Breast Surgery: More than just Breast Enhancement and Implants
If you say “breast surgery,” breast implants may be the first thing that comes to mind, but there’s much more to breast surgery than just implants. The plastic and reconstructive surgeons at Atlanta Plastic Surgery perform breast procedures on both women and men for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes. Whether the surgery is elective (i.e.- breast augmentation) or necessary (i.e.- breast reconstruction), our breast surgeons (Dr. Beegle, Dr. Elliott, Dr. Namnoum, Dr. Maske, and Dr. Williams) perform these procedures to enhance the body’s appearance and give the patient a more proportionate shape. Some common Atlanta breast procedures include: breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), breast reduction, male breast reduction, breast revision, and breast reconstruction.
Breast enhancement surgery utilizes the insertion of a breast implant to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Breast implants can be silicone or saline, anatomic or round, textured or smooth, or almost any combination of the listed descriptors. While the options may seem overwhelming, our surgeons can help you decide which breast implants will produce your desired results through a thoughtful consultation and discussion of any concerns.
A breast lift surgery (mastopexy) is a surgical procedure designed to reposition the breasts to a more youthful position. Pregnancy, weight loss, and the natural effects of aging can give breasts a sagging, deflated appearance. Our surgeons will trim excess skin and tissue, reposition the breast to more natural location, and then also reposition the areola. Women with smaller breasts can benefit from combining a breast lift with breast augmentation. Breast lifts are also commonly combined with liposuction and tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) as a component of mommy makeover surgery.
Breast reduction is a procedure in which excess fat, glandular tissue and skin is removed from the breasts of both men and women. After plastic surgeons reduce the breasts to the desired size, they reposition the nipple so that it remains in an esthetically pleasing location. If necessary, the areola can also be surgically reduced to match the newly reformed breasts.
Women with particularly large breasts (macromastia) commonly suffer from back and neck pain, embarrassment, poor posture, and even rashes from skin rubbing. Men with gynecomastia, or enlarged, excess breast tissue that is sometimes referred to as “man boobs”, often become self-conscious of their appearance. Both gynecomastia and macromastia can occur due to heredity, hormone imbalance, or weight gain. Regardless of the cause, breast reduction surgery can remedy the excess tissue and physical side effects it causes. Our surgeons understand the anatomical and aesthetic differences between men and women, and vary their breast reduction techniques to obtain the procedure’s established goals.
Breast revision surgery is for those women who have had breast enhancement, but have developed complications, desire a breast implant size change, or just aren’t satisfied with their current results. Breast revision surgery techniques vary depending upon the surgical requirements of the patient. Our Atlanta breast surgeons have specific methods for dealing with and preventing breast implant complications such as capsular contracture, implant deflation, and or implant shift/shape change. Finding the right surgeon for your breast surgery is important the first time, but it’s even more imperative to find the right breast revision surgeon to minimize further complications and scarring.
Breast cancer patients often elect to have breast reconstruction surgery after mastectomy. Our breast reconstruction surgeons strive to perform the best reconstructive surgeries possible, and fill the emotional and physical void often left after cancer treatment by attending seminars like the Atlanta Breast Surgery Symposium. Our last blog highlighted reconstructive procedures, including the TRAM flap, fat transfer, and reconstruction with a breast implant techniques that our Atlanta reconstructive surgeons employ.
For more information about breast procedures and breast surgery developments, visit our website. Our plastic surgeons, including Dr. Fernando Burstein, also provide other cosmetic surgery and reconstructive procedures, so go online to find out more. Keep reading our blog to stay up-to-date on plastic surgery news.
