When considering breast augmentation in Korea, one of the most important decisions is the shape of the implant: round vs. teardrop (anatomical). Both types are widely used in top Korean plastic surgery clinics, and the choice depends on your aesthetic goals, body type, and implant placement.
Korean surgeons are known for producing natural, proportional, and elegant breast shapes, often with minimal visible scarring. Here’s what you need to know about how they approach the round vs. teardrop decision.
🔵 1. Round Implants: Fuller, Softer, and Symmetrical
Round implants are symmetrical spheres—they give a uniformly full appearance in all directions. They are available in smooth or textured surfaces and in various projection levels (low, moderate, high).
âś… Benefits of Round Implants:
- Provide upper-pole fullness (cleavage enhancement)
- Natural look when placed under the muscle
- No shape distortion if the implant rotates
- Softer feel in smooth gel versions
- Often preferred for transaxillary incision (hidden underarm)
👩‍⚕️ Dr. Kim So-Yeon (ID Hospital, Seoul):
“Round implants are ideal for patients who want a fuller cleavage or more volume in the upper chest. When inserted under the muscle using the dual-plane technique, they look very natural, especially in younger patients or those with minimal sagging.”
🔍 Best For:
- Patients seeking more cleavage or volume
- Athletic or lean women with little breast tissue
- Patients undergoing first-time augmentation
🟤 2. Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants: Natural Slope and Projection
Teardrop implants are shaped like a natural breast—fuller at the bottom and tapered at the top. They are often textured to help prevent rotation, which could distort their shape.
âś… Benefits of Teardrop Implants:
- Mimic the natural breast contour
- Better suited for slimmer women or those desiring subtle enhancement
- Ideal for breast reconstruction or correcting mild ptosis (sagging)
- Create a gently sloping upper breast (less “pushed-up” look)
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Choi Min-Hwan (Banobagi Plastic Surgery, Gangnam):
“For patients who prioritize a natural profile over cleavage, anatomical implants are often the best choice. Korean women often prefer the teardrop look because it aligns with the aesthetic ideal of elegance and subtlety.”
⚠️ Considerations:
- Rotation can distort the shape (less common with Korean surgical technique)
- Slightly firmer than round implants
- Not ideal for transaxillary approach—usually placed via inframammary fold (under the breast)
🔍 3. Key Aesthetic Differences (Round vs. Teardrop)
| Feature | Round Implants | Teardrop Implants |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Symmetrical, round | Tapered top, full bottom |
| Upper-pole fullness | More pronounced (full cleavage) | More subtle, natural slope |
| Rotation risk | None | Yes, if not secured properly |
| Feel | Softer (especially smooth gel) | Slightly firmer |
| Ideal incision | Transaxillary or inframammary | Usually inframammary |
| Popularity in Korea | Very common | Increasing in natural-style patients |
👩‍⚕️ 4. How Korean Clinics Choose the Right Shape
Korean surgeons don’t follow a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, they evaluate:
- Chest width and rib cage angle
- Breast skin elasticity and thickness
- Existing breast tissue
- Desired outcome: volumized vs. natural contour
- Lifestyle (e.g., athleticism, clothing style)
🧪 3D simulation tools, such as Vectra or Crisalix, are commonly used during consultations in Korea to visualize round vs. teardrop outcomes on your own body.
🏥 5. Why Round Implants Are More Common in Korea (But That’s Changing)
Round implants have long been preferred in Korea due to their safety (no rotation concerns), soft feel, and ability to be inserted through hidden incisions. However, as more patients seek subtle, natural enhancements, teardrop implants are gaining popularity—especially among:
- Women in their 30s–40s
- Moms seeking post-pregnancy reshaping
- Breast reconstruction patients
👨‍⚕️ Dr. Lee Ji-Hoon (The Line Clinic, Seoul):
“About 70% of our patients still choose round implants, but teardrop implants are growing in demand among women who want refinement rather than volume. We personalize the implant choice based on skin tone, chest anatomy, and long-term goals.”
🛑 6. Common Myths Korean Surgeons Want to Clarify
| Myth | Truth from Korean Surgeons |
|---|---|
| “Round implants always look fake” | False — they look natural with proper placement |
| “Teardrop implants are always better” | Not always — depends on patient goals and body type |
| “Teardrop implants always rotate” | Rare with proper surgical technique and textured surface |
| “Only round implants are available in Korea” | False — all major implant shapes and brands are offered |
🧴 7. Brands Commonly Used in Korea (Both Shapes Available)
- Motiva® – Smooth round with soft feel (popular in Korea)
- Mentor® – Available in both round and anatomical shapes
- Sebbin® (France) – Common in natural-style augmentations
- BellaGel® – Korean brand offering anatomical designs
- Eurosilicone® – European brand approved in Korea
All of the above are KFDA-approved and used under strict safety protocols.
âś… Final Word from Korean Surgeons:
“Whether round or anatomical, the best implant is the one that fits your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. Shape is just one part of creating balanced, beautiful results.”
– Dr. Han Yoo-Seong (JW Plastic Surgery, Seoul)
