Round vs Teardrop Implants: A Guide to Breast Implant Shape

Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney

One of the decisions patients ask about before breast augmentation is whether round or teardrop implants may be more appropriate. Both shapes can suit different anatomy. Both can produce proportionate outcomes in the right patient. They differ in how volume is distributed across the breast envelope, how they behave during movement, and which clinical situations they’re typically chosen for.

Implant shape is only one part of surgical planning. Size, base width, profile, placement, tissue cover, and breast position all affect the recommendation. For a broader view of how these decisions fit together, see Dr Turner’s breast augmentation planning in Sydney page.

Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with Sydney clinics in Bondi Junction and Manly. He performs breast augmentation using both round and anatomical implants depending on what suits each patient’s anatomy and goals, with consultation patients coming from across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches.

This guide explains how round and teardrop implants differ, when each may be considered, and why the final choice depends on anatomy and surgical plan rather than shape preference alone.

Quick Summary

How Round and Teardrop Implants Differ

At the most basic level, the difference is how volume is distributed inside the implant shell.

Round implants are circular and symmetrical. Volume is distributed evenly. When placed in the breast pocket, round implants add fullness uniformly across the envelope, with upper-pole projection proportional to the implant’s profile and the surrounding tissue cover.

Teardrop implants (also called anatomical or shaped implants) are tapered. More volume sits in the lower portion. The upper portion slopes more gently. The shape is intended to follow the gradient of a breast that has developed without intervention, with less projection at the top and more fullness at the bottom.

Beyond geometry, the two shapes feel and behave differently. Teardrop implants typically use a more highly cohesive silicone gel to hold their tapered form, while round implants often use a softer gel because the symmetrical shape doesn’t depend on resisting deformation. Patients often describe round implants as softer to touch and teardrop implants as firmer. Round implants tend to produce more visible fullness at the upper pole, especially in higher-profile selections. Teardrop implants produce a gentler upper-pole slope. Final feel and contour also depend on tissue cover, placement, capsule formation, and healing.

Both shapes can produce a proportionate result. The question is which shape fits your existing anatomy and the surgical plan.

When Round Implants May Be Considered

Round implants are the more commonly chosen shape in primary breast augmentation across most Australian plastic surgery practices, mine included. The patient profiles they typically suit include:

• Adequate existing breast shape where uniform volume addition is the main aim
• Preference for a filled, projecting upper-pole silhouette
• Cases where the implant’s role is volume addition rather than shape correction
• Adequate soft tissue cover where upper-pole projection sits proportionately
• Cases combined with a breast lift with implants, where the lift addresses shape and the implant focuses on volume
• Cases where rotation risk is a concern (symmetry means rotation doesn’t change visible shape)

Round implants are typically smooth-surfaced in current primary augmentation. Symmetry means surface texture isn’t needed for positional stability.

When Teardrop Implants May Be Considered

Teardrop implants are typically chosen in specific clinical situations where lower-pole shape correction matters more than uniform volume addition. The patient profiles they suit include:

• Patients with tuberous breast deformity or constricted lower-pole anatomy
• Limited existing breast tissue where the implant contributes more of the shape
• Mild ptosis where targeted lower-pole expansion may improve position without requiring a formal lift
• Preference for a gentler upper-pole gradient and less visible upper-pole projection
• Asymmetry cases where shaped implants help match contour to the contralateral breast
• Breast reconstruction cases where mimicking the gradient of a developed breast matters

The shape is most effective when the surgical goal is to build contour, not just add volume. The firmer cohesive gel and tapered profile can reshape the envelope in ways round implants don’t.

Tuberous Breast Correction: Why Shape Matters

For patients with tuberous breast features, implant shape is one of the more important decisions in the surgical plan.

Tuberous breasts have a narrow base, a constricted lower pole, a high inframammary fold, and often a herniated areola. Adding volume to this anatomy without addressing the underlying shape tends to produce an unsatisfactory result, a larger version of the same tubular shape, sometimes more conspicuous because the extra volume emphasises the existing constrictions.

Teardrop implants are typically more effective than round implants in tuberous correction because:

• The tapered shape directs expansion forces toward the lower pole, where the constriction sits
• The wider base relative to projection helps widen the narrow breast base rather than just adding forward projection
• Lower-pole volume addition helps lengthen the short distance between the nipple and inframammary fold
• The graduated upper-pole slope avoids over-projecting the top of the breast, which tends to look unbalanced in tuberous cases
• The firmer cohesive gel maintains the intended shape during tissue expansion against the constricted envelope

Round implants can still be considered in some tuberous cases, particularly mild Grolleau Type I features where shape correction needs are limited. In moderate to severe cases (Types II through IV), teardrop implants are usually the more appropriate choice.

The full surgical plan for tuberous correction combines implant shape with constricted tissue release, areolar correction, and often fat grafting. Detail on the surgical approach is on the tuberous breast correction procedure page, and a broader explanation of what tuberous breast deformity is can be found in the educational guide.

Implant Placement and Shape

The conversation about implant shape connects closely with the conversation about implant placement. The main placement options are:

• Submuscular. Implant fully under the pectoralis muscle
• Dual plane. Implant under muscle at the top, behind breast tissue at the bottom
• Subglandular. Implant over muscle, beneath breast tissue

Round implants work across all three positions. In submuscular or dual plane placement, upper-pole fullness is softened by muscle cover. In subglandular placement, the rounded shape comes through more directly.

Teardrop implants typically require more careful placement because the tapered shape only works if the implant is oriented correctly. Dual plane placement is most common for teardrop implants. It provides muscle cover at the upper pole while allowing the base of the teardrop to sit behind breast tissue where it’s most effective. More detail on this technique is in the dual plane breast augmentation guide.

Smooth vs Textured Implant Surfaces

Implant surface is a separate decision from implant shape, but the two often overlap.

Round implants are commonly smooth in current primary augmentation. The symmetrical shape means surface texturing isn’t needed for positional stability. Teardrop implants often use a microtextured surface because the implant needs to maintain orientation, and the textured surface grips the surrounding tissue capsule to hold the implant in place once healing is complete.

Surface choice has safety implications that should be discussed at consultation. The TGA’s BIA-ALCL guidance reports estimated risks of 1 in 1,800 for polyurethane-coated implants, 1 in 2,400 for macro-textured implants, and 1 in 18,000 for microtextured implants. Polyurethane and macro-textured implants are no longer included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. The TGA also notes no confirmed Australian BIA-ALCL cases in patients who have only had smooth implants, while acknowledging that full lifetime implant histories are not always known.

Implant brand selection sits inside this discussion. The Motiva vs Mentor breast implants comparison covers brand-specific considerations for both round and teardrop options.

The Rotation Question

One of the more common patient questions about teardrop implants is whether they rotate.

The answer is yes, they can. Teardrop implants depend on staying oriented with the wider base at the bottom and the tapered edge at the top. If significant rotation occurs within the breast pocket, the visible shape no longer matches the intended outcome: the upper pole can look over-projected, and the lower pole can look flatter than planned. Where significant rotation occurs, revision surgery may be required to reposition or replace the implant.

Modern microtextured teardrop implants have lower rotation incidence than the earlier smooth anatomical implants because the texturing grips the surrounding tissue capsule once it has formed. Specific rotation risk varies based on pocket dimensions, placement technique, surface choice, and patient factors.

Round implants can also move within the pocket, but because the shape is symmetrical, movement doesn’t change the visible breast contour in the same way. This is one of the reasons some patients with rotation concerns prefer round implants.

How Shape Interacts with Size and Profile

Implant shape doesn’t operate in isolation. A 300cc round implant and a 300cc anatomical implant won’t behave the same way in the same patient, and the implant’s profile (low, moderate, high, extra high) changes how much projection sits at the centre of the implant.

Before discussing shape, I assess base width, chest wall dimensions, tissue thickness, nipple position, and the existing breast footprint. The implant has to fit the anatomy, not the other way around. Shape selection sits inside that broader plan. More detail on volume planning is in the breast implant size guide, and profile is covered in the breast implant profile and projection guide.

Cost Considerations

Teardrop implants may cost more than round implants, reflecting the more complex manufacturing of the shaped cohesive gel and brand-specific pricing. Total breast augmentation cost depends on multiple factors including surgeon fee, anaesthetist, hospital, implant choice, procedure complexity, and whether additional techniques like fat grafting are part of the plan. Implant shape itself is typically a smaller contributor to total cost than the broader surgical plan. For detailed pricing, see the breast augmentation cost Sydney guide.

Recovery Notes

Recovery after breast augmentation is similar regardless of whether round or teardrop implants are used. Most patients return to desk work at two to three weeks, light exercise at four to six weeks, and full strenuous activity at six to eight weeks. One practical difference exists in the early recovery period: patients with anatomical implants are sometimes given specific advice about sleeping positions and movement restrictions in the first few weeks while the tissue capsule forms, to reduce rotation risk. The recovery after breast augmentation guide covers the broader timeline.

Choosing Implant Shape for Your Frame

Body frame is one factor among many in implant shape selection. For patients with a petite frame and narrow chest wall, implant base width matters more than the round-versus-teardrop choice, since the implant can’t be wider than the anatomy supports. For smaller-volume planning, the mini breast augmentation guide covers implant choice in the 150-250cc range, and either shape can work in smaller volumes when matched to the right anatomy. For patients with a larger frame and existing breast tissue, round implants are often the default because the starting anatomy already has shape and the implant’s role is volume addition.

Breast Augmentation Consultation in Sydney

Dr Turner performs breast augmentation at accredited Sydney private hospitals, with consultations at two Sydney clinic locations: Bondi Junction (Eastern Suburbs) and Manly (Northern Beaches). Patients travel from across greater Sydney for consultation and surgery, including the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Inner West, Lower North Shore, Sutherland Shire, and wider New South Wales.

At consultation, implant shape sits inside a broader plan that includes base width, soft tissue cover, existing breast shape, implant profile, placement, and aesthetic considerations. Reviewing surgical galleries forms part of the discussion, and the breast augmentation before and after photo assessment guide explains how to evaluate cases when implant shape, size, and profile are being considered.

AHPRA Requirements

Breast augmentation is classified as a cosmetic surgical procedure under the Medical Board and AHPRA requirements that came into effect on 1 July 2023.

A GP referral is required before the first consultation. A minimum of two consultations with Dr Turner is required before surgery can be booked. A psychological evaluation is conducted to confirm suitability. A 7-day cooling-off period sits between the second consultation and the day of surgery. A surgical deposit of $1,000 is payable only after the second consultation, not before.

These requirements aren’t optional. My team coordinates each step of the pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are teardrop implants better than round implants?

Neither shape is better in general. Each may suit different anatomy, tissue cover, breast position, and surgical goals. Teardrop implants are typically chosen when lower-pole shape correction matters, such as in tuberous breast features or limited existing breast tissue. Round implants are typically chosen when the existing breast shape is adequate and the main aim is uniform volume addition. The decision is anatomy-led, not preference-led, and is made at consultation after measurement and examination.

Can teardrop implants rotate?

Yes. Teardrop implants depend on staying oriented with the wider base at the bottom, so if significant rotation occurs within the breast pocket, the visible shape no longer matches the intended outcome. Modern microtextured teardrop implants are designed to grip the surrounding tissue capsule, which helps hold the implant in position once healing is complete. Round implants can move within the pocket as well, but because the shape is symmetrical, movement doesn’t change the visible breast contour in the same way.

Which implant shape is more suitable for tuberous breasts?

Teardrop implants are typically preferred for tuberous breast correction, particularly in moderate to severe cases (Grolleau Types II through IV). The tapered shape directs expansion forces into the constricted lower pole, the wider base helps widen the narrow breast footprint, and the firmer cohesive gel maintains shape during tissue expansion against the constricted envelope. In mild Type I cases with limited shape correction needs, round implants may also be appropriate. The choice is made at consultation based on Grolleau classification and tissue compliance.

Do teardrop implants feel firmer than round implants?

They often do. Teardrop implants typically use a more highly cohesive silicone gel to maintain the tapered shape, which feels firmer than the softer gel commonly used in round implants. Final feel also depends on tissue cover, implant placement, capsule formation, and healing, not just the implant itself. Patients who prioritise softer implant feel often consider this difference in their decision.

Are round implants always smooth and teardrop implants always textured?

Not always, but in current primary augmentation it’s the common pattern. Round implants are typically smooth-surfaced. Teardrop implants are typically microtextured to help maintain orientation. Surface choice has safety implications that the TGA addresses in its BIA-ALCL guidance, with estimated risk lower for microtextured implants than for the previously available macro-textured and polyurethane-coated implants, which are no longer in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Surface and shape are discussed together at consultation.

Consult with Dr Scott J Turner

The right implant shape for you depends on your anatomy and surgical plan, not on shape preference alone. Base width, tissue cover, existing breast shape, implant profile, and placement all feed into the recommendation.

Dr Turner consults at his Sydney clinics in Bondi Junction (Eastern Suburbs) and Manly (Northern Beaches).

To arrange a consultation, contact the practice or call 1300 437 758.