For better or worse the perceived goal aesthetic consistently shift. At the moment, “Social media has ushered in a powerful wave of natural beauty, with fit moms, wellness influencers and yoga girls showcasing lifted, athletic curves,” says Southfield, MI plastic surgeon Mariam Awada, MD. This shift in trends has trickled into aesthetics, with many women intersted in more proportional breasts. “It’s more than just a look—it’s a lifestyle rooted in health, confidence and authenticity. And I’ve definitely seen this shift reflected in the goals of my breast surgery patients.”
Dr. Awada notes that what she loves most about this shift in aesthetics is that “Women are finally making these decisions for themselves—not for their partners, not for society. The ‘go big or go home’ era is fading, and in its place is a generation of women who value strength, wellness and natural beauty.”
With that, it’s important to note that a breast augmentation goes beyond following trends. Women should feel empowered to go into a consultation with a strong idea of the look they want to achieve, but also be open to discussing with their board-certified plastic surgeon what might be best for them to achieve their goals. “I have found that patients who work with their plastic surgeon to achieve a proportionate size outcome are very happy with their outcome,” says Eugene, OR plastic surgeon Mark Jewell, MD.
Featured experts
- Mariam Awada, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Southfield, MI
- Aviva B. Preminger, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York
- Dr. Jeffrey Antimarino is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh
- Robert Singer, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Jolla, CA
- Mark Jewell, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Eugene, OR
What is the yoga boobs trend?
“The ‘yoga boobs’ trend refers to a growing preference among patients for smaller, more natural-looking breast implants—or in many cases, breast reductions or explants altogether,” says New York plastic surgeon Aviva B. Preminger, MD. “The term reflects the desire for a physique that aligns with an active, athletic lifestyle: think lean, toned and balanced proportions that don’t hinder movement or comfort during activities like yoga, Pilates or running.”
Also referred to as “ballerina boobs,” these terms are used by social media users “to emphasize the desire for smaller, more athletic proportions,” says Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Jeffrey Antimarino, MD. “Patients today are increasingly seeking enhancements that complement their body contours and provide a more subtle and realistic appearance.”
Are doctors really seeing this trend in their practice?
Many experts note that they have seen signs of this shift in their practices, but there are still plenty of interest in fuller implants as well. Dr. Preminger speculates that it “stems from a broader cultural move toward wellness, authenticity and longevity.” She’s seeing “More and more patients requesting smaller implants or coming in to downsize or remove their implants altogether. They want to look like the best version of themselves—fit, elegant and natural.” However, La Jolla, CA plastic surgeon Robert Singer, MD notes that still the majority of patients that have their implants removed have them replaced.
Dr. Awada is also noticing that “More and more women are opting for subtle, natural enhancements that complement their shape and active lifestyle.” Dr. Antimarino notes that the implants most requested by his patients are the round, balanced, projected implants with a more narrow base. “This allows the patient to have a more balanced appearance with less volume, creating an elegant result rather than the obviously augmented look that was favorable several years ago,” he explains. “Patients are looking for upper and lower breast fullness without the excess volume seen with larger-sized implants. Patients are saying they want to look proportionate but not surgically enhanced.”
Dr. Singer notes that trends tend to vary geographically. “What you’re seeing on the Upper East Side is not the same as in Texas, Florida and Southern California where larger implants are still popular,” says Dr. Singer. He says it’s about meeting patients where they’re at and providing them with the look they want to achieve—trend or not.
Yoga boobs aren’t right for everyone
While yoga boobs are trendy Dr. Jewell notes that it’s not always applicable as you have to consider what is right for your body in the long term. Some women may be well suited for yoga boobs but Dr. Jewell says it’s not a good match “if the end result is an undersized outcome and dissatisfaction.” He adds that “Incorrect size in breast implant selection is a leading reason for re-operation following breast augmentation.”
Why are yoga boobs trending?
The shift towards smaller breasts is undeniable, but why? Dr. Preminger notes that patients now are more educated than ever and thinking more long-term about their aesthetic decisions, like ‘how implants will feel and look as they age, or how they will affect their posture, athletic performance and overall health?’
In addition to increased consideration, the yoga boobs trend tends to play well with the popular movement in aesthetics, fashion and beauty toward “quiet luxury,” says Dr. Preminger. She notes that because of this, she’s seeing more interest in “subtle enhancement rather than conspicuous cosmetic work, especially on the Upper East Side of Manhattan” where she practices. “Women want to feel confident and beautiful without looking ‘done.’”
Advancements in the industry have also played a part in this shift. “The development of new implant materials and shapes have also contributed to the evolving landscape of breast augmentation. These innovations provide patients with a range of options to achieve their desired look and feel,” says Dr. Antimarino.
The breast procedures that are trending now
Breast augmentations with the sub-fascial technique
“Patients are finding that breast augmentation with the sub-fascial technique is much to their liking,” says Dr. Jewell. This technique helps avoid “the animation deformity when chest muscles are tightened and the late-term waterfall deformity where the breast tissue falls off the implant that is held in the submuscular location.”
Smaller, natural-looking breast augmentations
“Today’s patients are asking for full B and C cups—not D—and I couldn’t be happier,” says Dr. Awada. “Oversized implants were never the healthiest option, and I always recommended staying proportionate. Now, patients are embracing it.”
Breast lifts with GalaFlex Internal Bra—no implants needed
Dr. Awada notes that the internal GalaFlex lift can be a game changer for women who want a perky, natural shape without adding volume. “It supports the breast tissue from within, creating a youthful, athletic contour.” She’s often seeing women interested in “enhancing their natural shape using GalaFlex to restore perkiness, proportion, and confidence—without the pressure to replace or go bigger. It’s about honoring who they are today.”
Implant exchange with smaller implants
“Many of my patients from 15 to 20 years ago are returning—now post-menopausal and a few pounds heavier—with a desire to downsize,” reports Dr. Awada. “They still want shape, but with less volume and more comfort.”
Implant removal and lift with no replacement
Dr. Awada says she’s seeing plenty of implant removals with a breast lift but not a replacement implant. “For some, it’s about letting go of the extra weight and reclaiming their natural curves with a beautifully tailored lift and no implant at all.”
