There are several different surgical breast enhancement options women can choose from, but it’s not always easy to decide on which procedure (or combination of procedures!) is best for your specific needs.
Of course, you probably already know if you need a breast augmentation or a breast reduction, but have you considered other options, like a breast lift? Do you know what you want the results to look like, but you’re not sure how to get them? If that’s the case, read on for a quick rundown of the most popular breast procedures to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Breast Augmentation
Women who have small chests often feel self-conscious or unhappy with their appearance. That’s why the most popular breast-enhancing procedure in the United States continues to be breast augmentation, year after year. Not only does breast augmentation increase the size of the bosom, but it can also balance out breasts that appear asymmetrical or out of natural alignment.
Breast augmentation surgery involves the use of synthetic implants to enlarge and increase the volume of the breasts. The most common implants are made from silicone gel or saline. Silicone implants are the most popular, but saline implants are the most affordable.
Silicone implants are made from a silicone shell which is then filled with silicone gel. While saline implants are also made from a silicone shell, they are filled with sterile saline (saltwater) solution.
In general, silicone gel implants tend to look more natural than saline, but it isn’t easy to detect a leak in a silicone implant should implant rupture occur. One solution to this problem is the newer “gummy bear” implant type, which is made from a firmer silicone. Because it is so much firmer than the average silicone gel, there is next to no folding or wrinkling of the breasts, which also means that they are less likely to rupture.
Breast Reduction
A reduction in breast size is also considered to be a type of breast enhancement. Some women struggle with overly-large breasts that have swollen due to childbirth or breastfeeding. Others may suffer from leftover skin after massive weight loss.
However, most women who elect to have a reduction have been “over-blessed” in the chest area and want to look and feel better, since a heavy bosom is known to heavily affect the back, neck, and shoulders. A breast reduction can also improve the shape of the breasts and make everyday activities like exercise more comfortable.
Breast Lifts
Breast lifts are not frequently performed on their own but are more often done in conjunction with either an augmentation or a reduction. The surgery is performed to correct shifts and sagging in the breast tissue due to aging or pregnancy and breastfeeding, which can make a woman appear older and out-of-shape. The procedure lifts and reshapes the breasts so they look perky and youthful again. Excess skin and tissue are often removed to create the ideal breast shape and position.
Breast Lift and Augmentation Combination
Breast augmentation and breast lift are often performed together. Since a lift is designed to make the breasts appear more rounded, perky, and youthful, it goes without saying that the procedure can only serve to enhance the results of augmentation surgery. This is a very popular combination for women who are interested in a “Mommy Makeover” after having children.
Breast Implant Revision
An implant revision is a procedure that is designed to correct or change the outcome of a previous augmentation surgery. Generally, breast implant revision is performed when the original augmentation surgery went wrong, an implant failed, or the increase in size is no longer needed or wanted. In many cases, however, a woman may actually want to increase the size of her breasts further and will need her implants removed and replaced.
Breast Explant Surgery
Breast explantation is basically the removal of a previous implant to give a woman’s breasts the same appearance as they had prior to the augmentation surgery. This is most often done because the patient has simply changed her mind.
Breast Reconstruction
A reconstruction procedure is performed after the breasts have experienced trauma, such as an accident or mastectomy. The procedure is done to fix the breasts and to try to mold them back into a more natural shape. By allowing the doctor to reconstruct the bosom, the surgery helps to restore the patient’s self-esteem while giving her back her dignity.
Your Ideal Breast Enhancement
Each of these breast surgeries exists for different reasons. If you want to enhance your breasts, but aren’t exactly sure which procedure is best for you, it’s a good idea to consult with a plastic surgeon.
When you’re ready to discuss your options, come see us at the Aesthetic Surgery Center and sit down with experienced plastic surgeon Dr. William Ross. He will be more than happy to recommend a custom treatment plan for your breast enhancement and assess your candidacy. Give us a call at (239) 594-9100 to schedule a consultation at our Naples, Florida office or our Marco Island, Florida location.