Russian women are listing used breast implants on second-hand retail websites, with some describing them as only "slightly used," as the country's economy struggles under Western sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. According to Russian news outlet BAZA, which posts on Telegram, online retail and classified advertisement websites in Russia have seen a significant increase in such listings as women seek to raise funds during the economic downturn.
Implants Sold at Deep Discounts
Several sellers have posted their implants online, offering reasons for removal such as giving birth, dissatisfaction with results, or pain. One woman reportedly described her implants as: "Slightly used. I only wore them for a year." Other explanations include "I gave birth," "It became unattractive," "My body started to hurt," and "I want to recover at least some of the money I spent on the operation," according to the Telegram post via Oddity Central.
Used implants are priced at around three to four times less than their original cost. For example, one pair that originally cost about 140,000 roubles (£1,300) was advertised for 35,000 roubles (£325). Another set of Motiva implants, originally worth about 200,000 roubles (£1,850), was listed for 30,000 roubles (£280).
Decline in Plastic Surgery and Economic Pressures
The trend correlates with a decrease in plastic surgery in Russia, particularly breast augmentation, which has fallen by around 40% over the past decade. Russia relies almost entirely on imported breast implants, and Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine have disrupted supplies and driven up prices. Reports indicate that the country has since begun developing its own domestic silicone implant industry.
More broadly, the war in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions have caused the Russian economy to slide into free fall, with fuel prices skyrocketing. Some experts predict a total collapse, and even the chief of Russia's central bank has voiced serious concerns, cautioning there might be "big problems" within "months."
