Breast Aesthetic Surgery: Breast augmentation is the most requested procedure among italian patients

Harmonious feminine shapes remain a timeless symbol of beauty and seduction. Current trends in aesthetic surgery place breast surgery at the top of the most requested procedures among Italian women. These findings come from the Italian Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and are supported by studies from the International Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery. In 2022, breast surgery continues to “lead the way”, followed by rhinoplasty, gluteal augmentation and facial rejuvenation.

The “perfect cleavage” appears to be the dream of many Italian women, and breast surgery — including mastopexy, breast augmentation, breast reduction, reconstructive techniques, gynecomastia treatment and implant removal — represents 34% of all aesthetic surgical procedures performed annually in Italy. Among these, breast augmentation holds the absolute record, accounting for 18% of total procedures.

Over the past five years, breast surgery techniques and safety standards have improved significantly. Patients today overwhelmingly request a natural, harmonious-looking breast, moving away from the exaggerated volume trends popular in past decades.

Modern breast implants are biocompatible, safe and available in different shapes — round or anatomical (teardrop-shaped) — with various surface textures. Safety is ensured by mandatory certifications renewed every three years after rigorous testing, alongside strict operating room protocols.

The surgeon–patient relationship is crucial. While the surgeon must aim for a technically correct result, the outcome must also align with the patient’s expectations. An experienced surgeon will recommend the most suitable implant after assessing anatomical characteristics and proportional balance.

Implants can be positioned using several techniques: subglandular, submuscular, dual-plane or triple-plane. The choice depends on the patient’s anatomy; when breast ptosis is present, a mastopexy may be combined.

Fat grafting techniques have also evolved. Concerns about transplanted fat cells potentially turning into neoplastic cells have been dismissed by clinical data. Today, fat grafting (lipofilling) is safe, with approximately 60% of the grafted fat successfully integrating — resulting in a soft, natural appearance.

The increasingly popular hybrid breast augmentation technique combines a subglandular implant with autologous fat transfer. The fat smooths and softens implant edges, providing a more natural contour.

Beware of low-cost surgical offers circulating online and on social media. Choosing inadequate facilities or poorly trained professionals can lead to unsatisfactory results and the need for secondary surgery — which accounts for 15% of breast procedures — to correct complications caused by previous malpractice.

Combined surgeries (multiple procedures in one session under general anesthesia) should also be evaluated carefully. Although promoted as time- and cost-saving, scientific studies show that after 5–6 hours of general anesthesia, postoperative risks increase significantly.

Before undergoing aesthetic breast surgery, it is essential to ensure that the procedure is performed in accredited facilities, under the supervision of a qualified anesthesiologist, and that the patient receives clear information about the intervention, expected results and postoperative recovery. Membership in a national scientific society is an additional guarantee of the surgeon’s training and expertise.

Maria Serena Patriarca