If you are interested in breast augmentation, your plastic surgeon will likely present you with two breast implant shapes to choose from. Breasts are unique for each individual, and offering two different types of breast implant shapes allows you to go with the option that best suits your needs. 

The two different breast implant shapes are round and teardrop, and choosing between the two requires you to weigh a variety of different factors. It is the job of the plastic surgeon to step in and help provide some clarity. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a breast implant expert, with over two decades of experience helping patients in Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas, get fuller and more shapely breasts. 

Below, you can learn more about which types of breast implant shapes are best for you. If you are interested in learning more, request a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta today.

The Types of Breast Implant Shapes

Before deciding which breast implant shape is the best option for you, it is important to first understand what differentiates the two breast implant shapes. While there are a few other breast implant variations, primarily you will be asked to choose between round breast implants and teardrop breast implants.

• Round Breast Implants

Round breast implants are the more common of the two breast implant shapes. Round breast implants, which are available as either saline or silicone-filled implants, result in breasts that are almost spherical in shape, providing more fullness to the top portion of the breast. 

There are a number of different variations to round breast implants, as the implants come in different diameters and degrees of projection. This flexibility allows your plastic surgeon to find an implant that perfectly suits your body.

• Teardrop Breast Implants

Teardrop breast implants provide more fullness to the lower pole of the breast. Teardrop breast implants typically use a very thick silicone gel to make sure they maintain their shape, but as a result, the implants tend to feel more firm and may cause some slight discomfort with thinner patients. Teardrop breast implants come in a range of options, fromtall, short, wide, or projecting at a different angle. 

The goal is always to find an implant that best fits your natural figure, regardless of which of the two breast implant shapes you choose.

Deciding Between the Two Different Breast Implant Shapes

Now that you know the primary differences between a round breast implant and a teardrop breast implant, it is now time to make a decision between the two breast implant shapes. There are a few different factors to consider.

• Cost of Breast Implant Shapes

If you are operating on a tight budget, you might want to opt for round breast implants. Round breast implants tend to be less expensive, as the teardrop implants require a unique surface to stop the breasts from moving or changing shape over time.

However, it is probably unwise to let the cost of the implant be the primary factor that informs your decision. These implants will probably be a permanent fixture in your life moving forward, so you probably should make a decision with your long-term goals in mind. If you prefer teardrop breast implants, you can always opt for a financing plan that allows you to pay for the treatment in monthly intervals.

• How the Implant Feels

While teardrop implants look natural, they do not feel as natural. In order for the implants to keep their natural-looking shape, they require a thicker silicone gel that can be a bit stiff to the touch. Round implants are much softer, allowing you to retain fullness in your breasts while also having them remain soft to the touch.

Look at Before and After Pictures of Both Breast Implant Shapes

After you have weighed your implant preferences, you should look at some before and after pictures of both breast implant shapes. It is one thing to read about how the different types of breast implant shapes look, but it is quite another thing to actually see the results.

When you visit your plastic surgeon, ask to see a variety of different breast implant before and after pictures, mainly focusing on patients who have a similar body type and breast shape as you. If you see results that appeal to you, point the patient out to your surgeon so they have a good understanding of what your ideal breast implant results will look like.

Learn More About Breast Implant Shapes with Dr. Lapuerta

If you are still unsure which of the two breast implant shapes is best for you, request a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta is known throughout Texas for his ability to partner with patients to help them achieve all of their cosmetic goals. Dr. Lapuerta will answer your questions in a clear and relatable way, avoiding the use of confusing medical jargon or broad declarations.

Dr. Lapuerta puts his patients first, doing everything possible to make sure their visit is a pleasant and successful one. If you are interested in learning more about different breast implant shapes or would like to schedule a breast augmentation consultation, contact Dr. Lapuerta today.