An Overview of Breast Enhancement

From implants to breast lifts, how breast enhancement works. If you’re unhappy with the size, shape, or saggy appearance of your breasts, you might be considering breast enhancement surgery. Or maybe you’re tired of the nagging back pain and postural issues caused by overly large breasts. You’ve probably heard the lingo: implants and lifts and reductions. You may have also heard conflicting information.

Here is a crash course to get you up to speed on the different procedures, and who they can benefit the most.

Breast Augmentation
To augment (or enlarge) the breasts, surgeons use implants. There are two main types of FDA-approved implants: saline implants and silicone implants (other types are currently under review, such as form stable implants). Both are made from a solid silicone, rubber shell; the shell is filled with either saline (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Women who opt for breast augmentation have usually been dissatisfied with the size of their breasts for some time, and are ready to make an investment in their appearance.

Breast Lift
A breast lift (called mastopexy) literally “lifts” the breasts or changes the shape of the breast. There are full breast lifts or modified breast lifts (depending on the look you want). Women who have nursed babies, or lost a significant amount of weight and don’t like the saggy look of their breasts, often opt for breast lifts, which move the breasts higher up on the chest, restoring a more youthful look.

Breast Reduction
Both women and men are candidates for breast reduction (or reduction mammoplasty). Men with gynecomastia, or non-breast feeding women who have too much breast tissue — causing overly large breasts and a feeling of being disproportional — often opt for this surgery. For both women and men, breast reduction can help reduce back pain and breathing problems. For women, breast lifts are sometimes performed along with breast reductions.

Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is available for women who have had a mastectomy or injury that involves the breasts. There are various techniques for breast reconstruction, including using the woman’s own tissue to recreate the breasts, or using tissue expansion implants. Depending on what procedure you choose, breast reconstruction can either be done at the same time as a mastectomy (single or double), or as a separate surgery.

Source: About Plastic Surgery