Gone are the days when breast surgery was restricted to only celebrities. With increasing awareness of aesthetic procedures and their availability has inspired men and women go under the knife. Women who wish to enhance the shape of their breasts or increase/decrease the size can get one of the procedures.
Breast surgery can be categorized into varied types. The two most common ones include:
- Breast Lift
What is it? – Natural aging process makes women lose shape and firmness of breasts. Loss of elasticity results in sagging breasts. It is difficult to maintain the desired youthful, upright position. Other causes include pregnancy, breast feeding, rapid weight gain, and weight loss. Referred to as Ptosis, sagging breasts can be effectively treated with Mastopexy (a breast lift). The procedure may also involve reduction of excessively large breasts, if desired. Loss of volume is corrected by breast augmentation. Asymmetries of breasts can also be improved.
The Process – Mastopexy surgeries are mainly performed in an accredited outpatient surgical facility. The patient is put under general anesthesia. Some surgeons may also give conscious sedation to patients using local anesthesia. There are many types of breast lift surgery offered. The decision is based on severity of ptosis (level of breast droop). Usually, incisions are made around the nipple areolar complex. Some are made under the middle of the breasts. In some cases, these may travel to the breast fold.
The Benefits – This surgery will help patient have lifted (higher) breasts and tighter breast envelop. This means the patient can feel skin tightness and better breast symmetry. Most women who had undergone breast lift surgery have experienced attractive breast shape and a youthful appearance.
Candidate – Women having sagging breasts and expecting to improve their breast shape are the best candidates for this surgery. It is important that the woman undergoing surgery is in good health sans underlying breast condition.
Healing and Recovery – Any discomfort after surgery can be controlled by local anesthesia and oral medications prescribed by the surgeon. Patient is given a compression garment or a soft bra to wear for several days after surgery. Since it is an outpatient procedure, the patient can go home within two hours after surgery. It is advisable to bring someone for stay in the hospital and take you home. Doctor will see the patient will be seen the following day. Most sutures used for surgery are internal and do not need to be removed. Patient can resume light activity within 7-10 days.
- Breast Reduction
What is it? – The surgery is designed in a fashion to reduce size of a woman’s breasts. Additionally, it might improve overall shape / appearance of the breast. Surgeons at gvplasticsurgery.com aim at balancing asymmetries of breast. Breast reduction surgery helps in treating some physical ailments such as shoulder, neck, and back pain usually experienced by many women with large breasts.
The Process – Performed within an accredited outpatient surgical hospital or facility under general anesthesia, or conscious sedation using with local anesthesia. The surgery is aimed at preserving breast tissue and maintaining a healthy supply of blood to the nipple-areola complex.
The Benefits – Surgeons create small, shapely breasts by removing skin in conjunction with fat and breast tissue. Another advantage is that the droop can be rectified by this surgery. It helps simultaneous uplift of the nipple areolar complex.
Candidate – Patients with large breasts and breast asymmetry are ideal clients for the surgery. Patients having realistic expectations about the procedure and ready to endure breast scars can go for the surgery. Those suffering with back pain, chronic neck and shoulder pain due to larger breast size can benefit from the procedure.
Recovery and Healing – Oral medications help control postoperative discomfort. Surgical drains can be removed once the surgeon gives green signal. In most cases, the drains are removed the day after surgery. Patient is given a special postoperative support bra. This should be worn for a few weeks.
Patient is supposed to visit the hospital for post-operative checkup. Most of the sutures are internal. It will take around 7-10 days to resume light activities.
