The landscape of Plastic Surgery is in perpetual flux, adapting to the constantly changing trends of society. While some procedures like the Brazilian butt lifts (BBLs) and buccal fat pad removal have had their moments in the limelight, others like breast implants have withstood the test of time, remaining popular from the 1970s until today. However, data from the 2020 ASPS Insights and Trends Report suggests a shift in this trend with a 9% decline in breast augmentation procedures over the past two decades.¹

This raises an intriguing question: Are we moving towards a preference for smaller, more naturally appearing breasts? To gain more insight, ASPS asked Dr. Karen Horton to shed some light on the phenomenon of breast implant removal, commonly referred to as “breast explantation”. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in San Francisco and a breast augmentation patient herself, Dr. Horton sees many patients each month who are considering having their breast implants removed.

In the article, Dr. Horton emphasizes that motivations behind explant surgery can be multifaceted. Many women undergo the breast implant removal procedure because their bodies have evolved over time, either due to aging or post-pregnancy changes, making the implants appear disproportionately large as they gain fat naturally in their breasts. She also draws a parallel between evolving breast aesthetics and fashion trends, suggesting that like clothing and makeup, breast preferences can differ across decades. However, not all reasons are aesthetic. The article touches on various complications that might necessitate implant removal, like capsular contracture, implant rupture, and implant migration.

While the reasons for explant surgery are often evident, it remains uncertain we’re trending towards a preference for “natural breasts” or just more natural breast proportions. The core takeaway? Whether you’re considering an implant, a breast revision procedure or an explant, it’s crucial to understand the motivations, potential risks, and desired outcomes before embarking on any surgical journey. Making an informed decision is the first step for a woman to achieve the aesthetic harmony she desires for her body. Learn more about explantation surgery here.

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¹ ASPS. Plastic Surgery Statistics Report 2020. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf. Accessed September 7, 2023.