For many women, the appearance of their breasts is deeply connected to their positive body image. If the breasts have changed over time due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing, rapid weight fluctuations, or are out of proportion, breast surgery is a way to enhance or reshape their breasts.
Advancements in the field of breast plastic surgery now offer women more options than ever before to improve breast concerns. Breast augmentation, breast lifts, reductions, and refinements can all help achieve breast contour. Precision techniques like fat grafting can provide better cleavage with the use of own body fat for a subtle to more noticeable look. The latest surgical methods are also safer and longer-lasting than past procedures. Working closely with plastic surgeons, women can decide which procedure best aligns with their specific goals to enjoy their desired natural look.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, sometimes referred to as a “boob job,” is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed everywhere in the world. During this surgery, implants are placed under the breast tissue or chest muscle to increase breast size. The two main types of implants used are silicone and saline. Silicone implants have a silicone outer shell filled with a viscous silicone gel. Saline implants have a silicone shell filled with sterile saltwater. Patients tend to choose silicone for a more natural look and feel, while saline provides a little more firmness. The size and shape of implants are customised to the patient’s body and desired results.
Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and reshaping breast tissue. This surgery helps restore a more youthful breast contour for women who have sagging breasts due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, genetics, or ageing. During a lift, the nipple and areola are repositioned higher on the breast. Excess skin is removed, and underlying breast tissue is tightened. A breast lift may be done alone or combined with implants for optimal reshaping.
Breast Reduction
For women suffering from overly large, heavy breasts, a breast reduction surgically reduces breast size while lifting and contouring the shape. Removing excess fat, tissue, and skin lightens the weight carried on the back and shoulders, providing major relief. At the same time, going down in cup size gives the body a better proportion. One long vertical incision is made from the bottom of the areola to the crease under the breast, along with a circular incision around the areola border. Recovery time is 6 weeks or longer due to extensive internal healing required.
Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
A more natural alternative to implants is fat-transfer breast augmentation. One’s own body fat is harvested from places like the thighs or abdomen using liposuction. The refined fat cells are carefully injected into multiple areas of the breast to enhance size and shape. This safe, effective procedure lasts over a year as the body integrates the transferred fat into existing breast tissue. Most patients resume normal activity in a few days, with gradual improvement over 8-12 weeks.
Nipple Reduction
Some women are born with nipples that are overly large or sometimes inverted, leading to both aesthetic concerns and functional problems. In a simple procedure usually done under local anaesthesia, the nipple is reshaped to neatly fit in better proportion to the breast.
The Bottom Line
Breast surgery offers women an array of options to improve the aesthetics of their breasts. Whether seeking a dramatic enhancement with implants or a modest improvement through a lift or nipple procedure, patients can work with their plastic surgeon to decide which procedure best meets their goals. Being well-informed about the most popular breast surgeries currently performed can help women make the most empowered decision.