Intraoperative 3D Comparison of Round and Anatomical Breast Implants: Dispelling a Myth

Abstract

Background: Thanks to 3D imaging, it is possible to measure the influence of different parameters on breast augmentation. In this study, we compare the effect of different shapes and sizes of breast implants on the topography of the resulting breast. Furthermore, the impact of different breast implants on inter-landmark distances and on changes of the nipple position was assessed. Methods: This interventional prospective study was carried out on 10 female patients after collecting informed consent. 3D scans of the native and augmented breasts were performed intraoperatively with small, medium, and large sizes of both anatomical and round implants, resulting in a total of n = 130 single breast scans. These scans were analyzed for topographic shift quantification, nipple migration, and inter-landmark distances of the breast. Results: Implant size, but not implant shape leads to significant topographic shifts of the breast (p < 0.001 and p = 0.900, respectively). Both round and anatomical implants lead to a significantly higher volumetric increase in the upper quadrants compared to the lower quadrants (p < 0.001). Nipple migration into the superomedial quadrant was seen in about 90% of augmentations. No evident differences in inter-landmark distances were observed when round and anatomical implants of different sizes were compared. Conclusions: Implant size rather than shape influences the postoperative aesthetic results. No significant difference in topographic shift was found comparing round and anatomical implants, suggesting that both implant shapes result in comparable aesthetic outcomes.

Can a Breast Augmentation Procedure Improve the Appearance of Pectus Excavatum Deformity in Female Patients? A Prospective Study

“…We choose round implants in almost all our cases because there is always the risk of rotation with anatomic implants, and the aesthetic result can be identical, if not better, with round implants. 39–41 Moreover, capsular contracture is a possible side effect 11,32 in silicone implant procedures, but the risk, as found in the literature, is very low, especially with textured implants. 42…”

“…We choose round implants in almost all our cases because there is always the risk of rotation with anatomic implants, and the aesthetic result can be identical, if not better, with round implants. [39][40][41] Moreover, capsular contracture is a possible side effect 11,32 in silicone implant procedures, but the risk, as found in the literature, is very low, especially with textured implants. 42 Last but not least, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) 43 and squamous cell carcinoma 44 associated with the breast implant capsule are infrequent complications.…”