Which Are Better – Round or Anatomical Implants?
Breast Implant surgery is a very popular surgical procedure that can boost your confidence and enhance your physical appearance. If you are also considering breast augmentation surgery, one thing you might be confused about is the shape of the breast implants. In other words, what is the right choice – round vs anatomical / teardrop breast implants? The reality is that we can’t say that one is better than the other in all cases, but they do create different results.
Dr Mark Gittos is one of the top plastic surgeons in UK for breast surgery. He has significant experience and has performed hundreds of breast surgeries. Dr Gittos can guide you towards the best choice in terms of anatomical or round breast implants that can give you the most natural and long-lasting results.
Download Mr Mark Gittos’ Guide to Cosmetic Breast Surgery
Round Vs Anatomical Implants
Let’s look at the key differences between the two:
1. Round Implants
As the name describes, round implants are ‘round’ in shape and have a very smooth texture on the outside. Women who prefer a fuller look decide to opt for round implants. The gel of the implants is very smooth and soft as compared to anatomical ones. It minimises their ability to shape the breast effectively.
2. Anatomical Implants
These implants resemble a teardrop shape and are micro-textured. The gel inside them is quite firm which reshapes the tissue to a larger extent. The results are very natural looking and mimic the look of actual breasts.
Pros and Cons of Round implants
Pros
- As the implant is perfectly round at all angles, it doesn’t matter even if the implant rotates
- Round Implants are comparatively cheaper than anatomical implants
- With round implants, there is a lower chance of ALCL
Cons
- These implants have a higher risk of capsular contracture as compared to anatomical ones
- Round implants have a higher risk of bottoming out
- These implants do not address the laxity of breasts
- The implants aren’t firm enough to reshape breasts, especially in the case of tuberous breasts
Pros and Cons of Anatomical implants
Pros
- Anatomical implants offer better lifting and reshaping abilities
- These create a more natural look that can work wonders for your goals
- The rate of capsular contracture is fairly low with teardrop implants
Cons
- Teardrop implants are more expensive than round implants
- In the case of implant rotation, they are very obvious
- The risk of ALCL is higher due to the micro-textured surface
Anatomic vs Round Breast Implants
Anatomical implants behave differently in the body than round ones. Round implants have an anatomic shape that gives you fullness at the upper pole of the breast. The final results depend on the surface area of your skin, natural breast volume, skin elasticity, and distribution of the natural breast tissue.
Anatomic implants can have an elliptical or a round base along with a horizontal axis for a wider chest or wide-shaped breasts. Similarly, a vertical axis works wonders for women who are tall or want a natural fullness on the upper part of the breast. In anatomical implants, a cohesive silicone gel is used to maintain the shape of implants.
For any woman concerned with upper pole fullness, round implants can work wonders. Women who have a high volume of breast tissue are at advantage with round implants which create better results. Patients who don’t have enough breast volume can still go for a small cup-size round implant but are at risk of unnatural upper pole contour.
This scenario is different when it comes to a breast lift with implants. A lot of patients needing the lift along with the implant have excess breast tissue which is enough to create extra fullness to cover the implant. Round implants can work wonders in this case.
Patients are concerned about what happens when the rotation of an anatomical implant occurs. With round implants, this isn’t a problem. Even when the implant rotates, the shape of your breast will still stay the same. Avoiding the rotation of anatomical implants is entirely possible with the usage of the correct surgical technique.
If the pocket used for the anatomical implant adjusts to the size of the implant, it is very difficult for the implant to rotate. It is also important to wear a supportive bra. Adjusting the implant pocket correctly and wearing the correct bra can prevent anatomical implant rotation from happing in the first place.
Essentially, we are living in times where all sorts of shapes and sizes of implants can create stunning results, provided that the surgeon is credible and experienced. Dr Mark Gittos has created stunning results on patients with both implant shapes even for difficult and challenging cases.
Benefits of Round Vs Anatomical Implants
Let’s explore the key benefits of both round and anatomical implants:
Benefits of Anatomical Implants
The benefits of anatomical implants include but are not limited to:
- Natural Shape – the teardrop implants are much more natural in shape. They are thinner at the top and fuller at the bottom which mimics the natural breast and creates subtle, beautiful results
- Slightly Textured Surface – the outer shells of the implants are micro-textured which prevents them from shifting and moving around. The texture offers a better grip that keeps them in place and minimises the risk of capsular contracture
- Improved Results – the feel of these implants is quite similar to the natural breast tissue. Moreover, concerns related to the rippling and visibility of implants will be minimised greatly
- Shapely Breast Tissue – teardrop implants are very firm which allows the surgeon to create the desired shape of breasts. If you wish to reshape your boobs along with enhancing the size, they might be a perfect option
Benefits of Round Breast Implants
The benefits of round implants include but are not limited to:
- More Dramatic Results – if you aren’t fond of naturally shaped breasts and would like them to look a bit fuller, round implants can work wonders. They add fullness to the upper pole, creating more dramatic results
- Great Looking Cleavage – if you wish to achieve a more enhanced cleavage, the chances are you need round implants. Forget those uncomfortable push-up bras.
- Implant Rotation Is Not a Problem Anymore – as the round implants are, well ‘round’, the risk of implant rotation is very low. Even when the implant rotates, it won’t impact your results in any way, and you don’t need to worry about revision surgery to flip the implants
- Cost Effective – round implants cost less than anatomical implants
FAQs about Anatomical Vs Round Breast Implants
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get on the subject of anatomical vs round implants:
Which type of implant is better: anatomical vs round breast implants?
- Both of these implants can create stunning results for different patients with different needs. The choice essentially comes down to the kind of results you are looking for and your body’s anatomy. It is best to book a consultation with a highly experienced plastic surgeon to get proper guidance.
Are round implants bigger than anatomical implants?
- While they aren’t actually bigger, round implants can look slightly bigger than the anatomical implants, provided they have the same volume. This can be attributed to the wider diameter and circular shape.
Will my round implants look natural?
- When placed correctly by an experienced surgeon, round implants will look natural, provided the appropriate size selection.
Can I get implants at 50 years of age?
- When it comes to getting implants, there isn’t a perfect age. Yes, you can get breast implants when you are 50, provided that you are in good overall health and you have realistic expectations from the procedure.
What type of breast implant feels the most natural?
- When it comes to looks, both round and anatomical implants can look natural. When it comes to the feel, silicone implants feel much more natural as compared to saline ones.
What is the safest type of breast implant?
- The implant shape has nothing to do with safety. Both silicone and saline implants are safe, provided that you choose the right surgeon and stick to all the pre and post-surgery instructions.
What’s the ideal breast implant size?
- There isn’t any ideal implant size that will work wonders for all body types. With that being said, the most popular size of the implant is between 325 to 375 cc which may result in a C cup.
How will my implants look like when I am lying down?
- The round implants fall to the side when you lay down while a teardrop implant maintains its shape which might appear unnatural to certain women.
Further Reading and Medical References about Round vs Anatomical Breast Implants
- What you need to know about breast augmentation
- Breast Implant Safety
- Breast Augmentation – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Round versus Anatomical Implants in Primary Cosmetic Breast Augmentation
Finding a Breast Augmentation Surgeon in United Kingdom
For many women in United Kingdom, having breast augmentation is a life-changing experience. There are many qualified doctors, but it is always best to find one who is experienced in breast augmentation procedures. Breast implants come in many different shapes and sizes, and there are various insertion techniques, so find a reputable practitioner who can give good advice on the right implants for you. Before considering breast implants, it is wise to find a surgeon who is also up to speed with new non-invasive techniques for breast enlargements, so you can investigate all the options before deciding on permanent surgical implants. Please avoid choosing a cheaper overseas option that lacks the ongoing support that a United Kingdom surgeon provides.
Always look for an experienced surgeon that you feel comfortable with and get a second opinion. If you’re still indecisive about the procedure, feel free to get in touch with our team.
You can contact us using this form to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or phone 07557 858156 during Clinic Hours
About Mr Mark Gittos FRACS (Plast) – London Plastic Surgeons
Practice locations in London & Essex, UK and Auckland, New Zealand.
Mr Mark Gittos offers high quality, natural-looking cosmetic surgery results and is highly experienced in Breast, Body and Face Surgery having performed over 4000 Surgeries in the last 26 years.
With world-wide expertise Mr Gittos is an expert in breast, face and body surgery for men & women.
Mr Mark Gittos is a leading Specialist Plastic Surgeon and operates a practice in London UK and Auckland New Zealand. His practice focuses on both surgical and non-surgical procedures, each designed to help restore, improve or change a physical characteristic or problem. The first step in every case is to talk through your personal requirements and explore all the options, before deciding on the most effective solution.
Naturally, before any treatment is begun, we will explain clearly the advantages and risk factors; so that you have the information you need to make an informed decision that is best for you. Visit the practice to find out more.
NEXT STEPS
Do your Research
- Read the Website and Blogs relevant to your procedure
- Browse our Frequently Asked Questions including how to choose a Surgeon for your procedure
- Download the Guides to Surgery
What to Bring to your Plastic Surgeon Consultation
- Bring a friend or relative to help discuss the information and your choices
- Take lots of notes and read the documents provided thoroughly
- Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
Book your Initial Surgery Consultation
- A Referral from your GP or specialist is helpful but NOT essential – you can have a consultation without a GP Referral
- Email us or Call in London on 07557 858156 to arrange your surgeon consultation appointment.
- Book a consultation with Mr Gittos by paying the Consultation Fee
Please contact us to arrange to book a consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeon or to speak with our Patient Care Advisor.
Send an enquiry form today or UK phone 07557 858156 during Clinic Hours