Breast implant surgery is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in women worldwide. However, recent plastic surgery statistics revealed that breast lift procedures (without implants) are really gaining popularity. Since 2001, there has been a 100 percent increase in breast lifts, also called mastopexy procedures. Even more interesting is that women with prior implants are now opting to have these removed and a lift performed as fashion trends have leaned toward perkier, smaller breasts.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that board-certified members conducted over 120,000 breast lifts in 2016, up from 53,000 in 2001. This reveals the drastic shift in preference for a more youthful breast with or without augmentation. According to the ASPS, many women are looking for youthful breasts by using the tissue they already have that simply needs lifting. In contrast, breast implant surgeries have grown just 37 percent since 2000.
The new statistics reveal that women aged 30-54 made up nearly 70 percent of these procedures. The number of breast lift procedures is way up in our practice, too," said Erez Sternberg, MD, an ASPS-member plastic surgeon and partner at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery. "We are seeing more women coming to us who are done having children, who are tired of their large 90’s implants, whose breast volume has decreased, and who are now wanting a more “athletic, perky” look to their chest.
With the proper surgical plan, we are able to get rid of the old implants and excess skin and lift the breasts back up where they're supposed to be. The best part is that you don’t need to worry about looking fake. Most women are opting to leave the implants out or are using much smaller implants now than they did in the past. The trend is definitely heading towards a more natural, lifted, and athletic look. The image of a busty Pamela Anderson running on the beach has come and gone. Our patients want to look young and healthy without being noticeable.”
Not sure if you need a lift? You can test yourself with a simple pencil test: A woman should place a pencil under her breast. If the breast tissues hold the pencil intact against the chest, it means the sagging breasts can be fixed with a surgical breast lift procedure. Only those with the ideal amount of breast tissue can opt for breast lift alone. Other women with loss of volume and position will likely need the additional volume enhancement achievable either with an implant or by the injection of your own fat into the breasts for a softer, natural look.
To know for sure, call to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified surgeons. We even utilize 3D imaging software solutions to aid in your consultation and help with your decision.
