Round breast implants are just what you'd imagine — circular, spherical silicone sacs that can be filled with either a sterile saline solution or a silicone gel. They're the most commonly used breast implant shape, and also usually the least expensive one to choose.

Here's the scoop on round breast implants, so that you can make an informed choice as you plan for your breast augmentation. Your plastic surgeon will also advise you on the best type of breast implant for your particular situation and desired results.

  • Round breast implants are less likely to slip or flip within the pocket the surgeon creates than their contoured counterparts. And even if they do, they're perfectly spherical, so you won't be able to see that they've shifted in that way. As a result, there is less concern about developing breast malformations as a result of using a round breast implant than if you use a contoured breast implant.
  • They're less expensive than the anatomically shaped implants. Price isn't everything, but this can be a factor in your decision to choose a round breast implant instead of a teardrop shape.
  • They can come in a variety of sizes and styles. Round breast implants can have either a smooth or a textured surface, and can come in low and high profiles and in a variety of sizes, to ensure that you get the results that you're looking for.
  • Round implants can look every bit as natural as the more "natural" teardrop shape. If placed correctly within the body, they will move and shift just like a natural breast, including lying flat against the body when you're lying flat. Be sure to look at your plastic surgeon's before and after photos to determine if they're creating a natural look by placing the implants well within their patients' bodies.
  • Round breast implants may help you create more fullness throughout the breast. While teardrop shaped breast implants create a heavier and fuller bottom of the breast, many women are looking to create fullness at both the top and the bottom of the breast. The round implants can be more likely to create that level of fullness throughout. However, some plastic surgeons disagree with this assessment, and say that contoured breast implants can create a more voluptuous and full breastline at the top and the bottom.
  • Women with little to no breast tissue may do better with a contoured implant. The round implants may look a bit more abrupt and "fake" on women who have little to no breast tissue to cover the implant, including women who are getting breast implants to reconstruct their breasts after mastectomies.

Ultimately, you should choose a plastic surgeon you trust — and consider his opinion as you make the big round vs. teardrop implant decision.