Teardrop Breast Implants

What Are Teardrop Implants?

Sometimes called anatomical implants, teardrop breast implants are silicone implants with a slim top and full bottom. Placing most of the volume at the bottom of the implants more accurately mimics the shape and slope of natural breasts. Teardrop implants are excellent for patients who want subtle enhancement rather than lots of cleavage.

Were Teardrop Implants Discontinued?

Technically, teardrop implants were essentially discontinued, although you will still find them advertised across the internet and plastic surgery sites. Because of their unique shape, older teardrop implants required a highly textured shell to help prevent implant rotation and flipping. These implants held their shape so well that it caused an obvious breast distortion if they moved within the implant pocket, and the textured shell helped prevent this movement.

Unfortunately, the textured shells on these implants have been linked to a rare type of immune-system cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). As such, the FDA now strictly regulates their usage and allows them only for specific cases and instances of breast reconstruction.

Some companies now make breast implants with a microtexture. This allows the implants to still have a slight texture to help prevent movement while hopefully eliminating the risk of BIA-ALCL. Out of an abundance of caution, however, Mia Aesthetics does not use any textured implants.

Current Teardrop Implants

Plastic surgeons will tell you that you can still get teardrop implants, and in a sense, you can. What we call teardrop implants now are essentially round, but they’re made with a more dynamic gel that allows them to more closely mimic natural breast tissue. When you stand up, the gel shifts toward the bottom of the breast, creating a fuller bottom or teardrop shape just as natural breasts do. Lie on your back, however, and these newer implants will flatten and round out, again more closely matching natural breast behavior.

The Benefits of Teardrop Implants

Teardrop breast implants aren’t the best option for everyone. Depending on your wants and needs, however, they can provide several benefits, including:

• A more natural contour and slope
• Help for tubular breasts, asymmetry, and mild ptosis (sagging)
• Less upper pole fullness, perfect for slim patients who don’t want to look “done”
• Restoring a natural look in reconstructive or post-mastectomy cases
• Changing shape as you move like natural breasts do

Disadvantages of Teardrop Implants

Even the best things in life come with a few potential downsides, and teardrop breast implants are no different. Teardrop implants do offer many benefits, but they do cost a bit more than saline implants. They also require precise surgical technique and positioning. This isn’t a problem when you choose a highly experienced and well-qualified plastic surgeon like those at Mia Aesthetics, but it does mean you will need to choose your surgeon carefully.

Because they move more naturally than round implants, teardrop implants don’t create as much upper pole fullness. This means your breasts will look more natural, but you aren’t going to get cleavage for miles like you can with round saline implants.

Do Teardrop Implants Look Saggy?

Because they’re so much fuller on the bottom than the top when you stand, patients often express a concern that teardrop implants will make their breasts appear saggy. Opting for a teardrop shape won’t make you perky or give you the kind of cleavage that food you drop gets lost in, but it won’t inherently make your breasts look saggy either. When implanted in ideal candidates, teardrop implants look elegantly contoured and not at all saggy.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Teardrop Implants?

Teardrop implants look great in the right candidates. But not every candidate is the right candidate. A teardrop shape doesn’t suit every body type, and it may not match your particular aesthetic goals. This brief outline can help you determine whether you may be a candidate, but always speak to a plastic surgeon to be sure. Teardrop breast implants are:

Ideal for:

• Women seeking a subtle, natural breast shape
• Patients with a longer torso or narrower chest width
• Breast reconstruction or corrective surgery patients

These implants aren’t ideal if you’re looking for a lot of upper pole fullness or a push-up effect.

Teardrop Breast Augmentation Recovery

Recovery after teardrop implants is similar to that of other implants. You will be back to enjoying light activities in five to seven days and, depending on the nature of your job, back at work in a week or two. Full healing takes about six to eight weeks. The primary difference is that, because teardrop implants are still made from silicone, they will likely require a slightly larger incision than saline implants. Your incision care guidelines, however, will remain the same.

What Do Teardrop Implants Look Like on the Body?

Even when your plastic surgeon shows you a teardrop implant, it’s difficult to picture what it will look like once it’s in your breast. Happily, you can expect these implants to look naturally sloped, soft, and elegant. Teardrop breast implants result in a less “done” look, often making them the preference for models, athletes, and professionals who want a more discreet enhancement. After teardrop implants, your before-and-after results will be more noticeable from the side than when someone sees you from the front.

Cost of Teardrop Implants

On average, teardrop implants cost about $1,000 to $2,000 more than other implants due to material and complexity. Depending on your needs and desires, however, they can be well worth the added costs. Prices do vary based on:

• Implant brand and material
• Whether your implants are part of a reconstruction vs. cosmetic case
• Location, surgeon expertise, and surgical facility fees

Ask your surgeon for a detailed breakdown of the estimated costs and about financing options. A cost breakdown will help you compare apples to apples when looking at estimates. Some surgeons include anesthesia and facility fees in their pricing while others do not, which can make price comparisons misleading. At Mia Aesthetics, we always quote the full price so you don’t get hit with unexpected fees. We also work with several financing partners to make your surgery easier to align with your budget.

Recap: Should You Choose Teardrop Implants?

Teardrop implants are ideal for patients wanting natural-looking fullness with gentle contouring, especially when round implants feel too dramatic. If you’re looking for subtle, sophisticated results, and you’re willing to prioritize a natural shape over cleavage, these may be the right fit. A free virtual consultation with one of our qualified plastic surgeons will help you explore whether this option matches your body and goals.