Allergan recently released it’s new anatomically shaped implant, the 410. This is no the second shaped implant on the market, joining Sientra. The differencse between this implant and the conventional silicone implant are as follows: The 410 is shaped like a teardrop instead of round. The idea is that there will be more fullness in the upper part of the chest. The silicone is more viscous, or thick to maintain its shape. As a result, the incision used to place the implant is a little bigger. The shell only comes in a textured surface as opposed to smooth or textured because this way the body’s tissue is supposed to grow to it and prevent it from moving or rotating.

I am certified to use these FDA approved implants. I think they were really designed for the woman undergoing breast reconstruction after mastectomy because breast tissue is removed up to the collarbone and the implant can fill up to that area. Alternatively, I use fat to fill this area with a smooth round implant. In a reconstruction patient, larger incisions tend to be present already which can be used for insertion.

This implant can be used for cosmetic breast augmentation but the right patient selection needs to occur. Not everyone is a good candidate for this implant. In a young woman with thick breast tissue, there may be too much fullness in the upper chest. In women who have breast fed or deflated over time, they may be better candidates. If a woman has any natural droopiness to their breasts, they will definitely need a lift as well because this implant will not settle into the breast like a round implant will. If you can envision a shaped implant in the correct position based on the breast fold in relation to the rest of the droopy breast you can understand why.

Bottom line is that this is another tool for plastic surgeons to deal with different types of breasts and is not a cure all for everyone, certainly not in the cosmetic augmentation world.