Round breast implants at a glance
- ShapeRound
- Risk of rotationNone
- GelCohesive silicone
- Lifespan12 to 15 years
- PositionMost often dual plane
- Price€5,000 to €10,000
The round implant is the most widely used implant in breast augmentation. Being symmetrical, it carries no risk of rotation. On a breast that is already well proportioned, with a well-placed nipple, it gives the same result as an anatomical implant, without its drawbacks. It is also suitable for revision surgery. Most often placed in the dual plane position, its upper part is flattened by the muscle and the existing breast, which limits the “bulging” effect in the cleavage. Dr Médard de Chardon uses cohesive silicone gel implants, with an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Price: breast augmentation €5,000 to €10,000, implants included, on a written quote after a consultation (€100).
Round, anatomical or ergonomic implant: what is the difference?
| Round implant | Anatomical implant | Ergonomic implant (Motiva) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Round, symmetrical | Teardrop, fuller at the bottom | Round, soft gel that takes on a teardrop shape when standing |
| Risk of rotation | None | Yes, the main risk | None |
| Strength | Simplicity; identical result on a well-proportioned breast | Changes the shape of the breast | Natural look when standing, with no risk of rotation |
| Indications | Well-proportioned breast, centred nipple, revision surgery | Very small breasts, ptosis, low nipple, change of shape | Patients seeking a natural result |
Round: symmetrical, with no risk of rotation; on a well-proportioned breast, the result is identical to that of an anatomical implant.
Which breasts is a round implant suited to?
A volume that is already satisfactory. When the breast already has some volume, the upper part of the implant is hidden by the breast tissue and flattened by the pectoralis major muscle: the “bulge” in the cleavage (segment II) does not show.
A well-placed nipple. When the areola and nipple (the nipple-areola complex) are well positioned on the chest and on the breast, round and anatomical implants give comparable results; the round implant then avoids the risk of rotation of the anatomical one.
The best indications according to Dr Médard de Chardon’s research (2008 thesis):
- round breasts with the nipple in the centre of the breast: 18.5% of the breasts in the series;
- a naturally high nipple on the breast (inverted SII/SIII ratio, 2% of the series): the round implant fills the upper breast and softens the sagging appearance, most often without lowering the fold under the breast;
- secondary (revision) surgery: the pocket made for a first implant is no longer suitable for an anatomical implant, which could rotate.
For a small augmentation on a pleasingly shaped breast, round and anatomical implants give the same results.
- 1Implant
- 2Pectoralis major muscle
- 3Breast gland
- 4Ribs
Ergonomic implants
Ergonomic implants (made by Motiva) are round implants with a softer gel and a more elastic shell. Placed dual plane, their upper part compresses easily: when you stand, they take on a teardrop shape like an anatomical implant, then become round again when you lie down, with no risk of rotation. They have a shorter track record than conventional implants.
Dr Médard de Chardon’s experience
- MD thesis on breast augmentation with implants, defended at the Nice Faculty of Medicine in 2008: the indications above are drawn from it.
- More than 3,000 breast implants placed; practising in Cannes since 2011.
- Qualified plastic surgeon in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, former Chef de Clinique (university hospital senior registrar), Nice Faculty of Medicine; member of SOFCEP (French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), SOFCPRE (French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) and ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery).
How does breast augmentation work?
The choice of implant (round or ergonomic), its volume, its position and the scar is made in consultation, after trial sizers and a 3D simulation. The operation lasts about 1 hour, as day surgery or with a one-night stay at Clinique Oxford in Cannes; time off work is 7 to 10 days. The process, recovery and risks are set out on the breast augmentation page. See also: how to choose the volume of your implants.
Before and after photos
Breast hypoplasia (small breasts)
Round breast implants inserted through an inframammary incision, with a natural-shaped (anatomical-looking) result. No bulging of the upper pole of the breast. C cup
Breast implants for sagging breasts
Breast augmentation with round implants, lifting the breasts without the need for a mastopexy
Breasts emptied in the upper pole after pregnancy
Breast augmentation with 270 cc moderate-projection round implants, endoscopic transaxillary (armpit) approach
See all before and after breast augmentation photos
Frequently asked questions about round implants
Round or anatomical breast implant: which should you choose?
On a breast that is already well proportioned, with a well-placed nipple, both give the same result, and the round implant avoids the risk of rotation. The anatomical implant was used mainly to change the shape of the breast; since the end of macrotextured implants (2019), it rotates much more often, and Dr Médard de Chardon no longer recommends it.
Can a round breast implant rotate?
It can turn on itself, but because it is symmetrical, this does not change the shape of the breast. Only the rotation of an anatomical implant distorts the breast.
Does a round breast implant give an over-rounded cleavage?
Not when the breast already has a little volume: the top of the implant is hidden by the breast tissue and flattened by the pectoralis major muscle, especially in the dual plane position. The choice of profile and volume also matters.
What is an ergonomic breast implant?
It is a round implant with a softer gel (made by Motiva): when you stand, it takes on a teardrop shape like an anatomical implant, then becomes round again when you lie down, with no risk of rotation.
Are round breast implants suitable for revision surgery?
Yes, they are the most suitable: in secondary surgery, the pocket created by the first implant can no longer hold an anatomical implant stable.
How long does a round breast implant last?
12 to 15 years on average. It is not replaced as a matter of routine: if imaging shows no rupture and the result is still satisfactory, regular monitoring is enough.
References
This information is drawn from Dr Victor Médard de Chardon’s MD thesis on breast augmentation with implants (Nice Faculty of Medicine, 2008).
- Bronz G. A comparison of naturally shaped and round implants. Aesthetic Surgery Journal 2002; 22: 238-246.
- Gingrass MK. Breast augmentation: choosing the optimal incision, implant, and pocket plane. Plast Reconstr Surg 2000; 105: 2217-2218.
- Hammond DC. Breast augmentation using anatomic implants. Operative Techniques in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2000; 7: 125-130.