Russian breast implant market contends with price spikes and supply shifts
Plastic surgeon Georgy Chemyanov explained to socialbites.ca that a rapid shift in exchange rates and the withdrawal of many European and American implant manufacturers from the Russian market have driven the current boom in cost and demand for implants. The business climate has changed, but the medical community continues to adapt and proceed with care.
Experts note that Russian patients and clinics are navigating this period with resilience. As Aleksei Anisimov, PhD, head of the Aesthetic Surgery Department at the Klazko Clinic, observes, there hasn’t been a flood of new patients, but surgeries are not being canceled, and the essential materials remain available. “The clinic anticipated needs and secured supplies for several months ahead,” he explains.
Some patients chose to move forward with procedures sooner than planned, while a small number had surgeries postponed in March 2022. Overall, the volume has not spiked dramatically, but the timing mirrors the onset of the covid restrictions in spring 2020, with a sense of urgency among those seeking faster outcomes.
Will implants fail?
Chemyanov notes that the current situation is largely shaped by currency fluctuations and the logistics of importing implants. He emphasizes that all implants currently used in Russia are manufactured abroad, with major suppliers in the United States, Brazil, South Korea, and China. There is no direct ban on silicone implants, and no manufacturer has recalled its products, which keeps options on the table for surgeons and patients alike.
Anisimov describes price increases as moderate but points to a narrowing of available product ranges. Fewer options, especially for atypical cases, can complicate planning and the execution of complex augmentations. He adds that it is common for patients to offer upfront payment to lock in implant costs, yet his clinic does not accept such arrangements or require upfront fees.
Nadezhda Strelkova, another respected plastic surgeon, concedes that procurement difficulties are likely to persist. She cautions that using similar implants with only marginal size differences may no longer be the norm, and she hopes domestic manufacturers will sharpen their focus and expand offerings for local use.
What awaits the industry
Chemyanov predicts that implant prices will rise sharply, pushing up the cost of breast augmentation procedures. Other surgeries have seen price increases of 15–20 percent due to reduced consumable use, but breast augmentation presents more challenges and higher costs tied to implant inventories.
There is talk of a looming shortage of implant stock and a tighter set of working dimensions. Surgeons may have to choose from a smaller pool of products, rather than dozens of options, potentially pulling development backward toward early 2000s capabilities. This situation could prompt clinics to seek new suppliers and brands, with some considering entrants from China or Korea to cover demand and possibly expand market share.
Strelkova predicts a softer demand for augmentation as consumables remain scarce and service costs continue to rise. She foresees a shift away from elitism toward a more affordable segment, while highlighting that patients should be prepared for changes in service quality as the market adjusts.
Is there an alternative
In recent years, some patients have turned to fat grafting as an alternative to silicone implants for breast augmentation. Chemyanov points out that the results can look more natural and aesthetically pleasing in many cases. He notes the practical limits, acknowledging that the cost and availability of imported materials can influence decisions.: In some situations lipofilling may be used to add volume, particularly when other options are constrained, but it is not universally suitable as a substitute for implants.
Strelkova remains cautious, arguing that only high-quality, proven fat graft products can truly serve as a complementary approach, not a wholesale replacement for implants. Anisimov agrees that fat grafting has specific indications and must be applied with clear expectations and professional judgment.
Overall, the medical consensus suggests that breast implants remain a standard for achieving reliable results in cosmetic breast surgery. While fat grafting offers an alternative under certain conditions, it is not universally applicable and should be considered carefully by patients and surgeons alike.