Breast Aesthetics Surgery

What is Breast Aesthetics?

Breast aesthetics refers to the appearance and symmetry of the breasts, often considered in terms of size, shape, and proportion relative to the rest of the body. Enhancing breast aesthetics can involve several types of surgical procedures, each designed to address specific concerns, such as increasing breast size, lifting sagging breasts, reducing overly large breasts, or reconstructing a breast after mastectomy. The goal is often to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced appearance.

What is Breast Aesthetics Surgery?

Breast aesthetics surgery, commonly referred to as cosmetic breast surgery, encompasses various surgical procedures aimed at improving the appearance, shape, and size of the breasts. These procedures can include breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, and breast reconstruction. Each type of surgery caters to specific aesthetic or functional needs and desires.

Breast Asymmetry

Breast asymmetry occurs when one breast is a different size or shape than the other. It is a common issue for many women, though the degree of asymmetry varies significantly. Mild differences are normal, but more pronounced asymmetry might affect how clothes fit or look and can be a source of self-consciousness. Surgery to correct breast asymmetry can involve several approaches depending on the nature and extent of the asymmetry, such as breast augmentation on one side, reduction on the larger breast, or a combination of procedures to achieve symmetry.

Who is Suitable for Breast Aesthetics Surgery?

Here are some common criteria that might make someone a suitable candidate:

Physical Health: Individuals should be physically healthy to undergo any surgical procedure. This includes having no active infections, untreated cancer, or serious illnesses that could impair healing or increase surgery risks.
Realistic Expectations: Patients must have realistic expectations about the outcomes of breast aesthetics surgery. While these procedures can enhance appearance and boost confidence, they won't achieve perfection.
Non-smokers: Smoking can significantly impair healing and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. Thus, non-smokers or those who can quit smoking well before and after the surgery are ideal candidates.
Stable Weight: Candidates should ideally be stable, as significant weight fluctuations after surgery can affect the surgical results.
Emotional Readiness: Psychological readiness and a strong support system are essential. Surgery can be a stressful experience, and it is important to have a realistic perspective on the recovery and outcome.

Benefits of Breast Aesthetics Surgery

The benefits of breast aesthetics surgery vary based on the type of procedure and the individual’s goals. Common benefits include:

Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence: Many women find that enhancing the appearance of their breasts helps them feel more confident and comfortable in their skin.
Better Proportioned Figure: Procedures like breast augmentation or reduction can help achieve a more balanced and proportionate body shape. This can make clothes fit better and improve overall body image.
Rejuvenation Post-Pregnancy and Aging: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and ageing can alter the shape and firmness of the breasts. Breast aesthetics surgery can restore a more youthful and uplifted appearance.
Physical Relief: For women with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can relieve physical discomfort such as back pain, neck pain, and skin irritation under the breast crease.
Symmetry Correction: Surgery can correct asymmetrical breasts, making them more symmetrical and even in appearance.
Reconstruction after Mastectomy: For those who have undergone mastectomy due to breast cancer, reconstructive breast surgery can help restore the look and feel of the breasts, significantly impacting emotional recovery.

Types of Breast Aesthetics Surgery

Lipofilling (Fat Transfer to Breast)

Lipofilling, or fat grafting to the breast, involves extracting fat through liposuction from one part of the body and then processing and reinjecting the fat into the breasts. This procedure is favoured by those who prefer a relatively smaller increase in breast size and seek a more natural alternative to implants. Benefits include contouring areas where fat is removed and enhancing the breasts naturally. However, multiple sessions may be required to achieve the desired results, and the body may reabsorb some of the injected fat over time.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is performed to reduce the size and weight of large breasts. This procedure can relieve physical symptoms such as back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of excessively large breasts. It involves the removal of excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin, resulting in smaller, lighter, and firmer breasts. This surgery not only aims to alleviate physical discomfort but also to improve the aesthetic appearance of the breasts, making them more proportionate to the body.

Nipple Inversion Correction

Nipple inversion occurs when the nipples retract inward into the breast rather than pointing outward. This condition can be congenital (present from birth) or develop later in life due to infections, inflammation, or previous surgeries. Correcting nipple inversion typically involves a minor surgical procedure in which fibrous bands causing the inversion are released, and the nipple is sutured in its proper position. The goal is to achieve a normal outward appearance while preserving nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed whenever possible.

Nipple Reconstruction

Nipple reconstruction is often the final step in breast reconstruction following mastectomy. The goal is to create a nipple and areola that resemble a natural nipple in size, shape, and colour. Techniques for nipple reconstruction include tissue grafting from other body parts, local flap techniques where small amounts of tissue are rearranged from the reconstructed breast, and medical tattooing to add colour and create the illusion of texture. This procedure plays a significant psychological role in recovery from breast cancer by completing the aesthetic appearance of the breast after major reconstructive surgery.

Excision of Accessory Breast Tissue

Accessory breast tissue, or polymastia, is a condition in which extra breast tissue develops along the milk line, extending from the armpits to the groyne. This tissue can appear under the arm, in the armpit, or near the groyne area. It might remain unnoticed until puberty, pregnancy, or weight gain when it becomes more prominent or symptomatic. Excision of accessory breast tissue is a surgical procedure to remove this excess tissue. This can help alleviate discomfort, irritation, and cosmetic concerns associated with the condition.

Preparation Before a Breast Aesthetics Surgery

Consultation: The first step is a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals, options, potential risks, and the expected outcomes of the surgery.
Medical Evaluation: Undergo a medical evaluation to check your health status. This may include blood tests and, in some cases, a baseline mammogram.
Medications: Inform your surgeon about all the medicines you are currently taking. You may need to adjust or stop certain medicines before surgery, particularly those that can increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can significantly impair your ability to heal. Patients are generally advised to quit smoking several weeks before and after surgery to avoid complications.
Arrange for Help: Organise help for the recovery period, such as someone to drive you home after the surgery and assist you for a few days if needed.
Pre-Surgery Instructions: Follow any specific instructions from your surgeon, which may include guidelines on eating, drinking, and which medications to avoid before surgery.

Breast Aesthetics Surgery Procedure

The specifics of the surgery depend on the type of procedure being performed, but generally, they include:

Anaesthesia: Most breast aesthetic surgeries require general anaesthesia, meaning you will be asleep during the procedure.
Incisions: Depending on the type of surgery, the surgeon will make incisions in predetermined locations. For instance, incisions may be around the areola, underneath the breast, or in the armpit.
Surgical Modifications: Depending on the surgery, the surgeon may insert implants, remove excess skin, lift the breast, reduce tissue, or perform any combination of these actions.
Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures, and in some cases, drains are placed to collect excess fluid. The chest area is then bandaged.

Breast Aesthetics Surgery Recovery Plan

Immediate Recovery: You will spend time in a recovery area where your health and vital signs will be monitored. You may experience pain, swelling, and bruising, which are managed with medications.
Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest. Keep your upper body elevated and avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects.
Pain Management: Take prescribed painkillers as directed to manage discomfort.
Wearing a Support Bra: As directed, wear a surgical support bra. This helps to minimise swelling and supports the breasts as they heal.
Activity Restrictions: Follow your surgeon’s advice regarding when to resume normal activities and exercise. Gradually increase your activity level based on your body’s tolerance.
Incision Care: Care for the incision site as instructed, which may include cleaning and applying ointments to avoid infection and promote healing.
Notice Symptoms: Look for signs of infection or complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or unusual discharge, and report them to your surgeon immediately.

Breast Aesthetics Surgery Prognosis

The prognosis for breast aesthetics surgery is typically very good. Most patients are satisfied with their outcomes, which include improved breast appearance, better body proportion, and enhanced self-esteem. However, the final results often depend on several factors, including the surgeon's skill, the specifics of the individual case, and how well the patient follows post-operative care instructions.