Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) Concerning Breast Augmentation
Which implant is more natural, round or anatomic?
Q: "I'm really looking for the most natural looking. Has anyone gotten the anatomical implants- I think I spelled the name wrong - and does anyone know?
A: There is a lot more to achieving a natural appearing result than selecting a round or anatomic implant, though implant selection is an important factor. Key to a good result is your surgeon recognizing the characteristics of your personal tissues (and how they differ from other patients), then reconciling your wishes with what your tissues will realistically allow you to have. If you exceed the capabilities of your tissues to support the implant by placing too large an implant (round or anatomic), the long term result will be less than optimal. Few patients even think about the long term result and how their choices can affect their chances of having a complication or a reoperation in the future. Be sure to ask you surgeon about your tissues and how the implant you choose will affect your tissues long term. Take notes when the surgeon answers, and review your notes before making final decisions.
Another similar question:
Q: Can you tell from a photo whether the patient has a round or an anatomic implant?
A: You can't necessarily tell whether a specific photo of a result contains a round or an anatomic implant. Not even the most expert surgeon can predictably tell. However, if a result with a round implant looks very natural in the "after" photo, with a naturally sloping, not excessively bulging upper breast, you can bet on the following:
1) If it's a ROUND implant, the upper pole of the round implant is collapsed and the shell is probably folded. If it were not, you'd see a bulging stepoff in the upper breast.
2) If the implant shell is folded and/or collapsed, this puts more stress and wear on the shell, and could shorten the life of the round implant.
3) Manufacturers specify a recommended volume for round implants that is below the amount required to prevent shell collapse in the upper pole when the implant is upright in the patient. If fill volumes were specified higher by the manufacturer for round implants, almost every patient would have an unnatural, excessive bulge or stepoff in the upper breast! Ask the manufacturers why they do this, and ask surgeons why they almost routinely overfill round saline implants! If surgeons don't overfill, you have a greater risk of developing rippling. If they overfill past manufacturer recommendations, ask how that can affect the manufacturer's warranty! Really a Catch-22!
4) ANATOMICALLY shaped implants manufactured by McGhan Medical have recommended fill volumes that prevent upper pole shell collapse in the implant. The recommended fill volumes for these implants is specified higher by the manufacturer because this shape implant can be adequately filled to prevent shell collapse and still produce a natural appearing breast.
4) Because the upper pole of ANATOMICALLY shaped implants does not collapse when filled to recommended volumes (as opposed to ROUND implants which do collapse vertically at recommended volumes), an anatomic implant has the potential to maintain upper breast fill more predictably than a round implant, just the opposite of what many patients (and surgeons) think intuitively.
Bottom line?: Adequate fill to prevent shell folding and prolong shell life is as important as whether a photo result shows a round or an anatomic implant.
For more comprehensive information, check our website at plastic-surgery.com.
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