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In our most recent blog post, we discussed a recent study comparing the aesthetic and medical benefits between anatomical and round breast implants. Although it was concluded that there are benefits and downsides of anatomical implants, there was further discussion made on the topic. Since a lot of people have different criteria when they use shaped vs. round breast implants, it’s a very popular topic.

Anatomical Breast Implant Opinions

For some board-certified plastic surgeons, they rarely use anatomic or shaped breast implants, primarily because the implants don’t move, they are firmer than round implants, which makes it more difficult for the patient to manipulate the implants. Since most women want to wear push-up bras or certain clothes, show less or more cleavage, it’s harder to do that with shaped implants. Anatomical implants are generally used for breast reconstruction, specifically unilateral reconstruction, since it matches the intact breast better than a round smooth implant.

Difficulty Comparing Anatomic & Round Implants

There’s a reason why some people get smooth round implants and why others get anatomical implants. Depending on several factors, such as physical anatomy and desired results, either option can be beneficial for the patient. So, the overall study of “which one is better regarding aesthetics,” is a difficult question to answer. It’s also a good reminder that only 26% of surgeons correctly determined which implant was which. This shows that, when surgeons are looking at results, sometimes they can’t even accurately depict what procedure was performed.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Anatomical Breast Implants?

Patients who say they do not want an unnatural upper pole fullness typically lean towards the anatomical shaped implant. During your consultation with your board-certified plastic surgeon, they can show the potential results from each position, including the front, lateral, oblique and more. As the anatomical breast implant gets larger, the upper pole fullness will also increase, which may lead to an “unnatural” or “overdone” appearance.

Deciding on a Breast Implant

Although breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgeries in the nation, it’s important to remember that it involves inserting a foreign implant into the patient. The patient’s body needs the ability to support, accommodate and cover this implant for a natural look and feel. Now with the various breast implants available, the natural enhancement is more possible than ever before.

Choosing a breast implant is very big decision. You can’t just change the implant easily, even though plastic surgeons offer breast implant replacement options. It’s a decision that you want to put a lot of time into deciding, making sure to have realistic expectations and be ultimately happy with their results.

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Dr. Marvin Shienbaum is a double board-certified plastic surgeon that has over 30 years of experience, specializing in all forms of Cosmetic Surgery, including Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover, and Brazilian Butt Lift. He serves patients from all over the U.S. in his Brandon location, including the entire Tampa Bay area – Tampa, Lakeland, and Riverview, Florida.