The Plastic Surgery Channel

Shaped Implants are In! Does that Mean Round is Out?

For women considering breast implants, the choice isn’t as simple as it once was.  With more options for breast reconstruction, including various types of implants, it’s hard to know which is best for you.

Dr. Clifford P. Clark of Orlando, Florida explains, “shaped implants offer options that were never previously available. People have a very unique chest dimension both in height, width, and the breast characteristics themselves.  What were trying to do is match the right implant with the right patient.”

By Clifford P. Clark, MD
and Susan Kamyab
ThePlasticSurgeryChannel.com

Enhancing the Fullness and Projection of your Breasts

“Once we get the measurements, we can think about the projection of the breast off the chest,” says Dr. Clark.  “Both round and shaped implants can have a modest projection, a moderate projection, or very projecting look that they can achieve,” says Clark.

Different Shapes provide Different Looks

Round Implants tend to give more of a natural looking shape.  When placed under the muscle they may even have a more natural appearance than shaped/contoured implants.   Shaped breast implants tend to remain inactive, so they stay in the same place. When a woman lies down, round implants on the other hand, settle back evenly, like normal breasts.

Since contoured implants are made in a variety of shapes, a greater degree of control can be added in fitting the implant shape and dimensions to a woman’s frame and desired breast shape.  This control is particularly useful in patients that wish to emphasize filling a certain area of the breast, such as the upper pole.  In such a case, a shaped implant that is “taller” more than wide could be used.

I can’t decide between round and shaped implants!

Shaped implants may be different, but it doesn’t mean they are better.  There is no best choice when it comes to picking which implant you want.  Dr. Clark clarifies, “don’t get it set in your mind the type of implant that you wish.  What you need is good advice; you need thoughtful analysis to help you through the options that are available.  You need a skilled surgeon who is able to perform different operations that involve different types of implants.  Shaped implants do involve another skill set, but what you need is someone who has these options available so the right implant can be picked to give you the prettiest, longest lasting, and the safest result.”