A few years ago, the plastic surgery industry was shaken by concerns over breast implants causing illness and we saw explant surgery spike. Despite the negative press, breast augmentations remain a cornerstone of many plastic surgery practices. Once the leading cosmetic procedure, it has recently been overtaken by liposuction. Still, implants attract a diverse range of patients seeking enhancement for reasons like restoring post-pregnancy volume or improving proportions. What’s driving these changes? Here’s a look at the popularity of breast implants today and advances in breast augmentation.
Featured Experts
- Dr. Mark Jewell is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Eugene, OR
- Dr. Kevin Rose is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Salt Lake City, UT
- Dr. Chet Mays is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Louisville, KY
- Dr. Henry Mentz is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Houston
- Dr. Philippe A. Capraro is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Denver
The Reign of Breast Implants’ Popularity
Breast augmentation has been a cornerstone of cosmetic surgery for decades, consistently ranking as the top cosmetic surgical procedure since 2006. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 304,181 breast augmentations were performed in 2023 alone, marking a two percent increase from the previous year. This statistic underscores the enduring appeal of breast implants. Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD notes, ” Breast augmentation remains an extremely popular procedure. Patients preferences for a natural-proportionate outcome that is in harmony with other body features are the norm as opposed to excessively large implants that are not natural. I think that patients are less concerned about systemic symptoms associated with breast implants.”
“The common reasons for breast augmentation has not really changed,” adds Louisville, KY plastic surgeon Chet Mays, MD. “Most patients are wanting to fill back out their breasts after having children, or breast-feeding or weight loss.” However, Dr. Mays says the look patients want is a very natural-looking aesthetic. In other words, while implants are still very popular, they shouldn’t look like implants. “Patients are opting for more natural fullness of their breast, which makes moderate and lower profiles seem to be more popular than the higher profiles.”
Salt Lake City, UT plastic surgeon Kevin Rose, MD adds that implants are also a popular option for reconstruction patients, who also maintain a strong focus on achieving a natural look. “The breast implant market is growing, driven by increased body image awareness and the rising need for reconstruction due to breast cancer. However, there’s a clear trend toward more natural-looking results and smaller sizes, reflecting a broader societal shift away from the ‘bigger is better’ mindset.”
Liposuction Takes the Lead
Breast augmentation’s long reign as the most popular cosmetic surgery has recently been eclipsed by liposuction, which took the top spot globally in January 2023. This shift in the popularity of breast implants is driven by several factors. One factor is the growing concern about the links between breast implants and cancer, particularly BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). Additionally, there has been a nearly 47 percent global increase in patients seeking to remove their breast implants since 2019 (according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery). This trend toward explantation, or opting for smaller implants that better suit one’s frame and lifestyle reflects a changing perception of body aesthetics.
However, implants are very much still in demand, they just might be more undetectable. “I’ve seen a decrease in the desire for larger implants over the last year, with more patients aiming for the ‘ballerina’ or ‘Pilates body,’” says Houston plastic surgeon Henry Mentz, MD. “We see many patients choosing to go up only a half or full cup size instead of several cup sizes.”
Advances in Lifting and Filling
Many patients today seek breast augmentation to restore volume lost after pregnancy or weight loss or to achieve better body symmetry. Dr. Mentz suggests the rise of GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, might be influencing this trend. “Patients now desire to lean out and adjust to a healthier, more active lifestyle. As a result, they are choosing more modest implants for a more athletic appearance.”
Dr. Mays also notes the increasing popularity of combining breast augmentations with lifts, often incorporating fat to achieve the desired look with smaller implants. “I do a lot of composite breast augmentation, adding fat during the procedure to create fuller, more natural breasts. This approach allows for smaller implants, reducing stress on the tissue and leading to more long-term results.”
Dr. Jewell adds that placing implants in front of the pectoralis muscle, known as the retromammary-sub fascial approach, is gaining favor among patients. “This technique allows for a very natural outcome and avoids issues like unnatural breast movement when the pectoralis muscle contracts.”
What’s Next for Breast Implants?
The future of breast augmentation is being shaped by exciting innovations. One of the most anticipated advancements is the introduction of Motiva breast implants, which are expected to receive FDA approval soon, according to Dr. Henry Mentz. “I think it’s going to change the way we think about breast enhancements,” he says. “Motiva’s new implants will likely create a trend toward smaller sizes, a more natural appearance and better breast preservation. Back in the ’80s, I trained with Dr. Tom Cronin, who invented the breast implant in the ’60s. His preference was for an above-the-muscle implant, similar to Motiva’s approach, because it felt the most natural.”
Denver plastic surgeon Philippe A. Capraro, MD, also sees promising advancements in implant technology. “While I haven’t observed any new trends in the procedure itself, we’ve made significant progress. The Keller Funnel, which allows for a no-touch implant insertion, helps minimize biofilm and reduce the risk of encapsulation and rupture. Additionally, the industry has moved away from textured implants due to their links with ALCL. I believe these developments are leading to consistently healthier and more beautiful results.”
