Breast Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Your new look will bring you greater freedom with fashion and may give your self image a boost as well. The breast augmentation can be done in conjunction with breast lifting if needed. Also, unevenness of the breasts can be improved with implants.

Women who choose to have breast augmentation surgery do so to improve their self image. Often women want the procedure to restore their natural breast volume, which may have decreased as a result of pregnancy, weight loss or aging.

Any one of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:

  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
  • Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breast.
  • After having children, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness.
  • Dresses that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline.
  • One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other.
  • You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form fitting top

In addition, there are several “musts” for anyone considering breast augmentation:

  • If you are a young woman, young breast development must be complete.
  • You must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure.
  • You must have the realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, not perfection

How is the breast augmentation performed?

The technique used for your surgery depends not only on your surgeon’s preferences, but also on your desired results. The incision is small and is usually made in one of two locations: underneath the breast just above the crease or around the lower edge of the areola.

Once the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle located below the breast tissue and above the chest wall. Breast augmentation is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the breast muscle in order to enlarge their size. Breast implants do not have an indefinite life span, regardless of type, and may eventually require replacement surgery.

 

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

In breast lift surgery, also called mastopexy, the breasts are raised, the nipples are repositioned and the areolas (the darker skin around the nipples) may be reduced in size. If you have lost breast volume over the years and you want to add more fullness, implants may be inserted during breast lift surgery to increase breast size.

Is a breast lift right for me?

A breast lift can be performed at any age but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may affect the size and shape of your breasts, so you may wish to postpone surgery until after having children. Still, many women elect to go forward with the surgery before having children, knowing that they can address any pregnancy-related changes later. The milk ducts and nipples typically are not affected during breast lift surgery, so usually the procedure will not alter your ability to breast-feed.

You may be a good candidate for breast lift surgery if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Breasts are pendulous, but are a size that is satisfactory to you
  • Breasts lack substance or firmness
  • Nipples and areolas point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

In many cases, women seek breast lift surgery to correct inherited traits or asymmetry – one breast may be firm and well-developed while the other is not. Breasts of any size can be lifted. However, the results are more long-lasting for women whose breasts are smaller and lighter.

How is a breast lift performed?

Your anatomy, your surgeon’s preferences and your desired results will determine the specific method chosen for your breast lift. A common method of breast lift surgery involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third is a horizontal incision beneath the breast that follows the natural curve of the breast crease. This is for very descended breast. Other options include incisions around the areola alone, or incisions in a “lollipop” shape.

After the surgeon has removed the excess breast skin and shaped the remaining breast tissue, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which is usually stretched out in sagging breasts, can also be reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. The nipple and areolas remain attached to the underlying mounds of tissue and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breast-feed.