Simone Biles’ recent decision to undergo breast augmentation has ignited discussion among medical experts about how the surgery could affect her ability to compete at the highest level should she pursue a return to the Olympics in 2028.
The 28-year-old gymnastics icon — widely regarded as the greatest of all time — has not ruled out competing in the Los Angeles Games, which would mark her fourth Olympic appearance. However, according to two leading plastic surgeons, the physical changes from the procedure could introduce new biomechanical challenges for the elite athlete.
Biles first revealed her new look in a bikini photo shared in July, later confirming in an October TikTok video and a November interview that she had undergone plastic surgery. “It’s just feeling good about yourself and loving yourself,” she said at the time.
Concerns Over Balance and Muscle Function
Dr. Millicent Rovelo, a double board-certified plastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, told RadarOnline.com that the size and placement of the implants could influence Biles’ performance, particularly in a sport as demanding as gymnastics.
“If she were not an elite athlete, the size of the implants themselves would not be an issue,” Dr. Rovelo explained. “The concern is how much more top-heavy it makes her frame, which could potentially alter her center of gravity.”
While Rovelo noted that an athlete of Biles’ caliber may be able to compensate for such changes, she emphasized that implant placement presents a more significant consideration. Biles confirmed she opted for subpectoral implants — positioned beneath the pectoralis muscle — a common choice for women with minimal body fat or natural breast tissue.
“The downside is that surgeons must partially detach the pectoralis muscle to place the implant,” Rovelo said. “For most people, even most athletes, this isn’t a big issue. But for someone competing at her level, full use of that muscle is critical for events like the uneven bars, tumbling, and vault.”
According to Rovelo, the surgery could require Biles to make adjustments in training and technique and may impact upper-body strength and power.
Experts Say Adaptation Is Possible
Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raffi Hovsepian also weighed in, noting that Biles’ implants appear “slightly large relative to her naturally petite, athletic frame.”
“From a purely biomechanical standpoint, a slightly smaller implant would have been the optimal choice to maintain her natural proportions and support maximal athletic performance,” Hovsepian said.
He added that larger implants could affect factors such as center of gravity, aerial rotation speed, balance, and transitions on the bars — all crucial elements in elite gymnastics.
Still, Hovsepian emphasized that a return to Olympic form is not out of the question. “Modern surgical techniques can minimize functional interference,” he said. “With proper conditioning, it is entirely possible for an athlete of her caliber to adapt if she chooses to return for the 2028 Games.”
Biles Shares Details of Her Surgery
Biles has been open about the procedure, revealing on TikTok that she underwent surgery on June 16 with Houston-based plastic surgeon Dr. Kriti Mohan. She said she received 310cc high-profile, extra-filled silicone implants placed under the muscle to achieve what she described as the “most natural look.”
“I’m 4’8”, 105 pounds. I also have very broad shoulders — they’re quite literally the biggest part of my body,” Biles explained.
She admitted she was initially alarmed by the results before the implants settled. “They were to my neck. I did freak out,” she recalled, adding that she briefly considered having them removed. “But now they’re perfect.”
As speculation continues about her competitive future, Biles has made it clear that any decision to return to the Olympic stage will be on her own terms — with experts agreeing that while the surgery presents new challenges, it does not necessarily close the door on another historic run.
