It’s a great day for the girls who can still fit into the M&S Angel training bras because small boobs are officially back in business. ‘Ballerina boobs’ are the latest aesthetic trend to take TikTok by storm, with women coveting petite, pert breast silhouettes (also commonly referred to as ‘fashion boobs’) over more curvaceous alternatives.
The growing plastic surgery trend champions natural-looking breast augmentation, often using implants between 150-275 cc, favouring a leaner, athletic silhouette that fits an active lifestyle, hence the name ‘ballerina boobs.’
However, despite my personal delight that small boobs are en vogue, the movement has received a fair lashing of criticism. With the sinister return of ‘heroin chic,’ an aesthetic ideal popularised by Kate Moss during the 90s that favours razor-thin body types, many are rejecting the trend - writing it off as unhealthy and toxic.
Clearly, an expert take is needed, so we asked Patrick Mallucci, plastic surgeon and founder of prestigious London clinic Mallucci, for his thoughts.
What are “ballerina boobs” and why are they becoming popular?
“Ballerina boobs’ is a phrase being used on social media to describe a smaller, lighter and more delicate breast shape, often associated with a leaner physique and a very natural aesthetic. In many ways it reflects a wider shift we’re seeing in cosmetic surgery, where patients are moving away from exaggerated curves and towards proportions that feel harmonious with the rest of their body.
In clinic, patients increasingly use words like ‘natural’, ‘subtle’ and ‘undetectable’ when describing the result they want. Rather than chasing a particular cup size, the focus is now more on balance, proportion and how the breasts sit within the overall silhouette.”
© @dualipaWhat are the benefits of breast reduction procedures?
“Breast reduction surgery can have both physical and psychological benefits. For many women with larger breasts, issues such as back, neck and shoulder pain, difficulty exercising and problems finding clothing that fits comfortably can all have a significant impact on day-to-day life.
Reducing breast size can help alleviate those symptoms and allow patients to live a more active lifestyle. It can also create a breast shape that feels more proportionate to the body. When done well, the goal is not simply to make the breasts smaller, but to create a natural, balanced shape that enhances the patient’s overall proportions.”
© @francescahaywardWith the return of ‘heroin chic’ and people favouring increasingly thin body types, should we be concerned about the ballerina boob trend?
“As surgeons we should always be cautious about trends influencing decisions around surgery. Beauty ideals change constantly, and procedures should never be performed simply to follow what happens to be fashionable at the time. My view has always been that surgery should be bespoke to the individual.
What looks beautiful and balanced on one person may not suit another. The role of a responsible surgeon is to guide patients towards choices that work with their anatomy and long-term wellbeing, rather than trying to replicate a celebrity or social media trend.”
© Getty ImagesWhat should someone consider before getting a breast augmentation?
“Anyone considering breast augmentation should take time to think carefully about their motivations and expectations. The most important factors are safety, proportion and choosing a surgeon with the right qualifications and experience.
During consultation we look at the patient’s body shape, breast tissue and lifestyle to determine what will create the most harmonious result. Good surgery should enhance someone’s natural shape rather than overpower it. Ultimately, the aim is to achieve a result that looks natural, feels comfortable and will stand the test of time.”
