I am so pleased with the outcome of my breast augmentation procedure with Restivo Plastic Surgery. From the moment I met Dr Terry I was very comfortable. She answered my questions and addressed any concerns I had with patience and understanding. My requests and personal preferences were respected and heard. The fabulous results are a reflection of the care Dr Restivo took with me and with my unique situation. I fully trust her experience and knowledge combined with her compassion and dedication to help each individual acquire their goal and optimum level of self confidence.

V.R.

What Is Ballerina Breast Augmentation?

Ballerina breast augmentation is an implant approach built around restraint. The goal is a modest gain in volume and shape that looks natural, not a dramatic change. Dr. Restivo uses the term "ballerina breasts" for the petite, graceful, natural-looking results she is known for creating.
Key features of the approach include:

  • Smaller, modest-volume implants suited to a narrow or athletic frame
  • Implant width matched to your chest width
  • Profile and placement chosen for a natural look
  • Planning around your lifestyle and wardrobe
Woman standing on the beach

Why Did Dr. Restivo Develop Her Ballerina Breast Approach?

Dr. Restivo's ballerina approach grew out of her own breast augmentation, which she had long before becoming a plastic surgeon. Her implants were too wide for her frame, larger than she wanted, and placed beneath the muscle, which caused an animation deformity.
In her words: "I remember going home after surgery and feeling heartbroken when my favorite clothes no longer fit or looked the way I had hoped."
That experience shaped how she cares for patients today. Dr. Restivo takes time to discuss implant size, width, profile, placement, lifestyle, and the possibility of animation deformity. Patients are closely involved in every step of the selection and preoperative planning process.

Why Is the Ballerina Breast Trend Growing?

Many patients now ask for smaller implants that move naturally, fit well in tailored clothing, and do not draw attention. Many Maui patients also want a look that works with swimwear, yoga, and surfing.
Dr. Restivo plans breast augmentation in Maui with conservative sizing as a starting point. The ballerina approach reflects how she works.

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How Does Dr. Restivo Choose Precise Implant Sizing?

Sizing is based on your anatomy, not a target cup size. Dr. Restivo evaluates:

  • Chest width
  • Implant width and profile
  • Implant placement
  • Tissue quality and thickness
  • Overall body frame
  • Lifestyle and activity level
  • How you want clothing to fit
flower blooming

Why Does Precision Matter With Smaller Implants?

On a petite frame, a small difference in volume noticeably changes the result. Implants that are too wide for the chest can overwhelm a narrow frame, and minor errors in sizing or placement are easier to see.
Dr. Restivo completed a general surgery residency at UCSF East Bay and a plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. That training supports careful tissue assessment and implant selection.

What Is Animation Deformity, and How Is It Addressed in Planning?

Breast deformity is a visible movement or distortion of the breast when the chest muscles flex. It is a known complication of implants placed under the muscle.
Dr. Restivo experienced it firsthand. Before surgery, she reviews implant placement and the possibility of animation deformity with each patient, so the decision is made with full information.

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Can You Test-Drive Implant Sizes at Home Before Breast Augmentation Surgery?

Yes. Dr. Restivo's patients can test-drive their proposed implant size at home, seeing how it feels and looks in their own clothing. Bathing suits are an important part of that check here on Maui.
Test-driving a size lets you:

  • Check fit in tops, dresses, and swimwear
  • Notice how the volume feels in daily life
  • Show exactly what "natural" means to you
  • Feel confident in your size before surgery

Why Does Test-Driving Set This Practice Apart?

Choosing from a number or a photo leaves room for surprise. Trying a size on your own frame replaces guesswork with a clear picture.
This step is a core part of Dr. Restivo's approach to breast augmentation. Having been a patient whose clothes no longer fit after surgery, she knows how much it matters that the final result matches what you pictured.

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What Are the Risks of Smaller Breast Implants?


All breast augmentation carries risks, including:


Rippling can be more visible when there is little natural tissue, so implant choice and placement matter. Breast implants are also not lifetime devices. The FDA requires a boxed warning and a patient decision checklist for breast implants, and your consultation covers these topics in detail.

What Are the Alternatives to Breast Implants?

Implants are not the only option. Depending on your goals, Dr. Restivo may discuss:

  • Breast lift to reshape and raise breasts without adding volume
  • Fat transfer for subtle volume using your own tissue
  • Motiva breast implants as one implant option
  • A mommy makeover when breast surgery is combined with body contouring
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Why Choose Dr. Restivo for Ballerina Breast Augmentation in Maui?

Dr. Terry Restivo is a board-eligible plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She is Hawaii's only female plastic surgeon offering comprehensive face and body procedures, and she leads a female-owned boutique practice in Wailea.
Her recommendations focus on anatomy, proportion, and honest guidance rather than trends or pressure. She holds privileges at Maui Memorial Medical Center. Review before-and-after breast augmentation results to see her approach to natural proportion.
Dr. Restivo's goal is for every patient to feel beautiful, comfortable, and still like herself after surgery. Her own experience taught her how important thoughtful planning and truly listening to the patient can be, and she is proud of the high satisfaction her breast augmentation patients have reported.
A consultation is where you plan your results together. Patients traveling from other islands or the mainland can review the destination surgery page. Schedule your consultation to start planning your breast augmentation.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Outcomes, risks, and suitability vary from patient to patient.


Sources


Rerouting of the pectoralis major muscle for breast animation deformity in sub-pectoral autologous breast reconstruction: A case report and review of the literature (PubMed Central)

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