What Are the Current Trends For Breast Implants?

If you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery to increase your cup size, you’re far from alone as each year, millions of patients from around the world undergo cosmetic surgical procedures for the breasts. Breast augmentation, says Vancouver area-based physicians from the office of Dr. Owen Reid, can be a highly transformative procedure in more ways than one. The surgery is ideal for women who naturally have small breasts as well as women whose breasts have changed as a result of pregnancy, weight loss, or other factors. It not only addresses cosmetic concerns by altering the size and shape of the breasts but can also have the benefit of improving a patient’s confidence and self-esteem. Although statistics show that this treatment has continuously ranked within the top five surgical cosmetic procedures in recent years, Westerners’ views on breast augmentation have changed significantly during the last few decades.

While women have continuously looked for ways to enhance the size and shape of their bust, the ways in which they added volume to their chest have varied depending on the decade. This is because our perception of what constitutes an “ideal” body type has changed throughout history. During the 50s, a curvy hourglass figure and a full bust was the most fashionable look for women, popularized by Hollywood starlets like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth. Having an ample bust was seen as the epitome of feminine beauty. The first breast augmentation was performed in 1962 on a thirty year-old American mother of six, using silicone implants. Implants continued to be popular up until the early 90s, at which point saline implants became the preferred option for most women for some time. Wondering how today’s breast augmentation differs from what it was like before? See below for some of the most recent trends in breast implants.

·        Smaller, More Natural-Looking Breasts

During the 2000s, when Pamela Anderson’s curves were in vogue, bigger and bolder implants were all the rage. These implants tended to be unnaturally high, circular, and very noticeable. These days, aesthetic trends have changed – by and large, women are preferring a more natural look. These very large, artificial looking breasts from the early 2000s – which were chosen regardless of whether or not they were a good fit for the patient’s frame and existing breast tissue - are now seen as tacky. They made it more than obvious that the patient had breast implants. Modern patients usually prefer a subtle, virtually undetectable change to their appearance.

·        Most Customization

In modern times, the breast augmentation procedure is more customizable than it ever has been before, with many more options for patients to choose from as the approaches and tools used for the treatment have evolved. In the early era of implants, there were only four choices available: large, medium, small, and petite. Currently, there are over 450 size options. Patients can also choose the type, shape, and placement of the implants along with where the incisions will be located during surgery.

·        Improved Outcomes

As techniques have become more advanced, fat transfer breast augmentation is now an alternative for women who want a smaller increase to their chest size and don’t wish to have implants. Fat transfer can also be combined with implants to enhance their shape after breast augmentation, improve cleavage or hide rippling or wrinkles.

·        A More Athletic Appearance

An increasing number of patients are preferring a more toned, slender, and strong overall physical appearance. They are often opting for smaller breasts as opposed to larger breast implants that may not fit in with their idea of an athletic body type. Additionally, since an increasingly large group of women are prioritizing health and wellness, they want to continue to stay active after plastic surgery. Therefore, they prefer smaller breasts that won’t get in the way of sports and exercise.

Meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the first step you should take if you’re thinking about having a cosmetic procedure. Want more information about the advantages of breast augmentation? The Vancouver area-based team at the office of Dr. Owen Reid will guide you through the process. To set up a private consultation, call them at 604-343-9309 or submit a contact form through their website.