The Subtle Shift: Why More Women Are Choosing Small-Volume Breast Augmentation

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable evolution in aesthetic preferences—particularly when it comes to breast augmentation. While the procedure remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries worldwide, many women today are embracing a more natural, understated look. Known as small-volume breast augmentation, this approach focuses on balance, proportion, and harmony with the body’s natural shape rather than dramatic size increases.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Karen Horton was recently featured as an expert in an article by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) on this growing trend. “Small volume, in my mind, would be any volume less than 400 cc,” she explained, noting that her patients typically choose implants between 220 cc and 375 cc to achieve a subtle enhancement that complements their frame. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement toward refined, natural beauty—and a growing awareness that breast augmentation doesn’t have to look “obvious.”

For some, fat grafting (using a patient’s own fat from areas such as the flanks or abdomen) can provide an even softer, more organic result. “Without a bra, no one will know they have breast augmentation,” Dr. Horton said in the ASPS interview. “Results should be proportional to their frame and match their personal aesthetic.”

Whether accomplished with smaller implants or fat transfer, small-volume breast augmentation offers long-lasting, natural-looking results. It’s an ideal choice for patients who want gentle fullness, improved symmetry, or a subtle lift—proof that in modern aesthetic surgery, less truly can be more.