Breast enhancement today looks a lot more natural than it did 10-15 years ago. In 2026, the focus isn’t just “bigger,” it’s softer, safer, and more customized to your body. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong and Dr. Kevin Lin use the latest techniques to help you get a natural shape that fits your frame, whether you want more fullness, a subtle boost, or reconstruction after breast cancer.
What are the latest breast enhancement options in 2026?
The biggest advancements in breast enhancement right now center around three main areas: New-generation silicone implants, mesh “internal bra” breast lift, and advanced fat grafting (fat transfer) to the breasts. These options can be used alone or combined in a hybrid approach, giving you more control over size, shape, and feel. The goal is simple: natural-looking results that hold up over time, with a strong focus on safety and patient comfort.
How are breast implants evolving in 2026?
Silicone implants have come a long way. One of the biggest updates is the new Mentor MemoryGel™ Enhance line of implants, which are FDA-approved and designed especially for women who need larger volume implants, often for reconstruction or revision surgery after mastectomy.
Key benefits of these new implants include:
- More size options, with volumes up to around 1445 cc for women who were previously limited by traditional implant ranges
- Improved gel cohesion, which helps implants keep their shape while still feeling soft
- More personalized base widths and projections, letting surgeons better match your chest width and body proportions
At our downtown Chicago clinic, Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin typically recommend implants that:
- Fit your frame and lifestyle
- Match your tissue quality and skin elasticity
- Aim for a balanced, proportional look, not an overdone result
While these larger-volume implants have opened doors for certain patients, many women in Chicago are still choosing smaller, more proportional sizes for a natural “this just fits me” look.
What is the mesh internal bra breast lift?
You may have heard of the “internal bra” or mesh bra technique. This isn’t a visible bra or an extra implant. It’s a supportive mesh placed inside the breast to act like an internal sling.
During breast augmentation, lift, or reduction, Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin places a specialized surgical mesh under the breast tissue and/or around the implant to help support the breast from the inside. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, we often use the GalaFLEX™ mesh scaffold, a bioabsorbable mesh designed to reinforce soft tissue during healing and provide long-term structural support as your own tissue grows into it.
This internal bra concept can help:
- Support the weight of the breast or implant so your skin isn’t doing all the work
- Reduce the risk of early sagging or “bottoming out” after surgery
- Maintain breast position and shape for a longer period
- Add extra support in revision cases or when the tissues are naturally weaker
At our Chicago practice, Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin may recommend a GalaFLEX internal bra if you:
- Have significant sagging and want a longer-lasting lift
- Are combining a breast lift with implants
- Have thin or stretched tissues from weight changes, pregnancy, or prior surgery
- Are undergoing a revision and need more reliable internal support
While mesh doesn’t eliminate all risks or guarantee you’ll never sag again, using a product like GalaFLEX can be a powerful tool to reinforce your own tissue, protect your result, and support a more stable, natural-looking outcome over time.
Fat graft to breast uses your own fat
Fat grafting to the breasts (also called autologous fat transfer) has become one of the most requested options for women who want:
- A subtle, natural increase in breast size
- Slight fullness in the upper pole
- Better symmetry
- Smoother edges around implants (hybrid augmentation)
Older techniques might see only 30-40% fat survival at one year. Newer methods are showing over 80% retention at 12 months in clinical studies.
How does fat grafting to breast work?
Liposuction is performed on areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs. The fat is purified and processed with advanced systems that remove oil, blood, and damaged cells. The purified fat is carefully injected into the breasts in small, layered passes to help it develop a blood supply and survive.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, Dr. Truong and Dr. Lin may recommend fat grafting:
- As a standalone option for a modest increase (usually about one cup size)
- As a hybrid procedure, combining implants plus fat for the most natural slope and softer edges
- To correct asymmetry or improve contour after reconstruction
What trends are shaping breast enhancement right now?
In our Chicago practice, we’re seeing several clear trends that line up with what’s happening nationwide:
- SmalleWomen are Wanting Smaller Breast Implantsr, more proportionate implants
- Combining implants + fat transfer + mesh support allows us to fine-tune shape, feel, and longevity
- Newer implant options are designed to reduce tissue stress, support better upper pole shape, and feel soft while holding form.
- Modern techniques emphasize shorter downtime, better pain management, and getting you back to work and daily life sooner, while still respecting your body’s healing needs.
All of this reflects a shift in expectations: breast enhancement should be safe, durable, and tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all operation.
FAQ: Breast enhancement techniques in 2026
Are the newest implants safer than older ones?
Modern implants go through extensive testing for safety and durability. Lines like Mentor MemoryGel™ Enhance have been studied in large clinical trials, including the ATHENA study, to evaluate safety and performance, especially at larger volumes. As with any medical device, there are risks, but newer implants are designed with better shell and gel technology than older generations.
Can I get a natural look with implants, or do I need fat transfer?
You can get a natural look with implants alone, especially when size and profile are chosen carefully for your frame. Fat transfer is a great add-on if you want softer edges, subtle fullness, or small corrections. Many women choose a hybrid approach for the most seamless result.
Who is a good candidate for a mesh internal bra?
A mesh internal bra is often used for women who have weaker tissues, significant sagging, large implants, or revision surgery. It’s not required for everyone, but it can add important internal support in more complex cases. Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will evaluate your tissue quality and explain whether mesh could improve your long-term result.
How do I know which breast enhancement option is right for me?
The best way is a personal consultation. Dr. Truong or Dr. Lin will examine your breasts, review your health history, talk through your goals to help you understand your options.
Schedule a Consultation with Top Rated Breast Surgeons in Chicago
If you’re thinking about breast enhancement in Chicago and want to find out which option is right for you, we’re here to guide you through your options.
Call our office (312) 846-1529 or request a consultation on our contact page.
