Women who decide to enlarge their breasts with round or anatomical silicone implants must first resolve a number of very difficult issues. Their list includes not only the size of the desired breast, but also the type of implant itself. The choice determines the final result, the duration of maintaining the shape of the breast, convenience and many other indicators.

At the moment, the market offers several types of implants, which differ from each other in the following characteristics:

1. Shape (round or anatomical). Here, in most cases, preference is given to round implants, since they are cheaper and additionally allow you to achieve the push-up effect.
2. Texture (smooth or porous). The porous texture is more convenient, since such implants are practically not subject to displacement.
3. Filler (silicone or saline solution). Doctors recommend giving preference to silicone implants. They are more elastic and at the same time there is a choice among different degrees of rigidity.

What should you choose and how do these characteristics affect the final result? In this difficult task, doctors come to the rescue because they can easily simulate the final result, taking into account the anatomical features of the patient. In this case, all the wishes of the patient are taken into account.

Round or anatomical implants?

Among all the questions when choosing a breast implant, women spend the longest time thinking about its shape. So, at the moment there are two options available: round and anatomical shapes. What's the difference?

First of all, it is worth saying that round implants differ from anatomical ones in price. The latter have a higher cost. Also, anatomical implants are drop-shaped and perfectly replicate the natural shape of the breast. Round ones, on the contrary, change its appearance. But these are not the main reasons why the latest type of breast implants has become the most common in the world. Here the matter lies elsewhere.

And the first reason for the prevalence of round breast implants is to provide the largest projection. They make the breasts more rounded and allow you to easily achieve a push-up effect. Anatomical implants do not change the shape of the breast, but are only aimed at increasing its size.

It is also worth noting that when using round implants, the risk of capsular contracture is reduced. If the implant turns over, it will be absolutely invisible from the outside. When using anatomical implants the situation is slightly different. Breast asymmetry becomes noticeable even with slight displacement, which brings a number of inconveniences. To align the implant, you need to contact a surgeon, who will prescribe the technique.

What do you need to know before surgery?

To achieve the desired effect after augmentation surgery, the patient must undergo thorough preparation.

The list of required items includes:

1. Choosing a clinic and plastic surgeon. Here, it is mandatory to have certificates and licenses to perform this type of operation, positive reviews and experienced doctors who have already earned a good reputation.
2. Selecting the manufacturer and type of implant. This procedure is performed in conjunction with the doctor who will perform the breast augmentation.
3. Providing the doctor with the opportunity to examine the breast and determine the implantation site, taking into account its shape, size and motor activity of the patient.
4. Familiarize yourself with the methods of pain relief used, the features of the operation and rehabilitation in the postoperative period.
5. Before making a final decision, be sure to take into account possible changes in the breasts under the influence of changes in body weight, pregnancy, lactation, gravity, etc.
6. Pass all the required tests and do an ultrasound of the mammary glands.

A full consultation with a specialist is mandatory. Together with him, you need to choose the prosthesis itself, decide on its size, type and location of implementation.

How is breast augmentation surgery performed?

As a rule, breast augmentation with round and anatomical implants takes from 40 minutes to 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

During this time, the surgeon makes an incision in one of four places:

1. Under the breast. This approach allows you to minimize the likelihood of damage to the mammary gland and is one of the most popular.
2. From the armpit. This place is not used very often, since there is a high probability of damage to muscle tissue, the seam itself is noticeable after healing, and it is difficult to form a pocket for the implant. But, in the case of implantation through the armpit, it holds very well and is almost completely invisible in any position of the body.
3. Along the lower edge of the nipple areola. Used when introducing small implants. But, the use of this method is fraught with the possibility of damage to the ducts and a slightly noticeable seam remains around the areola. Additionally, this method is fraught with visual identification of the implant itself in a horizontal position of the body.
4. An incision in the navel area. This method is used less often than all others, since after the procedure a noticeable scar remains on the abdomen.

After the implant has been installed, the incision is sutured. In this case, the doctor can perform a breast lift procedure if this is required to achieve the maximum aesthetic shape.

Complications in the postoperative period

Since breast augmentation with implants is accompanied by damage to soft tissues, breast swelling is observed in the first week after surgery. It almost doubles. In this case, the implant may remain above its intended location for a long time until the body adapts to the foreign body in the body.

In addition to the above defects, patients may experience the following complications:

1. Contouring of the prosthesis. Its contours are especially visible when lying down. This drawback is noticeable only if the prosthesis is installed under the gland. When implanted in the armpit, such consequences are not observed. Also, when installing a prosthesis under the gland, the implant can be easily palpated.
2. Fibrous-capsular contracture. This consequence is observed when using implants with a smooth shell. The main reason for the development of fibrocapsular contracture is an incorrectly created pocket for the prosthesis. Often, inexperienced surgeons create a small pocket. This in turn leads to tissue necrosis, suture separation and disruption of the healing process.
3. Displacement of the endoprosthesis. This happens in cases where the surgeon has created a large pocket. To control the size during surgery, the doctor must have special sizers on hand.

Advantages and disadvantages of implants

To make a final decision, you must weigh all the pros and cons.

So, among the advantages of breast augmentation with implants, in particular round ones, we can highlight:

1. The ability to increase breast volume and achieve a “push-up” effect.
2. Harmonious breast appearance in any body position.
3. Preservation of breast symmetry even with deployed implant.
4. No access restrictions.
5. Affordable price for both the prosthesis itself and the operation.

Unfortunately, breast augmentation surgery using silicone implants also has a number of disadvantages.

In particular, these are:

1. If selected incorrectly, there is a high probability of achieving an excessive effect and causing a number of complications.
2. In some cases, breast asymmetry persists.
3. Complications that develop as a result of rejection of the implant by the body.
4. High probability of gland damage.

There are also a number of contraindications for which surgery cannot be performed at all.

These are:

• cancer;
• diabetes mellitus;
• disorders of the thyroid gland;
• problems with blood clotting;
• breast-feeding.

How long do implants last?

Well-known implant manufacturers usually provide a lifetime warranty on their products. Moreover, if it breaks, it is replaced free of charge. Accordingly, it can be argued that breast augmentation does not require repeated surgery. But that's not true. There are a number of factors that may lead to repeat surgery.

These are:

• sharp fluctuations in body weight within wide limits;
• increase in size and change in breast shape after pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• presence of implant defects.

Fortunately, most patients who undergo breast augmentation do not experience any side effects and do not require repeat surgery.

In modern operations to reshape, enlarge or reduce breasts, anatomical implants are used - they help women have an attractive bust and look seductive.

But there are many options on the breast endoprosthesis market, which is why it is so important to know about choosing the preferred option. This will allow patients to get breasts of the desired size and avoid complications after surgery.

When is mammoplasty required?

The personal desire of the woman who turns to specialists for an operation takes precedence. Other reasons include:

INDICATIONS

• exaggerated or underdeveloped breasts;
• unwanted variability of the bust after pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding;
• sagging or asymmetry of the mammary glands;
• reconstruction of the mammary gland after its removal against the background of a low-quality tumor;
• the will of a man.

Among the obvious contraindications to surgery are:

CONTRAINDICATIONS

1. infectious and blood diseases;
2. severe course of diseases of internal organs;
3. age up to 18 years.

The specialist chooses an implant based on the surgical goals and technique used, the anatomical properties of the patients and their personal preferences.

Which prostheses are better for mammoplasty?

Round or anatomical? Every woman who dares to get a new bust solves this dilemma. Because these endoprostheses are in great demand among patients of plastic surgeons.

In general, implants differ:

1. shape;
2. projection;
3. volume;
4. surface texture.

Implants also differ in the width and height of the base.

The difference between anatomical and round implants is in their shape. And this is clearly visible even in the photo. The first type resembles a swelling drop.

The second option means a round classic bust, obtained by implanting the appropriate type of implant into it.

Round endoprostheses provide the mammary gland with symmetry and preservation of its shape during natural movements made by a woman. They transform the bust into a fuller one and replenish the volume of the upper pole of the breast.

Teardrop implants do not guarantee this. At the same time, the anatomical shape of the grafts gives the new breast a natural appearance.

As recent studies show (conducted by Dr. Charles Rehnquist from Sweden and Professor Mario Ceravolo), visually identifying the breasts of women with round and anatomical implants is difficult even for specialists. This is also explained by the fact that during reprosthetics, the replaced implant often changes shape under the action of the muscle. As a result, a round endoprosthesis turns into an anatomical one and vice versa.

Division of endoprostheses according to the composition of the filling fluid

The outer wafer of any transplant is made of soft silicone and filled with a special gel or isotonic saline liquid, similar in composition to a sterile solution for injections.

Such a mixture, even if it leaks, is harmless to a woman. It will only be absorbed into the blood, just as a liquid comes from an IV into the body to flush the body.

It is also captivating that these implants cost less than other types of endoprostheses. In addition, they are softer to the touch.

But there is also flaw in the use of such transplants. With them, the chest is heavier and looks unnatural, and often makes gurgling sounds when moving.

Implants containing a biocompatible cohesin (non-flowing) gel are incomparably lighter. With these endoprostheses, the bust acquires improved elasticity and a natural appearance.

The specific composition of gelatin ensures, when pressing on the bust and when its owner moves, a return to the natural shape of the breast without issuing third-party “chords”.

The disadvantage of this gel is that if it leaks, surgical intervention will be required.

In addition, plastic surgeons have breast implants with a smooth silicone or textured outer surface.

And these endoprostheses for mammoplasty have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, smooth ones are prone to shifting, and grafts with a textured shell, albeit sometimes, when in contact with the subcutaneous tissue, cause wrinkles.

Practicing plastic surgeons, as a rule, do not favor smooth or water-filled implants. The former are prone to slipping and turning over. The latter decrease in volume over time as the liquid evaporates. Because of these reasons, the risk of reoperation increases significantly, and long-term results are not satisfactory.

Anatomical implants McGahn (USA)

What distinguishes anatomical implants Natrel McGan style 410 from other grafts?

• Their interior is filled with silicone gel.
• The implants have more perpendicular cross-links, which makes the gel stronger.
• Reduced rate of gel diffusion through the wafer with a specialized inner layer.
• The hardness of the filling and bringing the gel to drying is done using a special technology.
• The ability to shape the breasts so that they will not subsequently become distorted.
• Wider possibility of selecting this implant for a specific patient - style 410 is manufactured in 12 shapes for all possible volumes.

Natrel McGan in a teardrop shape gently blends into the surrounding tissue, giving the breast a natural appearance. This endoprosthesis is more suitable for recreating a lost breast, as well as for patients whose breasts have visible asymmetry or deformation. The hardness of the implants provides them with an elastic bust.

Among the main manufacturers of implants, including anatomical ones, there are also:

1. Nagor(Great Britain) specializes in the production of endoprostheses with a textured wafer and gel filler and offers patients a large selection of sizes and shapes of implants;
2. (USA) – the company has anatomical and round implants filled with cohesin gel, which reduces the risk of developing capsular contracture;
3. Polytech(Germany) – endoprostheses from this company are also filled with soft cohesin gel and have a “memory effect” that allows them to maintain their shape after manipulation;
4. Eurosilicone(France) is a company that supplies consistently high-quality and safe transplants to Europe and other countries of the world.

Before mammoplasty, each patient should inquire about the features of delicate products produced by these and other manufacturers, and the availability of transplant quality certificates.

Polyurethane anatomical two-gel implants

Polyurethane as a coating has endowed endoprostheses with excellent characteristics, which are ideally suited for mammoplasty, solving the problem of capsular contracture.

This is due to the fact that the polyurethane coating in tandem with the main cohesin gel has high elasticity and the ability to remember the intended shape of the breast.

Therefore, after the use of such implants, the incidence of capsular contracture sometimes does not exceed 1% of cases 10 years after mammoplasty.

Another advantage is assigned to the polyurethane coating in the form of its “ability” to adhere (stick) to fabrics. And then the implant is not subject to displacement/rotation, which leads to patients obtaining breasts that are natural and soft to the touch.

The before and after photos clearly show how such an implant creates a natural, streamlined shape with a gradual narrowing in the upper part of the chest. But it is worth knowing that polyurethane endoprostheses can cause a longer (up to a year) rehabilitation period. During this time, their shape may change, and swelling persists for up to six months.

Who should choose which implants?

Anatomical implants are more suitable for those women who:

1. naturally thin physique;
2. narrow chest;
3. insignificant volume of natural breast tissue;
4. pronounced drooping of the breasts due to their natural miniature size, breastfeeding or weight loss.

In these cases, anatomical implants will transform the bust to a natural one. Anatomists will also help in correcting certain types of breast asymmetry.

Young patients with developed mammary glands can safely choose round implants if they need to increase their bust by 1 size.

Parameters of breast prostheses

The size of each implant, including anatomical ones, is calculated in milliliters. This means that for 1 chest size there is a filling volume of 150 ml.

The size of the endoprosthesis is added to the natural girth of the bust. Thus, a woman with size 2 acquires breasts with indicators of size 4.

In addition, there are adjustable and fixed implant sizes. The former are characterized by the introduction of filler into the membrane during surgery after implantation of grafts.

This allows the surgeon to make adjustments to the breast size during the surgical period, increasing or decreasing the volume of the planned bust.

The peculiarity of the latter is that after implantation into the mammary gland, their size cannot be changed.

Endoprosthesis profiles

This indicator of implants, anatomical and round, is nothing more than the percentage ratio of the projection values ​​of the graft to the size of its base.

Thus, a high-profile breast prosthesis has a larger projection and a smaller base.

In other words, the profile indicator indicates the plumpness (high profile) or flatness (low profile) of a particular implant.

At the same time, manufacturers do not agree on which endoprostheses are considered high- or low-profile. This is explained by the fact that manufacturers also use different types of fillings and shells in the implants they produce.

Using the example of McGhan implants, it is proposed to take into account the following profile indicators:

• within 32% - low profile;
• 32 - 38% - medium profile;
• more than 38% are high-profile.

Experience shows that a more beautiful breast shape is obtained with medium-profile implants.

After implantation, endoprostheses last a lifetime if there are no complications. However, implants can be removed at any time if the woman so desires. Implants cannot be replaced every 10-20 years. It is also important that implants do not interfere with breastfeeding. The gland tissue is not damaged during placement and does not have a toxic effect on the quality of milk.

In 1961, a breakthrough in plastic surgery was saline endoprostheses - round bags with saline solution, completely compatible with the human body. But too soft, tactilely detectable, with a tendency to rupture, saline implants were replaced by silicone ones in the mid-90s. These gel-filled elastomers are safe for the patient and remain stable even if damaged. Silicone implants with different fillers most accurately imitate natural breasts, do not stand out and are not felt to the touch.

Types of implants by shape

Round implants- the optimal choice for severe ptosis. They lift the breasts, making them full and voluminous in the upper part. Endoprostheses of this shape are most suitable for patients with a wide chest and rounded contours of the “native” bust. They are easier to install for the surgeon and cheaper for the patient. But for many, a significant disadvantage is their unnatural appearance.

Invention teardrop-shaped (anatomical) implants changed the view on mammoplasty: visually they repeat the natural shape of the female breast. Drop-shaped products with a cohesive filler and a textured surface are well fixed in the pockets of the glands and grow into the patient’s tissue. These implants maintain the softness and smoothness of the contours of the breast, but at the same time keep their shape in a horizontal position. Anatomical implants are ideal for enlarging very small breasts and ensure proportionality and naturalness of the breast. Sometimes the pectoral muscle unfolds the implant. Such an “incident” with a round implant will be invisible, but with an anatomical endoprosthesis, the breast deformation will be visible. For a surgeon, working with “droplets” requires a lot of experience and skill.

Implant profile

Patients with different body types require implants of different profiles. The profile - the ratio of the size of the projection of the implant to the width of the base - can be low, medium and high. Round implants have equal width and height, while teardrop-shaped implants differ in both height and width. It is this parameter of anatomical implants that allows the doctor to choose the most suitable option for a woman and give the breast an ideal shape. Teardrop implants are also versatile for eliminating sagging and filling the upper pole of the breast.

Which stars have had their breasts enlarged with anatomical implants?

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Which doctor enlarges breasts with anatomical implants?

There is no absolute unity in the use of certain types of implants among plastic surgeons. Each specialist focuses on the wishes of the patient, the structural features of the mammary glands and chest, and their own vision of beauty. As you know, breast augmentation with anatomical implants has a higher cost and requires special knowledge and skills from the doctor. Some plastic surgeons do mammoplasty expensively and well, while others do it cheaply and poorly. When it comes to your own appearance, it is important to find a middle ground in the price/quality ratio. The plastic surgeon knows exactly which implants will highlight the patient’s advantages and hide the patient’s shortcomings (for example, curvature of the spine, asymmetry of the breasts or nipples), and will make the mammary glands the most natural and harmonious for her body type. Maxim Leonidovich’s professionalism is evidenced by his enormous busyness: four plastic surgeries and 40 consultations a day, a planned work schedule for months in advance. And what is most important is an individual approach to each, because there can be no universal advice when choosing an implant.

Currently, breast correction with anatomical implants from plastic surgeon Maxim Leonidovich Nesterenko costs 190,000 rubles.

Every woman dreams of beautiful and feminine forms. Plastic surgeons can make these dreams come true by performing mammoplasty. For this procedure, it is especially important to choose the right implants, which will provide not only the optimal size and beautiful shape of the breast, but will also be absolutely safe. The choice of the shape of the implant, round or anatomical, is carried out individually, depending on the physique and wishes of the patient. The Allergan company presents implants with unique properties that allow for the best results of breast surgery. The plastic surgeon, head of the Club of Plastic Surgeons of Ukraine, head of the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Citi Doctor clinic, Sergey Derbak, spoke in more detail about the types of implants and the features of their individual selection especially for the site.

Main features of round and anatomical implants for breast surgery

The plastic surgery industry is evolving daily. Modern breast implants have qualities that provide a woman with the most beautiful and natural result of breast correction.

The main advantage of modern implants is their high elasticity, which allows even large implants to be installed through a standard incision of 3-4 cm.

The Allergan company provides a large selection of implants, which makes it possible to select the optimal option for each specific patient. Natrelle™ implants are safe, hypoallergenic and highly biocompatible with body tissues.

Round and anatomical implants:
. breast plastic surgery: advantages and disadvantages of anatomical implants;
. the main differences between round and anatomical implants;
. the unique structure of round and anatomical Natrelle™ implants.

Breast plastic surgery: advantages and disadvantages of anatomical implants

The shape of implants can be anatomical or round. Anatomical implants are teardrop-shaped and closely follow the natural shape of the breast.

The advantages of these implants:
. the most natural appearance of the breasts;
. the possibility of installing implants for women with initially flat shapes;
. the volume at the bottom of the implant helps to lift the areola and nipple, giving them a more aesthetic position. In this regard, anatomical implants are recommended for the correction of postpartum breast ptosis.

The disadvantages of these implants include a more complex implantation procedure, but this simply complicates the surgeon’s work and does not in any way affect the results of the surgical intervention.

The main differences between round and anatomical implants

Round implants have a spherical shape. Their advantages are maximum volume increase, breast lift and technically easier implantation. The disadvantages of this type of implants are the likelihood of visualizing the upper contour of the implant in patients with a thin layer of subcutaneous fat. A relative disadvantage of using round implants is their limited use for certain types of breast asymmetry. Also, when placing a round implant, there is a higher likelihood of wrinkling, which depends on the density of the shell and filler of the implant.

The unique structure of round and anatomical Natrelle™ implants

Natrelle™ products are represented by implants of both round and anatomical shapes. Natrelle™ implants are optimally filled with gel to minimize ripping. The texture of BIOCELL™ implants ensures a minimal percentage of capsular contracture. Thanks to the INTRASHIEL™ barrier layer, implants are characterized by high strength and minimal gel diffusion. The Allergan company presents round INSPIRA™ implants and two types of anatomical implants: Natrelle™ Style 410 and 510. They provide an absolutely natural and proportional breast shape, predictable results and a minimal level of complications.

The variety of implants and their unique properties enable the doctor to choose the best option depending on the individual characteristics and wishes of the patient.

Anatomical and round Natrelle™ implants take into account all the needs of a modern woman and provide comfortable working conditions for the surgeon. As a result, a woman becomes the owner of natural forms, which helps not only to improve her appearance, but also to increase self-esteem and self-confidence.

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Discussions and disputes regarding the choice of implant shapes are ongoing on various forums. But p Correct selection of an implant is one of the components of success both in the patient’s final perception of the new breast shape and in minimizing possible complications and negative surgical consequences of the operation.

“Round or anatomical?” – this is precisely the choice thousands of women who decide to undergo mammoplasty, breast augmentation surgery with implants, face. There is an opinion that the use of anatomical implants allows the bust to look natural, both to the touch and in shape; round dentures do not give such a result. Offhand this statement seems true, but in reality it is not entirely true. Let's try to figure it out.

Implants vary in:

form
projections
volume
surface texture

When choosing an implant, the surgeon takes into account many factors, such as surgical goals and techniques, anatomical features and, of course, the personal preferences of the patient. According to the surface texture, implants can be smooth or textured; we will consider this issue in more detail in a separate topic.

The natural shape of the breast is certainly not round. It is truly teardrop-shaped - starting from a flat slope at the top, the breast gradually increases in volume and protrudes forward (rises) at the bottom.

Therefore, an anatomical implant, which imitates the effect of gravity on the breast, looks more natural at first glance and is ideal for creating a breast shape. By the way, its original purpose is the reconstruction of an amputated (for example, in patients with breast cancer) or injured breast.

Despite the seeming logic of placing anatomical implants, most surgeons and patients prefer round ones.

Round implants, when compared with anatomical ones:

give more volume
lift the chest higher
create a beautiful neckline (Victoria's Secret bra effect).

But not all women like large volume in the upper part of the breast; they consider this shape to be not entirely natural, and prefer anatomical implants as more natural.

An anatomical implant looks more natural than a round one, is that true?

Yes and no.

A round implant, indeed, can sometimes make the contours of the breast unnatural and artificial. For example, if it is placed too high on the chest, or in patients with insufficient volume of their own breast tissue, but who insist on a large-volume implant.

That is, it is in no way due to its shape. An implant of any shape can look fake. It only depends on how well the implant matches the individual contours of the patient’s body. And in some cases, a round implant looks more “anatomical” than an anatomical one.

But all the discussions above apply to implants that “lie on the table.” How will they behave when they are implanted into a living woman, made of flesh and bones?

Implanted in the mammary gland, round implant in general, it “behaves” more naturally than the teardrop-shaped one. In an upright position, when a woman stands or sits, under the force of gravity it independently acquires a natural, anatomical shape.

And of course, a round implant absolutely wins in a horizontal position. A woman's natural breasts naturally "blur" when she lies down. Anatomical implant, the shape of which is rigidly predetermined in advance, will remain sticking up in its lower part - contrary to all the laws of gravity, giving itself away; a round implant looks quite natural in a lying position. A round implant also looks more natural during active body movements - running, jumping, intense dancing, etc.

Before performing breast augmentation surgery, the doctor must take into account a whole list of factors, which begins with the patient’s wishes about the size and shape of the bust and ends with the doctor’s aesthetic vision of the need for one or another approach. It is important to listen to the opinion of your operating doctor, because he is the one who knows how to make the right choice.

The surgeon is always the patient’s ally, and it is successful work in tandem with him that gives consistently good results and satisfaction from the work performed. Based on many years of experience, the doctor provides informed decisions regarding the brand of implant, its size, access for surgery and many other components of mammoplasty.

Basic Concepts

A. Width (base) of the implant.

B. Height (base) of the implant.

C. Projection of the implant.

Round implants

Round implants are characterized by the fact that the width of the implant base is equal to its height. In this case, the point of maximum projection is located above the center of the implant base. Thus, round implants with the same base width can differ from each other only in the projection size.

For a round implant, the width and height of the base are equal. The point of maximum projection is located in the middle of the height of the base.

Round implants with the same base width may differ from each other only in projection.

While in the patient’s tissues (provided that the patient is in an upright position), the round implant, to one degree or another, acquires a certain “drop-shaped” appearance. This degree depends, first of all, on the density or pliability of the shell and filler of the implant, and the properties of the patient’s tissues. If a round implant is placed under the pectoral muscle, then due to the pressure of the muscle on the upper pole of the implant, this “teardrop shape” will be slightly higher than with a supramuscular location.

Round implant in horizontal and vertical positions.

Teardrop implants

Teardrop-shaped implants are also called “anatomical” because, according to many, this shape most closely matches the natural shape of the mammary glands. They are characterized mainly by the fact that the point of maximum projection of the implant is located below the middle of its height, that is, in the lower half of the implant. In addition, the vast majority of teardrop-shaped implants have different base widths and heights.

Thus, teardrop-shaped implants with the same base width can differ from each other not only in the size of the projection, but also in different heights. This significantly increases the number of different combinations of width, height and projection, allowing manufacturers to create a wide, universal range of implants of the same style.

For a teardrop-shaped implant, the width and height of the base are almost never equal. The point of maximum projection is located below the middle of the base height.

Drop-shaped implants with the same base width can differ from each other in both base height and projection.

This variety gives the surgeon the opportunity to select the necessary implant shape for almost any type of breast anatomy.

Profile

One of the most important characteristics of the implant shape is the profile. The profile is a percentage ratio of the projection of the implant to the width of its base. The larger the projection and the smaller the width of the base, the more high-profile the implant is. In other words, the profile size tells you how “convex” (high profile) or “flat” (low profile) the implant is.

Each implant manufacturer has their own idea of ​​what a high or low profile is, just as clothing manufacturers have a different opinion on what an XXL size is. This difference in ideas is due to the fact that different manufacturers use different types of fillers and shells in their products, differing in density and other characteristics.

Because of this, the ability of implants from different manufacturers to maintain a profile while in the patient’s tissues (the properties of which, by the way, are also purely individual) varies and, apparently, by labeling their lines they strive to give the expected “final” value.

In general, you can focus on the following figures (the article discussed McGhan implants):

• profile up to 32% - low-profile implant.
• profile from 32 to 38% - medium profile implant.
• profile over 38% - high-profile implant.

Choosing an implant shape

Round implants provide less fullness of the lower pole and greater fullness of the upper pole of the mammary gland compared to teardrop-shaped ones, all other things being equal. This is more pronounced the more dense the shell and filler of the implant is. In addition, the likelihood of visualizing the upper contour of a round implant in a patient with a thin layer of integumentary tissue is higher than when using a teardrop-shaped implant. Also, a round implant is more likely to form wrinkles or “corrugations”. The denser the shell and filler of the implant, the less pronounced this is.

Teardrop implants provide greater fullness of the lower pole and less fullness of the upper pole of the mammary gland compared to round ones, all other things being equal. This is manifested more strongly the higher the profile and the lower the height of the implant, the denser its shell and filler. This property of drop-shaped implants provides some “lifting” effect to the mammary gland, thereby giving them the opportunity to more successfully correct somewhat sagging breasts.

Teardrop-shaped implants, to a greater extent than round ones, retain their shape when changing body position. This property is more pronounced the denser the shell and filler of the implant. The cost of teardrop-shaped implants is usually higher than round ones from the same manufacturer, all other things being equal.

"Lifting" effect of a teardrop-shaped implant

For patients with different body types and different types of chest, certain types of breast shape are characteristic. The rounded shape of the mammary gland, in which the width is approximately equal to the height, is most often found in normosthenics, although there are exceptions to this rule. In patients with a hypersthenic physique, the width of the mammary gland often prevails over its height, and in asthenic girls there is often a predominance of height. In such cases, if the patient wants to maximize breast enlargement, it is advisable to use teardrop-shaped implants, among which there are both “wide” and “high” models, while round implants have equal width and height.

LEFT Breast with a predominance of width (hypersthenic physique) - a “wide” implant is required.

RIGHT Breast with predominant height (asthenic physique) - a “high” implant is required.

When choosing an implant profile, it is necessary to take into account that the higher the profile, the stronger the visual effect of enlargement, but the “naturalness” of the resulting result suffers somewhat. The most beautiful breast shape can be achieved by using medium-profile implants.

However, there are situations when the use of a high profile is unavoidable. For example, significant excess skin with sagging mammary glands, which must be adequately “filled” in order to achieve the lifting effect. In this case, with the maximum width of the implant base, the projection of a medium, and even more so a low-profile implant may not be enough to achieve the desired effect. The use of high-profile implants is also necessary in patients with a narrow chest who want to enlarge their breasts to the maximum extent possible.

Thus, there is no ideal implant shape. Drop-shaped implants can be called somewhat more universal in general, and most suitable for correcting sagging mammary glands. There is no alternative to round implants if it is necessary to greatly fill the upper pole of the mammary glands. In addition, round implants are preferable for axillary (through the axillary fossa) access.

At the same time, one should not lose sight of all the features, advantages and disadvantages of round and teardrop-shaped implants listed above. In any case, the choice should be made taking into account the wishes of the resulting breast shape, taking into account the characteristics of the original mammary glands, chest, the properties of the patient’s tissues and, of course, based on the aesthetic preferences of the surgeon and the patient.

Kirill Gennadievich’s article helped me better understand the issue of choosing an implant shape and determine what breast shape I want to get in the end.