A Patient Guide to Breast Augmentation
Lesson SEVEN:
Implant Shape andTexturing
Implant shape & surface texturing.
Two more choices that shape your result: the implant's shape (round or teardrop) changes where the volume sits, and its shell surface (smooth or textured) changes how it behaves in the pocket.
Shape
Round vs. teardrop
Shape can help decide where the volume sits
Round
Volume spread evenly, top and bottom — a fuller look, especially in the upper breast, and more cleavage. Often creates more projection at the same volume, and keeps its shape even if the implant rotates. The most common choice.
Teardrop (anatomical)
More taper up top and fuller toward the bottom, mimicking the slope of a natural breast — a good fit for select patients and goals. One thing to understand: because a teardrop has a specific shape with a defined top and bottom, it has to stay oriented correctly. If the implant rotates within the pocket, the fuller part can end up on the side or top, visibly distorting the breast's shape — and correcting it may require a return to surgery. (A round implant looks the same no matter how it sits, so rotation isn't a concern.)
Surface Texturing
Smooth vs. textured
Smooth
Moves more freely in the pocket and often feels softer and more natural. The most commonly used surface today.
Textured
Designed to grip the surrounding tissue so the implant moves less in the pocket — mainly used with teardrop implants to help keep them from rotating. Light (“micro”) texturing has been shown to be safe in most instances, but some more aggressive (“macro”) textured surfaces have been associated with health concerns. It's an important thing to discuss with a board-certified plastic surgeon.
How shape & surface fit the plan. These are usually the last fine-tuning choices, made alongside your profile, gel, and volume to land the look you want on your anatomy.
My approach — what I use most
For most patients, shaped (teardrop) and textured implants offer only small to no advantages — and they come with the extra considerations above:
Rotation is a serious and very real consideration for teardrop shaped implants. If it occurs, it can result in abnormal breast shape and asymmetry and the solution is often surgical.
Surface Texture-related health concerns for the more aggressive textures can be very real and in my opinion do not justify the small advantages they offer in most circumstances.
In my experience, it's very possible to achieve excellent — often even better — long term results with a well-chosen smooth, round implant, especially now that form stable cohesive gel implants are available, while avoiding those potential issues. That's why most patients today, and most of mine, do beautifully with round implants and little to no texturing.
Explore More Breast Augmentation topics
Why "cc's" don't equal a cup size — and why your look matters more than a number.
How projection and width change the same volume's shape on your frame.
"Gummy bear" and beyond — how firm vs. soft gels feel and hold shape.
Search through before and after images organized by Category of what general "look" each patient has
To schedule an appointment to discuss achieving your breast goals, please click here to contact us, click the below link to schedule online, or call us at (469) 899-8758.
What financing options exist for treatments at Walker Plastic Surgery?
Walker Plastic Surgery has partnered with Care Credit to help our patients finance the costs of their procedures. The CareCredit card is North America’s leading patient payment program. The CareCredit card is easy to use, includes no hidden costs, and can be applied towards both surgical costs and follow-up appointments.
Through their website, you can access tools like the payment calculator and even find out if you qualify for a CareCredit card by starting a commitment free, instant application.