to their shape, they pose a risk of rotation, although it is relatively small. When this complication occurs, the breasts change their appearance and lose proportionality, necessitating another surgical procedure. Multicenter studies have shown that the risk of rotation for anatomical implants is less than 2.5%. Key in preventing such complications is thorough preoperative planning and the selection of the appropriate surgical technique. Recurrent rotation of breast implants is an indication for replacing anatomical implants with round ones.
How to make a decision about breast implant selection?
When making decisions about breast implant selection, it is essential to discuss the patient’s expectations and the achievable outcomes of the surgery. This significantly facilitates the choice of appropriate implants that will enhance the appearance of the breasts. Factors such as the woman’s natural breast size, body type, implant placement, incision location, and any previous breast surgeries (if applicable) should also be considered. Taking into account all these important factors allows for the effective and safe performance of breast augmentation surgery. It is crucial to note that the shape and size of the chosen implant alone do not guarantee satisfactory results. The experience and knowledge of the plastic surgeon also play a key role.
Check out what plastic surgeon Dr. Michał Charytonowicz thinks about the choice of breast augmentation method and the selection of appropriate implants. Below is a video and a blog post at the following link.