Which Breast Procedure is Right for You?
Cosmetic breast surgery has never been more popular. With nearly half a million breast augmentations, lifts, and reductions performed last year alone, breast related surgeries account for more than a quarter of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. With so many different options available, understanding exactly what each of the types of breast surgery can do can be an excellent first step towards determining which cosmetic breast procedure is right for you.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery involves using breast implants to increase the size of your breasts or restore breast volume that has been lost after weight reduction or pregnancy. Breast implants are made up of a silicone elastomer shell filled with either sterilized saline solution or silicone gel and can be inserted under or over the pectoral muscles, depending on the specific needs and characteristics of the patient’s body. Breast augmentation can increase fullness and projection of the breasts, improve the balance of the figure, and in some cases enhance self-image and self-confidence.
Breast Lift
For women who would like to give their breasts a more lifted look, but are not interested in adding additional volume, a breast lift or mastopexy procedure may be the appropriate choice. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, aging, gravity, heredity, and/or weight loss can all cause the breasts to sag or droop to a lower position on the chest. By tightening the underlying muscles and removing excess skin, a breast lift can move the breasts to a higher position on the chest and give them a tighter, firmer appearance. Some women complement this procedure with an areolar reduction to reduce the size of the areola as well.
Breast Reduction
Women with disproportionately large breasts can suffer not only from self-consciousness and inconvenience, but also from physical complaints ranging from back and neck pain to improper posture and skeletal deformities. Breast reduction surgery is an excellent way to alleviate these difficulties and help a patient lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. Techniques for breast reduction can vary, so the specific procedure can be customized to address each patient’s individual requirements. Typically, excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are removed and then the nipple and areola can be moved to a more appropriate position.
Combination Cosmetic Procedures
Many women find that combining different breast procedures, a breast lift with a breast reduction for example, can give them exactly the look they want with reduced costs and shorter recovery times. One of the most popular combinations today is the mommy makeover, which typically includes a tummy tuck and liposuction along with a breast lift, reduction, or augmentation in order to restore a woman’s body after pregnancy and breast feeding. Because each patient is different and has been affected by pregnancy in different ways, every mommy makeover is unique. However, regardless of what specific procedures are involved, the ultimate goal of this combination procedure is to help a woman get back the body she once had.
If you are interested in learning more details about one of the procedures we perform at Atlanta Plastic Surgery, P.C., contact us at one of our Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, or Newnan offices to schedule a consultation. Additionally, we are proud to provide a variety of options for financing, including CareCreditSM and Alphaeon®, in order to assist you. Please contact us with any questions you may have concerning the financial planning of your procedure and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for the latest news.
