Understanding Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift and Breast Reduction

Breasts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, just like the women who wear them. Aside from body positivity, embracing what you have naturally isn't always easy. Whether it's feeling insecure about their breast shape, disliking the way shirts fit, or having their breasts interfere with daily activities, chances are there's at least one aspect of their chest that some women dislike. 

Knowing what type of procedure is required for a specific situation can be difficult, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the concept of plastic surgery. 

Implant-Based Breast Augmentation 

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASP), breast augmentation is still the most popular plastic surgery procedure. In 2018, over 300,000 women chose this surgery. Breast augmentation with saline or silicone implants may be the best option for a woman whose primary goal for breast surgery is to enlarge her breasts. 

Many factors must be considered, including the size, type, and shape of the chosen implants, their placement in the chest (in front of the pectoral muscle, partially in front of the muscle, or behind the muscle), and the location of the incision. By assessing each woman's body shape, lifestyle, and overall goals, the plastic surgeon can assist her in making these decisions. 

Breast Augmentation with Fat Transfer 

Traditional breast implants might not be the best option for everyone. Fat transfer breast augmentation (also known as fat grafting, lipo-filling, or living fat transfer) is a great option for women who want a half-cup to full-cup increase in breast size. 

To remove small amounts of fat from stubborn pockets on the body, fat transfers use tumescent liposuction, a popular type of fat reduction surgery. This could be coming from the thighs, abdomen, or flanks. The fat is then purified and carefully re-injected into the patient's breasts in layers to sculpt the desired shape. 

Breast Lift 

Breast augmentations and fat transfers can increase the size of the breasts, but they cannot correct drooping or sagging issues. Age, gravity, weight fluctuations, and breastfeeding can cause the skin and tissue of once firm breasts to stretch out, causing the breasts to hang down rather than sit high on the chest. 

Women who have noticed that their breast skin is lax or that their nipples are pointing toward the floor and are positioned at or below the fold of the breast may benefit from a breast lift. The procedure entails making an incision in the breast, repositioning fat and other tissues, removing excess skin, and repositioning the nipple as needed. While this is a consistently effective plastic surgery procedure, with results visible almost immediately after the procedure, it does not prevent breasts from becoming saggy in the future if weight fluctuates or the skin's elasticity changes. 

As part of a lift procedure, many women will choose to add volume to their breasts with implants or their own fat. 

Breast Reduction Surgery 

Many women experience chronic back, shoulder, or neck pain as a result of larger, pendulous breasts. Some women may want to reduce the size of their breasts to relieve physical discomfort or to make them appear more proportional to the rest of their body. Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is the removal of excess fat, tissue, and skin from the breasts through incisions, liposuction, and the removal of other tissue. 

Women considering any of these breast surgery options are encouraged to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to get answers to their questions and learn more about their procedure of choice.