There are many options available to women who seek a change in the shape, volume or elevation of the breasts, and just as many reasons why patients choose a particular breast procedure. For many women, the choice is based on aesthetic preference. Other times, comfort, medical necessity or a disappointing initial surgery motivates the decision.
Below, experienced Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Charles S. Lee, MD reviews the most popular breast surgery choices: breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction and breast revision.
Breast Augmentation
Silicone or saline implants are used to add volume to breasts, improve their profile and correct any asymmetry that may exist. Saline is essentially salt water, and the silicone variety uses a gel that many patients report has a more natural feel.
The surgical technique used also varies. Dr. Lee usually makes the incisions around the areola (periareolar incision) or near the lower breast crease (inframammary incision). He has found these to give the best results.
Breast Lift
Some women are satisfied with the size of their breasts but wish they were less saggy or droopy. Breasts may sag due to pregnancy, significant fluctuations in weight or the natural effects of the aging process.
Breast lift rearranges the breast tissue higher on the chest in a more youthful contour. Excess skin is removed and low or downward-pointing nipples are returned to a perkier position. To improve both the size and the position of the breasts, breast lift can be combined with the placement of breast implants.
There are several techniques used to perform breast lift. A crescent lift is a popular choice for minor breast droopiness. A Benelli lift targets nipple asymmetry and minimal skin sagging. The lollipop lift is recommended for moderate sagging and nipples that have begun to stretch. The anchor lift is used for the most dramatic improvement, often in cases of pendulous breasts and severe sagging.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a welcome solution for the physical and psychological burdens of oversized, heavy breasts. Large breasts can lead to chronic neck and back pain, poor posture, embarrassment and shame. The weight of large breasts can also inhibit a woman from exercising or enjoying other physical activities comfortably.
Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat and skin to bring the breasts into proportion with the rest of the body. This improves or alleviates many of the troubles linked to large breasts. Breast reduction can also reduce the size of the areolas and reposition the nipple-areolar complexes higher on the breasts for a perkier profile.
Breast Revision
Breast revision becomes an imperative in cases where implants have lost integrity, drifted or caused changes in surrounding tissue. Breast revision is also an appropriate solution for women who are dissatisfied with the look or feel of their implants, or those who have health conditions (e.g., autoimmune disorders) that they believe are aggravated by the presence of implants.
To learn more about breast procedures, schedule a personal consultation with Charles S. Lee, MD by contacting the Beverly Hills office of Enhance® Medical Center today.
