Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation with implants is the most common elective surgery in the world. Many patients have the surgery for cosmetic reasons, usually to increase the size or change the shape and size of the breast. Many women also have a breast augmentation as a reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy.

There are two types of breast implants: silicone and saline filled. There are many different shapes and sizes to choose from (such as round or teardrop), as well as the surface type (smooth or textured). You should discuss your goals with your doctor so you can identify which size and shape suits you best. Ultimately it’s about what you want and what is realistic.

Two breast implants are placed either under or over your chest muscles and entirely underneath the breast. The doctor will discuss with you where your scars will be.

Also available:

• Areolar reduction
• Inverted nipple / nipple reduction
• Gynecomastia (man boobs)

Breast reduction

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, reduces excess breast size, volume and weight along with lifting the breasts. There are many issues that come from having oversized breasts including:

• Physical pain in the neck, back or shoulders
• Fat necrosis – the depressions commonly seen in your shoulders from bra strap pressure
• Bad posture
• Skin irritation
• Skin infection under the breasts
• Trouble finding clothes or bras to fit
• Embarrassment and social awkwardness
• Intimacy issues
• Fear to partake in sports or social activities

The procedure involves removing the fat, skin and glandular tissue of the breast. Your nipples and areolas may also need repositioning depending on the position of the new breasts. A breast reduction is often combined with a breast lift, as larger breasts will often be associated with sagging and drooping and require some lift after they have been reduced.

Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in their quality of life immediately after breast reduction. They not only feel better physically but are able to wear new clothing for the first time and can participate in new activities and sports.

Revision breast augmentation

Revision breast augmentation corrects problems that result from a previous breast augmentation surgery or dissatisfaction from the results of a previous breast augmentation. Women may also seek revision breast augmentation because their personal cosmetic goals change. The other reasons you might consider this procedure include:

• Changing the size, shape or position of the breast implant
• Giving the breasts a more natural and symmetrical shape and feel
• Correcting capsular contracture that results from scar tissue around the implants
• Correcting a double bubble (a crease across the lower part of the breast giving the appearance of two breast mounds)
• Leaking or ruptured implants
• Hardening or rippling of implants
• Deflation of saline implants
• Dissatisfaction with a previous augmentation

Our doctors commonly see women who are unhappy with their current breast augmentation or had a surgery that did not meet their expectations. It is essential to communicate with your doctor so you can be sure to get the results you want.

A revision breast augmentation can be a more involved and difficult procedure than an initial breast augmentation, due mainly to the changes resulting from the initial operation. However, your doctor will discuss your concerns, expectations and desired results and give you some realistic advice on what can be achieved from a revision breast augmentation surgery. We will do everything we can to ensure the journey for your revisional breast surgery is smooth and successful.

Breast lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to improve the look of sagging or droopy breasts. This is an ideal procedure for improving:

• Sagging or droopy breasts that have lost their shape and “perkiness”
• Flatter, extended or longer shaped breasts
• Nipples that fall below your breast crease when unsupported
• Nipples and areolas that point down
• Stretched skin and enlarged areolas
• Uneven breasts where one is higher than the other
• Asymmetrical breasts where one is larger or a different shape than the other

Sagging breasts can affect a woman’s confidence but can also present physical issues such as swinging breasts, inability to find clothes that fit properly, reduced self-esteem and other issues.

A breast lift does not involve the insertion of an implant and is suitable for women who are happy with the size and volume of their breasts, but just want them lifted, raised or reshaped. When you undergo breast lift surgery, the surgeon will contour the breasts as the tissues are tightened and reshaped and extra skin is removed.

One of the most important things when planning a breast lift is to ensure your doctor understands exactly what you want to achieve. Considerations include the shape of your breasts, positioning of nipples and the size and appearance of the areola. Most doctors recommend waiting to have a breast lift until you have finished having children and breastfeeding, as otherwise you risk requiring a second lift later.