Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure used
to increase the size and/or alter the shape of
a woman's breasts through the use of an artificial
implant. Women may choose to have this operation
either as a reconstructive technique following
breast surgery, to balance different sized breasts,
or to enhance the contours of the body. Whatever
the specific purpose, women who undergo breast
augmentation can expect larger, firmer, and more
visually satisfying breasts.
The Surgery
The surgery begins with an incision, made either
in the crease of the breast, the armpit, or the
perimeter of the areola (the dark skin surrounding
the nipple). The placement of the incision will
vary according to body type and the specifics
of each procedure. The surgeon enters through
the incision and creates a pocket, either underneath
the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle.
The implant is placed in either location, centered
directly behind the nipple. Finally, the original
incision is sutured.
After Surgery
Once the incisions have been closed and taped,
the breasts are wrapped and supported by a gauze
bandage. Patients are fitted with a surgical bra
that provides support for up to several weeks.
Postoperative fatigue, soreness, and discomfort
may be greatly reduced through medication. Swelling
gradually subsides and becomes undetectable in
a month's time. Stitches are removed within seven
to ten days.
Over time, the natural aging process can cause
a woman's breasts to sag and lose their shape.
A breast lift, or mastoplexy, is a surgical procedure
that reshapes and cosmetically alters a woman's
breasts. After the procedure, women can expect
firmer, more shapely and youthful looking breasts.
The Surgery
In the most common procedure, the surgeon makes
an anchor shaped incision along the natural contour
of the breast. Working through this incision,
the surgeon sculpts the skin and tissue and repositions
the nipple to give the breast a new and youthful
appearance. To finish the firming and shaping,
the skin is pulled snugly around the new nipple
and the surgeon stitches the incision. A mastoplexy
can be performed using either a local or general
anesthesia and is usually done on an outpatient
basis.
Alternative Procedures
A "doughnut mastoplexy" can also be
performed, which requires less tissue removal
and involves a much quicker recovery time. In
this procedure, the surgeon executes a circular
incision around the areola, and a doughnut shaped
area of skin is removed.
After Surgery
Once the surgery is completed, the incisions are
dressed in gauze and the breasts are wrapped in
an elastic bandage. In a day or two, the bandage
is replaced with a fitted surgical bra. Patients
may be bruised and swollen, although medication
eases much of the discomfort. Patients can expect
to have their stitches removed and return to work
quickly, within one to two weeks.
Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is
designed for women who experience medical problems
due to uncomfortable breasts. Problems may include
back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal
deformities, and breathing problems. Although
the procedure is typically used to alleviate medical
problems, it can also help women who feel self-conscious
about the size of their breasts.
The Surgery
The most common procedure involves the surgeon
making an anchor-shaped incision around the dark
area of the nipple (areola). This incision is
then extended downward, following the natural
curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon
removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin
and adjusts the nipple to its new position. The
skin from each side is pulled down and around
the areola, thereby reshaping the breast. The
surgeon then stitches the incision, always aiming
for the least amount of scarring. In certain cases,
the vertical part of the scar can be eliminated.
It should be noted that smoking prior to or following
surgery increases the visibility of scarring.
Stitches are usually removed in one to three week's
time. A breast reduction is performed in a hospital,
usually requiring a two to three day stay. The
procedure itself takes between two and four hours
and is done under a general anesthetic.
After Surgery
Once the surgery is complete, an elastic bandage
or surgical bra wraps the breasts to provide comfort
and support. The bandage is removed within a few
days while the surgical bra stay on until the
bruising and swelling subsides (up to several
weeks). A small tube may be placed in each breast
to drain excessive fluids. Patients may experience
minor pain in the days following the surgery,
although this subsides in seven to ten days. Most
women can return to work after two weeks.
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