With new beauty trends constantly circulating in the media, a more natural approach to breast enhancement has emerged. Breast enhancement, best known as breast augmentation, is when a patient desires larger breasts in a variety of circumstances. Many patients I see in Tampa, FL come to me post-breastfeeding, after major weight loss, having asymmetry of the breasts, or wanting a fuller cup. However, as a female board-certified plastic surgeon, I have seen the beauty standard increasingly shift from more exaggerated features; larger breasts, larger hips and buttocks, an amplified hourglass shape — to natural features, subtle curves, and “Did she or did she not?” surgeries. Many patients want more lifestyle-friendly and low maintenance options; some consider taking out their implants altogether. Whether you are looking for breast augmentation and considering “breast implants” or want something more “natural”, we are here to guide and help you at Temmen Plastic Surgery.
In this post, I will examine the changing trends, address common misconceptions, and detail what options are available in today’s world of breast augmentation. From fat-transfer to different kinds of implants, there are possibilities for every kind of patient.
Why Are Perspectives on Breast Augmentation Changing?
As I mentioned earlier, there are new trends influencing women’s lifestyles. Currently, I have seen a shift towards a more health-conscious and fitness-forward lifestyle. In the realm of Plastic Surgery, this means that some women no longer want procedures done that will interfere with their workouts, recovery time, or deal with long-term maintenance. Many patients come to me wanting balanced, natural proportions, as this is in line with my style and surgical aesthetic. Patients seek out a cup size that enhances the natural curvature of their body and adds to their overall figure instead of exaggerating it.
A lot of my female patients think long-term when getting a breast augmentation, emphasizing they want results that will age gracefully with them, and not prevent them from breast-feeding, for example. Therefore, I always take a patient’s lifestyle and aesthetic goals into account during a consultation. I have found that more women are opting for smaller implants, or alternatives to implants altogether. When patients understand their options, they feel empowered to make the choice that is right for them, which creates a more comfortable and supportive experience.
What is a “Ballerina Breast Augmentation?”
Patients come to Temmen Plastic Surgery now seeking smaller and subtler breasts, looking for a “ballerina” or “yoga” breast augmentation. This refers to the delicate and proportional physique of ballet dancers, emphasizing an elegant and balanced look. Such a look is especially desirable for patients with naturally smaller frames, who want to complement a lean and elegant build.
The ballerina breast augmentation focuses on creating an authentic and lightweight look, which can be achieved in several ways. One technique is using smaller breast implants that simply enhance the natural breast, giving a delicate slope and fuller lower breast. Another technique that is growing in popularity is a fat transfer to the breasts, or what is known as a “natural breast augmentation”. However, either technique produces beautiful results that will last- maintaining a feminine shape that ages as gracefully as my patients.
What is a “Natural Breast Augmentation?”
A natural breast augmentation is a more intricate surgery compared to the typical breast augmentation (done with silicone or saline implants). During this procedure, I use liposuction to harvest fat from another part of the patient’s body custom to them (common areas include tummy, thighs, upper back) and meticulously transfer it to the breasts. I tailor the amount of fat removed to each patient depending on age, BMI, specific goals, and skin quality. In candidates with younger skin, more fat can be removed as the skin is more elastic, and collagen helps retain shape better. In candidates with mature skin, if too much fat is removed skin laxity can occur- leaving patients with sagging skin and undesirable results.
What will my results look like after a Natural Breast Augmentation?
Natural breast augmentations are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to implants, leaving patients with softer and more refined results. Still, it is important to note that not all the fat that is removed via liposuction will be transferred into the breasts. After the fat is “cleaned and purified” the remainder is placed inside the breast, delivering an immediate result- although only 50-70% of the fat will stay. Meaning, the patient will typically gain anywhere from half a cup to a cup size increase in each breast. Through this technique the patient receives a customized natural look and texture, aligning with today’s trends and beauty standards.
It is important to note that with the rise of social media and more women sharing their stories in online communities, there is rising concern about the rare risks linked to implants. Women have shared their stories of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), which is a very rare cancer that forms in the scar tissue, or capsule, around the implant. Other women discuss their experience with breast implant illness (BII), something entirely different from ALCL that scientists are still researching. However, ALCL and BII are extremely rare and only occur in a small number of patients despite the online attention they have recieved. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons advises against removing the entirety of the scar tissue, known as a capsulectomy, as this has no guarantee that BII symptoms will be reduced. Nevertheless, this risk has steered some women away from the traditional implant route and towards the natural breast augmentation.
What Are Common Misconceptions Surrounding Breast Augmentation?
In any medical specialty, there are misconceptions- something plastic surgeons are very familiar with. I want to discuss a few of these myths surrounding breast augmentation. To begin, some patients assume the recovery process is painful and long-term, inhibiting them from all activity. This is not the case, as the majority of my patients are able to resume light activity a few weeks after their surgery. With the advanced surgical techniques that I use, my patients heal quickly, safely, and beautifully, if they follow all pre-op and post-op instructions. Of course, there are exceptions as everyone’s body heals differently, but my team and I put the care of our patients first and address any healing concerns immediately. The safety and happiness of my patients is my utmost priority.
The next misconception I would like to discuss is the belief that everyone is a candidate for fat transfer. While fat transfer is a viable option for many of my patients, this is not always the case. To perform a successful fat transfer, patients must have a certain amount of fat to perform liposuction in the first place. If they are on the leaner side, this may not be ideal as there is not enough donor fat. Also, patients who are looking for more than a half-a-cup to a cup increase may not achieve their ideal size in one procedure and may have to undergo several to hit their target.
How Do I Choose the Best Breast Augmentation Option for My Body?
The best option is the one that will make you feel the most confident and beautiful in your body. At Temmen Plastic Surgery, we help guide you through this process, giving you all the time, resources, information, and care you need. I will share a few things that are important to consider when determining what kind of breast augmentation you want. First and foremost, chose a plastic surgeon who is board-certified in plastic surgery- not general cosmetic surgery! Ensuring you trust your surgeon and that they are backed by years of expertise is the first step of the journey.
Research the different kinds of implants, and the differences between them. There are so many options that differ in shape (round vs teardrop), profile (high vs moderate vs low), texture (smooth vs textured), material (silicone vs saline), and placement (over vs under the muscle). The goal is to find the implant or technique (i.e. natural breast augmentation) that works best for your body and your aesthetic goals.
If you are interested in a breast augmentation in the Tampa area, please do not hesitate to contact our team to set up a complimentary phone call and consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen. We are here to help you look and feel like your best self! Our goal at Temmen Plastic Surgery is to not only enhance your natural beauty and create your most confident self but make you a part of our family.
Traci Temmen, M.D.
Female, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
3312 Henderson Blvd, Suite #201, Tampa, FL, 33609
