“Ballerina Breast Augmentation” is the Latest Trend in Breast Aesthetics

Petite breast augmentation, also called “Ballerina Breast Augmentation,” is a trending term women are using to describe their breast enhancement goals: natural, proportionate results with smaller breast implants. Below, Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman answers some of the most-asked questions about achieving elegant breast augmentation results with this approach.

1. How many CCs is a ballerina breast augmentation?

Ballerina Breast Augmentation typically involves smaller implant sizes ranging from 150 to 275 CCs. These minimalist breast implant sizes are perfect for achieving natural-looking breast augmentation for women with a petite frame or very active lifestyle who don’t want a substantial size increase. The goal is to choose an implant size that fills out your breast shape and adds just enough volume to enhance your breast profile while maintaining very natural proportions that align with the term “ballerina”—graceful, refined, and elegant.

During your consultation, Dr. Branman will help you choose an implant size that meets your aesthetic goals while maintaining a balanced, natural look—keep in mind that the “ballet aesthetic” is not for everyone, as the right-sized implants for you may fall outside of this range based on your personal measurements. Rest assured that if this is the case, your results will still appear modest and natural. 

2. Why is ballerina breast augmentation suddenly so popular?

For several years now, we’ve seen patient preferences shift from choosing implants on the larger end of the spectrum to smaller implants that align with more “natural” aesthetics. Terms like “ballet boobs” and “yoga boobs” have been trending on social media and in fitness culture as minimalist beauty trends have usurped the once-popular look of very full, almost oversized breasts. Many women are drawn to the idea of achieving a polished appearance with small breast implants that look timeless, rather than overdone.

We also see women who exercise regularly and have active lifestyles asking about the best breast implants for athletes because they prioritize mobility, comfort, and subtlety—terms that describe the “ballerina” aesthetic.

“Dr. Branman was awesome. Really detailed and honest. I felt comfortable after speaking with him, he was the first plastic surgeon I had consulted with and I felt no need to go anywhere else. The real wow factor is that still to this day unless I openly state I have implants no one can tell (guess the cat is out of the bag now). I asked for a natural look and he delivered. Thank you Dr. Branman for being such a skilled doctor.”

—5-star Google review

3. Is ballerina breast augmentation over or under the muscle?

Most patients who undergo a ballerina breast augmentation have the implants placed under the muscle (submuscular placement). Under-the-muscle breast implants are better concealed and have a very smooth transition between the chest wall and the implant, particularly for women with less natural breast tissue. This placement typically looks and feels more natural compared to implants that are placed over the muscle. 

4. Are there any famous celebrities who have had petite breast augmentation?

Most celebrity breast augmentation trends do tend to lean toward subtle breast enhancements.  Typically, actresses, models, and influencers want the bare minimum so that their cosmetic surgery remains undetectable but are still able to enhance the beauty of their breasts. Natural-looking breast implants allow these women to look shapely in anything they wear without needing bras to give them the volume and support to tastefully fill out their clothing. 

If you’re inspired by a specific look, bring photos to your breast augmentation consultation with Dr. Branman so we can explore how to achieve similar results for your body type.

5. What implant profile works best for ballerina breast augmentation?

A moderate or moderate-plus profile implant is most commonly used for ballerina breast augmentation. These profiles strike the perfect balance between a natural slope and fullness without exaggerating the upper pole—significantly full and rounded breast upper poles are telltale signs of breast implants. 

High-profile breast implants may still be an option for ballerina breast augmentation if you want to lift mild breast sagging and have enough natural tissue to support this profile. Dr. Branman often recommends higher profile implants for patients with a narrow chest who desire more noticeable cleavage. 

6. Does ballerina breast augmentation focus on the upper pole?

Yes, enhancing the upper pole (the top portion of your breast) is one of the focuses of ballerina breast augmentation. Youthful breasts typically have a defined contour where the breast meets the rest of the chest. Placing modest implants helps gently lift the position of the breast and define the upper breast pole without over-emphasizing this area. 

Dr. Branman carefully evaluates your anatomy and reviews your breast implant profile options to recommend an implant shape and profile that achieves a beautifully balanced breast upper pole. 

The goal of “ballerina breast augmentation” is to add just enough volume to enhance your breast profile while maintaining very natural proportions that are graceful, refined, and elegant.

7. Is ballerina breast augmentation suitable for athletes and dancers?

Absolutely! Many athletes, dancers, yogis, fitness influencers, etc. find that smaller implants do not limit their mobility and put less strain on the chest muscles. For some patients with highly developed chest muscles, over-the-muscle breast implant placement may be considered if breast implant “animation” (noticeable movement or distortion when the chest muscles contract) is a concern. No matter the placement choice, ballerina breast augmentation is a wonderful approach for women who want to maintain peak performance and comfort during physical activities.

8. Can a ballerina breast augmentation be performed with gummy bear implants?

Yes, gummy bear implants (cohesive silicone gel implants, like MENTOR’s MemoryShape) are an excellent option for ballerina breast augmentation. This type of implant has a natural feel and maintains its shape as the body moves so they are a great choice for achieving the refined, understated look this procedure is known for.

Gummy bear implants are also highly durable and less prone to wrinkling, so petite women with thinner breast tissue are less at risk for visible implant rippling. 

9. How long is the recovery for petite frame breast augmentation?

Most patients feel ready to return to light activities within a week or so and resume exercise after about 4 to 6 weeks—similar to traditional breast augmentation. 

Some women with smaller implants may experience slightly less discomfort and faster recovery times compared to those who have larger implants placed, since the chest muscles and breast tissue are less stretched to accommodate a more petite implant. It’s important to follow Dr. Branman’s aftercare instructions for the best results regardless of your implant size. 

10. Will ballerina breast augmentation prevent sagging in the future?

You may experience less breast sagging over time if you choose implants like those used in ballerina breast augmentation. Smaller implants put less strain on the skin and tissues over time, potentially reducing the likelihood of sagging compared to larger implants. Dr. Branman may recommend pairing the augmentation with a breast lift, depending on your skin elasticity and natural breast position.

If you’re considering subtle breast enhancement, trust Dr. Rhys Branman’s 30+ years of experience to guide you through the process to achieve the refined, elegant look you desire.

Call our Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center today at 501-227-0707 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.