Breast implants have been a popular cosmetic procedure for decades, and thousands of women worldwide opt for the surgery each year to enhance their appearance. As with any aesthetic advancement, the popularity of breast implants has fluctuated and evolved over the years, with certain styles and sizes falling in and out of favor. In recent years, there has been a shift towards more natural-looking results, with a focus on proportion and balance rather than an oversized or obviously augmented look. If you are considering breast implants, also referred to as breast augmentation, it can be helpful to learn more about current trends and improvements in this area of aesthetics.

Are breast implants becoming more or less popular?

Over the past decade, breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, has ranked within the top five most popular cosmetic surgeries in the US and often as the number one procedure. In the early 2000s, demand surged for larger, more noticeable implants, with many women seeking a more obvious “augmented” look. However, in recent years, more subtle, natural-looking results have become the most requested aesthetic choice. Although the numbers fluctuate, it is still a go-to surgery for women looking to boost their confidence and improve their overall appearance.

How Breast Implants Have Remained Popular

Breast implants continue to be a popular choice for plastic surgery patients because the techniques, implant technology, and research have continued to advance and keep up with patient needs. Over time, new safety methods and implant variations have been developed to ensure better healing, a more natural appearance, and superior outcomes.

Breast Implant Options

There are literally hundreds of possible implant combinations when you factor in variations like implant size, profile, texture, shape, incision location, implant placement, and more. One of the reasons why women (and plastic surgeons) get so excited about breast implant surgery is because it is so incredibly customizable, and almost no two surgeries are alike. Choosing between silicone implants and saline implants is just the beginning.

Improvements in Safety

Safety improvements over the last several years have also helped the continued demand for breast augmentation. Extensive research on maintenance as well as improvements in spotting and managing problems early on has aided surgeons and patients in safer surgery and recovery. One advancement, a new type of silicone implant called form stable implants, has become a common choice for plastic surgeons. Also called “gummy bear implants” because of their texture, these implants have a very natural look and feel. Because of their composition, they will not leak into the breast cavity in the event of a rupture.

New Breast Augmentation Techniques

In addition to the implants themselves, surgical techniques continue to be refined. When performing mammoplasty, plastic surgeons have multiple incision methods to choose from, the most common being inframammary, depending on the preference and anatomy of the patient. The decision on the location of the implant, whether subglandular placement or submuscular placement, is also a part of the customization process. Another recently developed technique is fat transfer breast augmentation. First, liposuction is performed to remove unwanted fat in other areas of the body, and then fat grafting is used to transfer that fat to the breasts with the dual benefit of body sculpting and breast enhancement.

An Emphasis on Natural-Looking Results

A “less is more” shift has definitely taken place in the breast implant arena rather than “bigger is better.” With such a customizable procedure, it’s simple to put the focus on proportion and body harmony and create a naturally enhanced appearance that doesn’t seem overdone or obvious. More natural looking and feeling results can provide confidence, improve intimacy, and age well without appearing out of place.

Easily Combining Breast Implants with Other Aesthetic Procedures

Breast implant surgery is commonly combined with other procedures, such as mastopexy, liposuction, or tummy tuck, which might be part of a full Mommy Makeover. When combined with a breast lift (mastopexy), this procedure provides a perkier, more elevated appearance that typically cannot be achieved with implants alone if sagging is a concern. Opting for multiple procedures at once means a comprehensive, seamless surgical plan as well as a single recovery period.

Customize Your Look

The best way to get exactly the breast aesthetic you want in the safest way possible for you and your body is to talk to an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ran Stark. Dr. Stark can walk you through each step of decision-making, answer any possible questions you might have, and help you get the bust you’ve been waiting for.

Aesthetic Trends: Breast Implant Popularity