Breast implants are a popular procedure for women who wish to enhance their breasts. The choice of implant shape is largely a personal one and depends on the breast size you want, what you feel most comfortable with and other factors. Larger round shaped breast implants can make more sense for someone who plans to undergo implant mammoplasty in order to get smaller breasts, as this is more difficult with teardrop shaped implants—especially if you have large breasts. If your goal is enlargement, projection may be easier with round implants than teardrops due to the natural tendency for round implants to sit high on the chest after surgery.
In this guide, we review the aspects of Teardrop Vs Round Breast Implant, teardrop breast implants cancer, mentor teardrop implants, and teardrop implant rotation.
Teardrop Vs Round Breast Implant
For years, the standard breast implants were round. However, there are now several different shapes to choose from. If you have always wanted larger breasts or just want to improve the way your breasts look and feel, there are reasons someone might choose a certain shape over another.
Round implants.
Round implants. Round implants are the most common type of breast implant, and they have a round or oval shape. They’re smooth and symmetrical, making them ideal for women with a small frame who want to look natural.
Round implants can be used as an anchor in breast augmentation surgery or as part of a dual plane procedure where one side has smaller round silicone gel-filled shells while the other side has larger textured gummy bear implants (the latter option is sometimes called “the banana”). The main advantage of using this type of implant is that it provides good coverage with minimal visibility from the sides due to its smoothness.
Anatomical implants.
Anatomical implants are designed to look and feel like a natural breast. They’re custom-made for your body, and made of silicone or saline (a sterile liquid). Anatomical implants can be placed under the muscle or over it, depending on your preference. One advantage of anatomical implants is that they provide more support than round ones do; this may make them better suited for women who want larger sizes or plan to breastfeed in the future.
In addition to being shaped like breasts, anatomical implants have an additional benefit: they’re often used after breast reconstruction surgery because they allow surgeons more room within which to work when attaching new tissue onto existing tissue–meaning less scarring!
Size.
If you’re considering a round breast implant, your doctor will be able to help you choose the best size for your body type. Round implants come in different sizes and shapes, which makes it possible for patients to get the exact look they desire.
In general:
- The size of an implant is determined by its width, length and volume. The width refers to how wide an implant is (measured from edge-to-edge). The length refers to how long an implant is (measured from front-to-back). Volume refers to how much space there is within that particular shape/size combination; this can vary depending on what other features are added during manufacturing process (such as texturing or rounding).
- For example: A 300cc round silicone gel breast implant has been manufactured so that its outer dimensions measure 1″ x 2″. This means that it’s exactly 1 inch wide at its widest point (from outer edge) and exactly 2 inches long at its longest point (from front face towards back face). Its volume would then be 300 cubic centimeters – which may seem small compared with some other types available today but still offers plenty of room inside!
Shape.
The shape of your implant will determine how it looks in your body. Round implants are ideal for creating a natural look, while teardrop-shaped implants are more likely to create dramatic results. Both shapes can be used to correct asymmetry, but they’re more likely to be used in breast augmentation procedures than they are in breast reduction surgeries.
In general, round implants have been popular since their introduction in the 1980s because they closely mimic the size and shape of natural breasts; however, this simple design does not offer any advantages over teardrop or other styles when it comes to improving symmetry or enhancing cleavage (which is why many women choose different shapes).
Cleavage.
Cleavage is the space between your breasts. It’s created by the implant and breast tissue, and it can be more pronounced with round implants than anatomical ones. With teardrop implants, there’s less room for cleavage because they’re smaller in size (they sit lower on your chest).
Feel and Look.
When it comes to feel, round implants are much more comfortable than teardrop ones. While both types can be made of silicone or saline, a round implant will have a smoother surface and feel less foreign in your body than a teardrop one. This means that they’re less likely to cause problems like rashes or infections around the implant site, which can be really uncomfortable!
On top of that, most insurance companies will cover round breast implants because they’re more natural looking than teardrops–which means if you want bigger breasts but don’t have money for them yourself (or don’t want to spend it), this could be an option for you!
It is important to know your options when it comes to breast implant shape.
It is important to know your options when it comes to breast implant shape. There are several different shapes of implants that can be used during your breast augmentation surgery. The most common styles are round and anatomical, but there are also teardrop shaped implants available.
The first thing you should do is decide which option will work best for you based on how much cleavage you want or the size of your body frame. For example, if you have a petite frame with little or no cleavage then a round implant may be more suitable for creating fullness in breasts than an anatomical one would be able to provide since these types tend not only create more projection but also stretch out farther from where they sit on top of existing tissue due their design (which looks similar in nature). However if someone had large breasts already then this could potentially cause problems later down road such as sagging once gravity takes effect over time making them sag even further than normal due
their weight distribution being affected negatively by increased pressure around certain areas such as armpits/underarms etcetera.”
teardrop breast implants cancer
How is breast implant associated cancer diagnosed?
If you develop swelling of an implanted breast your doctor will send you for an ultrasound scan to see if this is due to a fluid collection. If fluid is present it will be removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis. Most fluid collections are not due to BIA-ALCL, but the laboratory test will be able to tell for sure.
If confirmed, your specialist may also order an MRI scan or CT scan to assess the extent of local growth or distant spread of the cancer. Other tests such as a PET scan may be also used to assess spread.
A mammogram will check for breast cancer, but is not useful for detecting BIA-ALCL.
What is the treatment and prognosis for breast implant associated cancer?
It is usual that care is provided by a multi-disciplinary team. A treatment plan may be developed with advice from a blood disease specialist with experience in lymphoma, a cancer specialist, and a surgeon with breast implant experience.
In about 80% of cases, the disease is detected in the early stage, with cancer cells found only in the fluid surrounding the implant. Most of these cases are cured by removal of the implant and surrounding capsule. Over the last 10 years, four Australian women have died from breast implant-associated lymphoma.
Usually, both implants are removed even if breast implant-associated ALCL has only occurred in one breast. This is because there is a small but real risk that breast implant-associated ALCL can develop in the opposite breast. If there is a solid lump or the cancer has spread, the patient may require additional treatment such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy or additional surgery. Follow up monitoring may require additional CT scans.
How do I spot the symptoms?
It is important to know the symptoms of breast implant associated cancer. The most common symptom is swelling of a breast caused by fluid build-up around the implant, but in some cases it may appear as a lump in the breast or armpit.
As this is a rare disease, changes in your breast are unlikely to be breast implant associated cancer. For example, swelling immediately after your breast implant surgery is normal. But you should raise all concerns with your surgeon, including the possibility of breast implant associated cancer. If the surgeon or clinic which performed your original implant operation is no longer available, you should see your GP for referral to another surgeon.
What if I have implants but no symptoms at all?
Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts. Self-examine your breasts regularly, such as in the bath or shower, and include your armpits and up to your collarbone.
If you think there are any changes, or if you have any concerns, see your doctor.
Discuss with your surgeon how often in your case there should be monitoring over the longer term.
Should my implants be removed even though I have no symptoms?
Medical experts do not recommend removing your breast implants if you do not have symptoms of BIA ALCL, even if your implants are no longer supplied in Australia. This is because BIA ALCL is a rare cancer with excellent cure rates if it is detected early.
The risk of developing BIA ALCL is lower than the risks associated with an anaesthetic and surgery. The complication rate of revision surgery involving implant removal or replacement is also higher with each revision procedure.
Generally, breast implants are not lifetime devices, regardless of breast implant associated cancer. Typically they are removed after 10-15 years. The longer you have the implant, the more likely it will need to be removed. Common reasons for removal are contracture (hard or painful implants) or movement of the implant.
Breast implant associated cancer is rare, but the risk is higher with certain types of breast implants. If you do not remember whether your implants are smooth or textured, or what brand they are, your surgeon or the clinic that holds your operation record should be able to advise you on these details.
It is best to discuss with your surgeon what they would recommend in their clinical opinion given the type of implant you have and the benefits versus risks of removal of implants in a healthy person with no symptoms. You can also discuss a plan for regular check ups. You can seek a second opinion to help you decide on options, or if you are unsure or concerned about the advice you receive from your surgeon.
Regardless of the brand or texture of the implant, or if you have had your implants removed, you should regularly carry out breast self-examination and seek review by your general practitioner if you have any concerns or notice any changes in your breasts.
mentor teardrop implants
There are many different types of breast implants available on the Australian market which can help you get optimal breast augmentation results. Mentor implants is one of the premier brands of breast implants, and it is the one that Dr Jeremy Hunt prefers to use. Mentor implants are made by Johnson & Johnson Medical a highly reputable medical device company.
When choosing the right breast implant, there are many implant options including Brand, Size, Profile, Shape and Filling including Cohesivity ( or firmness ) of the silicone gel
Why Does Dr Hunt prefer Mentor Implants over other Implant Brands?
Dr Hunt chooses to use Mentor implants as well as Motiva implants as he believes these both offer the optimal short-term and long-term results for patients and have a good product support. Other implant brands are available but Dr Hunt’s selection of Mentor and Motiva implants for his patients is based on his experience and their excellent clinical record.
In some cases, the Motiva ergonomic gel implant is preferred if the patient is seeking a softer teardrop-shaped result. If a firmer gel is needed in a teardrop-shaped implant, a Mentor CPG will be preferred as it will “drive” the breast shape.
For round breast implants, if patients are seeking a particularly high-volume upper pole, then a progressive gel plus Motiva implant will offer more fulness in the upper pole than a Mentor implant.
Some patients may desire a blend between the two and, as with all of Dr Hunt’s patients, it is a case of tailoring the patient’s needs to the specific device used to ensure they achieve good results.
Benefits of Mentor Implants
Mentor implants are widely used in the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery due to their high safety and efficacy.
1. Mentor Implant Feel
There are quite a few benefits of using mentor implants, the most important of which is the feel of the implant. As Mentor implants contain three options for Cohesivity of the silicone gel, different results can be achieved, and the specific patient desires can be met. All of the Mentor implants mimic natural breast tissue very well.
2. Mentor Implant Shape, Size & Profile
Apart from the content of the implant, the shape, size, and profiles of the Mentor implants also help mimic the natural appearance of the breast tissue. If you opt for a teardrop shop breast implant with low profiles, they look and feel like real breast tissue.
3. Mentor Implant Gel
Moreover, the use of MemoryGel technology is an innovative approach that has not been applied by anyone but Mentor Worldwide. It has helped replicate the firmness and natural aspect of the breast tissue while also ensuring the safety of the patient.
The Mentor Implant Range
The Mentor Implant range includes three main implant types, based on the contents of the implant. And a special fourth type of breast implant is used for breast reconstruction, mostly for cancer patients.
1. Mentor (Round) MemoryGel Breast Implants
Mentor MemoryGel Breast Implants are a type of Mentor Gel Implants that are filled with a cohesive gel that replicates the feel and texture of the natural breast. The custom gel in these implants is a type of silicone gel that is highly viscous so that it mimics natural tissue.
The MemoryGel and Gel implants by Mentor are covered by a shell of cross-linked silicone elastomer layers. The use of this specific shell ingredient is what is responsible for the elasticity and integrity of the breast implant. Moreover, these breast implants are more uniform and firm when it comes to their shape. The MemoryGel and Gel breast implants are more often used than the saline and Spectrum Adjustable saline breast implants due to the natural look and feel of this implant type.
Similar to Saline breast implants, Dr Hunt performs a test to assess the stability and integrity of the implant right before they are used. He applies pressure to the implant slightly and manipulates it to ensure that there aren’t any leaks or weak spots in the elastomer shell.
These round implants come with two forms of silicone gel fill, and each will have its uses in different patients. The key to a good outcome is to tailor the implant choice to the patient’s needs and desired outcome to achieve good results.
Mentor MemoryGel breast implants are safe and effective breast implants that have been approved for use by the TGA and by the FDA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2006.
2. Mentor Contour Profile Shaped – Mentor Teardrop or Anatomic Breast Implants
The Mentor Contour Profile Breast Implants are also filled with the proprietary silicone gel that holds its own and remains uniform in shape. The gel is Cohesivity III that offers more firmness and shape maintenance than the Cohesivity I or II implants. The implant is manufactured such that it does not rotate once in the chest cavity and stays the same as when it was implanted. The advantage to the shape and stability of the gel shape within the implant is that it can be used to more effectively alter the breast shape and thus drive the final shape of the augmented breast to the desired result.
The projection choices for the Mentor CPG implants are impressive. Also, Contour Profile breast implants are only available in the Siltex textured shells, unlike MemoryGel, which is available in both smooth and textured shells. The textured shell, however, is made of the same silicone elastomer as the MemoryGel Implants.
The Mentor Contour Profile or CPG breast implants are also safe and effective, just like other Mentor implants. The efficacy and safety of these implants were studied in a multicenter clinical study. The study was performed over a period of 10 years, and in the end, it was concluded that the implant could be safely used in women over the age of 22 years for breast augmentation procedures.
3. Mentor Saline Breast Implants and Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline Breast Implants
Two different types of implants are mentioned here, and they are grouped as they are both saline implants. The features of both types of implants are quite different, but they are placed in the same category due to their contents.
Mentor Saline Breast Implants have a shell made of room temperature vulcanized silicone elastomer, which is made of polydimethylsiloxane. This shell is then filled with sterile saline fluid before the implant is placed into the breast pocket.
The Mentor brand studied the effectiveness of Mentor Saline implants using two open-label clinical studies. The first study, LST, was a 1-year study that was performed mainly to assess four specific safety outcomes in a large group of patients. The size of the study means that the results are more likely to be accurate and can be depended on. The second study that was done for the effectiveness and safety of the saline breast implants was the SPS study, which was performed over a period of 3 years, with a yearly 3-year follow-up. Based on these studies, the Mentor Saline Breast Implants can be safely used for the purpose of breast augmentation and breast reconstruction.
The Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline implants also have a shell that is made of room temperature vulcanized silicone elastomer (polydimethylsiloxane). The main difference between the two saline breast implants, as the name implies, is that the Spectrum implants are filled both pre-implantation and post-implantation. This allows for more flexibility in the placement of the implant. The safety and efficacy of both implants were studied in the clinical studies above.
Moreover, both Mentor Saline and Mentor Spectrum Adjustable Saline implants are tested for the integrity of the implant before they are inserted under the glandular tissue or the pectoral muscles. Dr Hunt performs a test in the operating room right before the implant is used during the procedures. The implants are half-filled with air and then submerged into water or saline to see if there are any punctures or leaks in your implant. This way, only the optimal implant is placed during your breast augmentation or reconstruction procedure.
The saline breast implants by Mentor have a self-sealing valve to ensure no leaks once placed and allow the surgeon to fill the implant accordingly. They are available in different sizes and projections, which you can choose from, based on your preferences.
4. Mentor Tissue Expanders
Tissue expanders are temporary placeholders that are used for less than six months to help with the placement of the breast implants during the breast reconstruction procedure. The tissue expanders are placed during the reconstruction procedure. The surgeon fills saline into the expander slowly so that the breast tissue expands. This is done over a period of a maximum of six months, and by then, your tissue has expanded enough that it can accommodate the new breast implant.
Mentor has two different types of tissue expanders/implants, namely, Mentor Becker Expander/Implants and Mentor CPX4 Tissue Expander. The Mentor Becker expander and implant allow the surgeon to increase the size or decrease it as desired by you. It is filled with saline and has a port hanging out.
The Mentor CPX4 Tissue expander has a shell made of cross-linked silicone elastomer to support the stretching of the skin. The shell is textured to allow for collagen interface building. The CPX4 expanders are equipped with a Bufferzone area along with a self-sealing zone. This allows the silicone gel to stay within the expander and reduces the need for a port. The self-sealing zone also prevents any gel leakage in case of an accidental needle puncture. Furthermore, the seal of the expander is assessed by Dr Hunt right before they are implanted.
Moreover, this device can be attached to the surrounding breast tissue, so the expander has stability and does not move or rotate. It is important to note that there is a magnetic seal on the Mentor CPX4 tissue expander implants, which means that if you have them, you cannot use the MRI machine.
Different Types of Mentor Implant Surfaces
Mentor Breast Implants are available with a full range of shell surfaces, from smooth to textured.
Apart from Mentor Profile Contour breast implants, all Mentor breast implants are available in both types of surfaces.
Dr Hunt prefers to use a lightly textured implant that takes advantage of the decrease in risk of capsular contracture and allowing stability of position when using a shaped implant while not carrying a high risk of ALCL.
Dr Hunt has never used heavily textured polyurethane implants and continues to follow the guidelines of the TGA, which has now given an undertaking that they should not be placed in patients. The risk of ALCL versus the texture on the implant needs to be balanced against the advantages of a textured device. It is well accepted that the benefits of a textured implant used appropriately are not outweighed by the risks of ALCL in appropriate patient choice and where patients are allowed to make an educated and informed decision.
Different Mentor Implant Profiles
An implant profile refers to the projection of the implant from your chest. It basically means how much the implant will stand out. A low implant profile means the implant will be wider at the base and not far off from the chest. A high implant profile, at the same time, means narrower implants that have an appropriate ratio of volume to cleavage.
Mentor round and shaped breast implants are available in a range of implant profiles, such as
In the consultation process, Dr Hunt will determine the dimensions of your chest wall onto which the implant will be placed. You will also have the opportunity to then select the volume of the implant that you desire using an implant sizing system.
With the combination of the dimensions of your chest and your desired volume, Dr Hunt will make a decision on how to spread that volume over your chest to achieve the result you desire. This largely will then determine if the implant needs to be low, medium, or high profile if a round implant is chosen. If you want more fullness in the upper pole of the breast, it is likely a round implant that will be a preferable choice. If the result you desire favours more the shape of a natural breast with fullness in the lower pole, it is more likely that a shaped Mentor implant will be selected.
The advantage of the shaped devices is that the firmer gel will also drive the final result and will add to further expansion of particularly tight skin envelopes, which is often the case in very small-breasted women. If an anatomical shaped implant is chosen, there are multiple options for adjusting the width and the height of the implants to accommodate your chosen volume to fit onto your chest dimension. It is this specific tailoring process that allows to achieve optimal results and Dr Hunt to deliver the results that meet his standard and expectations.
About the Manufacturer of Mentor Implants
Mentor Worldwide is a leading supplier of breast implants for the improvement of breast aesthetics in the world. The brand has a patent-first approach they use when designing and manufacturing breast implants. They aim to make their implants feel and look as natural as they can so that you can enjoy them to the fullest. Each implant comes with safety instructions and guidelines on when the implant should be used and when it should be avoided.
Mentor breast implants also come with a general guide on how the placement procedure should be performed and how surgeons can avoid risks and complications associated with the procedure. The manufacturer performs safety testing even after the implants are manufactured and sent out to the market to ensure that they are safe. It is also to assess the implants against the current research and standards.
The ingredients used in the manufacturing process of the Mentor breast implants have been reviewed by the FDA, including the proprietary cohesive gel that fills the MemoryGel breast implants. Moreover, the shells that are composed of cross-linked silicone elastomers have also been tested, and the toxicology report of those shells confirms they are safe to use.
2019 Textured Implant Recall by TGA – Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration
In 2019 Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recalled any unused stock of 8 specific types of breast implants from different brands, including Mentor breast implants. See TGA Breast Implant information
The TGA initially suspended the use of these implants over the risks of BIA ALCL, a type of cancer associated with the implants. Mentor’s Siltex textured shell implants were one of the implants recalled and suspended because textured shell implants are associated with increased growth of Ralstonia bacteria. This bacteria enters the body during the placement of the implant and grows a biofilm on the surface, causing chronic irritation of the breast tissue.
Textured implants are generally placed into two categories; micro-textured implants such as Mentor Siltex implants and macro-textured implants such as those manufactured by Allergen. It was found that macro-textured implants had a higher incidence of BIA ALCL and hence, have been banned from ever being used by the TGA. Micro-textured implants, on the other hand, have a 1 in 86,000 risk of developing BIA ALCL, which is why the use of Siltex implants use has not been banned by TGA.
TGA and the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeon (ASPS) has recommended implant sterilising by washing the implant with half-strength betadine to reduce the risk of Ralstonia infection, which can lead to further complications such as BIA ALCL.
Furthermore, surgeons were asked by TGA to follow up with patients who had undergone a breast augmentation procedure or breast reconstruction procedure with Mentor Siltex implants. The removal of these implants was NOT recommended as they do not pose a higher risk. Moreover, the use of half-strength betadine reduces the risk of BIA ALCL significantly, further proving that the removal of the implants is not required.
Risks of BIA ALCL & BII with Breast Implants
Breast implants can have a silicone shell that is smooth or textured, with the latter providing a surface for collagen interlinking. The textured implants have been found to increase the risk of developing an important and serious implant-related condition, namely, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). Breast implant illness (BII) is yet another condition caused by having breast implants, but the risk factors for it are not yet clearly known.
Australia, America, and 37 other countries have banned the use of Allergan Biocell textured implants as a measure of safety. This unanimous decision was made after they were found to have the highest risk of resulting in BIA ALCL amongst all textured implant manufacturing brands.
teardrop implant rotation
When you decide on breast augmentation, there are many things for you and your surgeon to consider. What type of implants do you want? What profile and size will work to achieve your goals? While these are the two most common questions you may be thinking about, another important factor is what implant shape will work best.
While round implants tend to be the popular choice, teardrop implants are another option to consider.
What Are Round Implants?
Round implants are just like they sound. They are a compressed circular sphere and are completely symmetrical. They are filled with either saline or silicone and have a more fluid-like consistency. Because of their round shape, they are ideal for women looking to get more fullness in the top portion of the breast, as well as create more cleavage. They are the most common type of implant used, as well as the easiest in terms of surgery. They require a smaller incision and the chances of complications, such as rotation or wrinkling, are slim to none.
What Are Teardrop Implants?
Teardrop implants, also known as anatomic implants, feature a teardrop shape similar to a natural breast. There is a thin upper area that drops down to a fuller, round shape, with the majority of the implant volume in the lower section. Unlike round implants, teardrop implants are a cohesive silicone gel. This firmer substance helps the implant maintain its shape, but also gives a firmer, less natural feel to the breast.
Teardrop implants are designed to look like the natural breast shape, making them great for women with minimal breast tissue.
Teardrop implants are designed to look like the natural breast shape, making them great for women with minimal breast tissue.
Teardrop implants are great for women with minimal existing breast tissue and those undergoing breast reconstruction as they provide a natural breast shape. Unfortunately, there are added risks associated with teardrop implants. Because of their shape, they require a larger incision and a greater chance of visible scars. Another possible complication with teardrop implants is the risk of rotation.
Which Implant is Right for You?
There are no studies that say that one implant is better than the other and, in fact, one study even shows that surgeons can’t tell the difference between the two after surgery. A 2016 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery had 30 plastic surgeons and nurses review preoperative and postoperative photos of 30 women, 15 with round implants and 15 with teardrop implants. The surgeons and nurses were unable to identify the difference between the two implants.
Which implant is right for you will depend on your desired goals and which one your surgeon believes will help achieve your goals.