"Patients these days don't want to look different, they just want to look better. They don't want to overdo it anymore," says cosmetic surgeon David Hidalgo.

Stevie Hatch, 38, from Orlando, first underwent cosmetic surgery at 18, increasing her breast size from an A to a D cup. 16 years later, she decided to have the implants removed.

"I no longer felt like I fit that look. Initially, I did it for myself, but I was also influenced by cultural standards and the male gaze. That size really didn't suit me," Hatch shared.

Working in sales, Hatch described the explant surgery as a "personal reconstruction." She explained that removing the implants wasn't about shame, but about rediscovering herself and returning to her natural body. She felt like she was "shedding an old layer of identity."

Hatch later shared her experience on TikTok and received numerous responses from women also considering breast implant removal.

Stevie Hatch (left) first had breast augmentation surgery at 18. Photo: *Stevie Hatch*

This trend has also reached celebrities. Sami Sheen, a 21-year-old OnlyFans model, had her breast implants removed this year due to health concerns.

Molly-Mae Hague, 26, a contestant on the UK's "Love Island," admitted, "If fillers were something that wasn't reversible, I would have potentially ruined my face completely."

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, 33, had her lip fillers dissolved last year. Singer Ariana Grande, 32, shared that she has been "4 years free of botox and fillers." She joked, "I hope my smile lines get deeper. I’m smiling more, and I’m loving aging."

Cosmetic surgeons and industry experts are seeing an increase in clients seeking breast implant removal and filler dissolving. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 1 in 5 women who get breast implants will need them removed within 10 years, and the rate is even higher for those who had breast reconstruction after breast cancer. This highlights that cosmetic implants are not a permanent solution and may lead to the need for reversal after some time.

Ariana Grande says she has been filler and botox-free for 4 years. Photo: *WWD*

While there are no detailed statistics on the ratio of filler dissolving to new filler injections, experts like Dr. Lanna Cheuck at Central Park South confirm that dissolving lip and cheek fillers is becoming increasingly common, signaling a new era in the aesthetics industry. This reflects a shift in the perception of beauty, where naturalness and balance are prioritized over artificial "perfection."

This trend is driven by several factors. Part of it stems from "filler fatigue," as many realize that excessive intervention has made their appearance unnatural. The influence of social media and celebrities also plays a significant role. Initially, social media may have promoted the pursuit of artificial beauty standards, but now, celebrities like Sami Sheen, Molly-Mae Hague, Olivia Culpo, and Ariana Grande are openly sharing their experiences of abandoning or minimizing cosmetic procedures, inspiring fans to embrace their natural beauty.

Moreover, consumers are increasingly concerned about health and safety, becoming more aware of the potential risks of cosmetic procedures. They want to regain a sense of confidence and comfort with their original bodies.

Shannon Wilson, 30, who lives in Jupiter, Florida, had breast implants in 2021. As a runner and soccer enthusiast, she found the implants made her feel heavy and reduced her athletic performance. Less than two years later, she decided to have them removed.

"I was very self-conscious. I absolutely hated how I looked with them. They were 5 pounds, they didn’t look good and they didn’t feel good. I feel confident now, and I feel great," Wilson said.

Thuc Linh (*NY Post*)