This Article Has Been Medically Approved By

Dr. George H. Sanders
Beautiful Brunette Female Model in Red

Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, but preferences are changing. Instead of dramatic enhancements, more people are choosing subtle results that complement their natural shape. This shift is especially common in Southern California, where a balanced, effortless look fits an active lifestyle. With changing trends and better surgical techniques, options like smaller implants and fat transfer make it easier to achieve a natural look without an obvious “augmented” appearance.


The Shift Toward a More Natural Look

In the past, breast augmentation often meant larger implants and dramatic curves. Inspired by celebrities from the 1990s and early 2000s, many wanted prominent implants to achieve a very curvy shape. However, modern trends have changed.

You may find yourself drawn to smaller, balanced breast implants that complement your frame, and create a balanced silhouette. You might prefer smaller sizes that fit your body type rather than the larger breast implants that were popular years ago. You could even opt for fat transfer breast augmentation, which uses your body’s own fat for a soft, natural feel.


Factors Driving the Trend

Celebrity & Social Media Influence

Hollywood and social media have shifted beauty standards toward more natural looks. Many high-profile women who once sported large implants have downsized or opted for a more balanced aesthetic. Celebrities like Heidi Montag, who famously removed her oversized implants, have publicly discussed the drawbacks of excessively large augmentations. Influencers and wellness-focused public figures now promote body confidence and proportional features, reinforcing the idea that enhancements should complement rather than define one’s figure.

A Focus on Wellness & Comfort

When considering breast augmentation, you may care about comfort and easy movement, and look for options that support your active lifestyle. Larger breast implants may affect how you exercise and perform daily activities. By choosing more proportionate breast implants, you can maintain your lifestyle without the added concern of extra weight.

Health Considerations

As you research your options, you’ll become informed about long-term health and maintenance of different implant types, and consider what works best for you. Large implants may contribute to changes in comfort level over time. A growing awareness of how the body responds to implants has led many to consider smaller options or fat grafting.

Personalization Over Trends

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all look, you likely want results that fit your body and feel natural. Your plastic surgeon can customize the procedure to match your shape, creating balanced, subtle results that complement your overall appearance.


Better Surgical Techniques for a More Natural Look

The demand for natural-looking breast augmentations has led to better surgical techniques:

Firmer Gel Implants – Special silicone gel implants, often called “gummy bear” implants, may provide a more natural breast shape, and feel.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation – Instead of breast implants, you might choose fat grafting, which uses your body’s fat to increase breast volume.

Better Placement Techniques – Your surgeon can place breast implants under the chest muscle or use positioning that creates a gentler upper breast curve.


Dr. Sanders’ Approach To Breast Augmentation

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sanders specializes in the “dual plane” placement method for silicone gel and saline implants. This technique places the top of your breast implant under the chest muscle and the bottom portion in front of it. This method creates a more natural breast slope, and offers greater comfort than full under-muscle placement. It may also reduce the chance of tissue tightening or visible texture under the skin. With this method, Dr. Sanders helps you achieve natural-looking results and a smoother recovery.


Who Is Choosing the Natural Look?

Different age groups are drawn to the natural look for different reasons:

  • 20s and 30s: You might want a modest enhancement without apparent signs of surgery.
  • Mothers (30s-40s): After pregnancy-related changes, you might consider a breast lift with smaller implants.
  • 50s+: You may want to update existing implants or choose more balanced enhancements.

The Southern California Influence

In Southern California, the fitness-focused, beach-ready lifestyle influences many to choose breast augmentation results that look natural in swimwear and everyday clothing. Surgeons across the region report more requests for smaller breast implants and natural-looking results, aligning with the area’s preference for a youthful, healthy, and confident appearance, without looking overdone.


Learn More About the Natural Look in Breast Augmentation

The natural look in breast augmentation reflects a shift toward personalization and wellness. Today’s surgical advances make it easier to achieve subtle, flattering results that complement rather than define your body.

Whether considering your first breast augmentation or updating a previous one, Dr. George Sanders, our board-certified plastic surgeon, combines experience, skill, and artistic vision to create natural-looking results. With four decades of experience and using the dual-plane method for implant placement, Dr. Sanders is a leading specialist in cosmetic surgery. Learn more about your breast augmentation options, or schedule a consultation at our Encino office today.