The
of
Breast Implants
-Shapes: Round vs. Anatomical (Teardrop/Contoured/Shaped))
-Profile: Low, Moderate, High
Choosing breast implant shape may seem complicated since manufacturers have so many styles in their lineups. However, it’s really only a matter of making two choices. The first choice is the Shape; the second choice is the Profile. Shape refers to the actual shape of the implant, round or anatomical. Profile refers to the distance the implant projects off the chest wall.
SHAPE – There are two basic shapes of breast implant to choose from: round or anatomical. (Some people may call anatomical implants “tear-drop,” “contoured” or “shaped” implants.) Anatomical implants are meant to mimic the slope of a natural breast. However, a round implant, when not lying down, takes on basically the same shape. Some plastic surgeons and women feel that the anatomical implant reflects a more mature breast.
Round Implants. What's natural looking? Round implants placed under the muscle may have a more natural appearance than shaped/contoured implants which can appear somewhat elongated in appearance in some women. Shaped implants tend to remain stationary, so they stay in the same place. When a woman lies down, round implants on the other hand, settle back evenly, like normal breasts. When a woman stands up, the saline goes to the bottom of the implants because of gravity, and the implants assume a natural teardrop shape anyway.
Contoured, Shaped, Anatomical, Tear-Drop. These are all terms used to describe an implant that is manufactured to be pre-shaped like the one pictured at right. Unlike a round implant, a "shaped" implant by design has a top and a bottom (it is tear drop shaped). These have a textured surface to avoid the implant flipping, leaving the implant upside down and misshapen in appearance. This can be corrected but it is not an ideal happening. Unlike round implants, a tear-drop implant will maintain the same shape lying down, which can appear unnatural in some women.
PROFILE – Your second choice will be to choose the Profile that suits you best. There are generally 3 choices: low, moderate or high. These terms refer to the distance from the chest wall the implant sticks out. A high profile implant projects furthest from the chest wall. A low profile implant projects the least. Please see the diagram below for an illustration.
Because Profile is such an important choice, we have a whole section dedicated to helping you understand it. Please see Breast Implant Profiles.
Next Stop: Breast Implants Surface: Smooth or Textured>>
See dimensions of all available breast implants, click here.
To see what various size implants look like in various size women, click here and search the breast augmentation photo gallery. Literally thousands of before and after photos of women with breast implants.
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Breast Implants: 1. Breast Implant Fill - Saline or silicone?
Choosing breast implant shape may seem complicated since manufacturers have so many styles in their lineups. However, it’s really only a matter of making two choices. The first choice is the Shape; the second choice is the Profile. Shape refers to the actual shape of the implant, round or anatomical. Profile refers to the distance the implant projects off the chest wall.
5. Breast Implant Profile / Projection
6. Breast Implant Manufacturers
Other Implants / Considerations
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Breast Implants: 7. Other Considerations |
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