Breast augmentation and uplift procedures are popular options for those looking to enhance breast shape, symmetry, and volume, especially after changes due to weight loss, pregnancy, or aging. Breast implants add volume to create a fuller, rounder shape, often in combination with a breast lift to achieve a more youthful and elevated appearance.
During breast augmentation, an incision is made, and implants are placed either beneath the muscle or directly behind the breast tissue, tailored to the patient’s anatomy and desired outcome. In a breast lift, excess skin is removed, and the tissue and nipple are repositioned, resulting in firmer, raised breasts without significantly changing breast size.
After surgery, patients can expect some swelling and discomfort, with final results visible within six months. Both procedures provide enhanced confidence and an improved, balanced silhouette.
BREAST IMPLANTS
Breast augmentation is a procedure which involves the use of breast implants to increase the breast volume generally after weightloss or pregnancy and aims achieving a rounder shape and improving the natural breast size and symetry.
Breast augmentation is usually performed together with breast uplift depending on the needs of the patient in order to achieve a fuller and lifted appearance.
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Incisions in breast augmentation may vary depending on the breast implant used, the desired augmentation size and the patient’s anatomy. They may be along the areolar edge or the fold under the breast. After the incision a pocket is formed and the implants are inserted either under the pectural muscle (submuscular placement) or directly behind the breast tissue over the pectoral muscle (subglandular placement). After the implant placement the surgery is terminated by closing the incisions.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
It may take a few months and sometimes up to several years for the incision lines made for breast augmentation to fade. Patients are adviced to wear a special bra after surgery that will help shape their breasts. The result can be seen in a few weeks when the swelling has reduced but it takes up to 6 months to see the final result.
RECOVERY
The patient should wear the support garment as recommended by the surgeon. Soreness and swelling may be experienced for a few weeks. The result can be seen in a few weeks when the swelling has reduced but it takes up to 6 months to see the final results.
Average Procedure Time: 1-2 Hours
Recovery Time: Back to work: 1 week; Strenuous activity: 4-6 weeks
Recommended Accommodation: 4 days
BREAST UPLIFT
There are several reasons why a breast uplift is necessary; genetic, age, having large breasts, pregnancy and breastfeeding, excessive weight loss, some sports. If your breasts are properly sized, but have a pendulous or saggy shape, lack firmness, if the areola and nipple have a downward projection, you may consider a breast uplift.
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
All types of breast lift surgery involve making an incision, removing excess skin, and repositioning the skin and nipple to create firm, raised breasts. The size and location of the incisions depends on the technique used for the surgery. The size of the areola can also be changed during the breast lift procedure.
Standard breast lift surgery is the most invasive type since it uses an anchor or keyhole incision that begins in the breast crease and extends around the areola. In concentric mastopexy, a less extensive incision is made just around the areola.
When a concentric mastopexy is performed, only a circular portion of tissue is removed from around the areola and the surrounding tissue is reattached. During the breast lift procedure, the size of the areola can also be changed.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
A breast uplift aims to remove excess skin, reshape breast tissue to improve its contour, reposition and potentially reshape or reduce the size of the areola and the nipples.
Breast lift surgery will not change the size of your breasts significantly.
RECOVERY
After a breast lift, they will be covered with a bandage and a post-op compression bra. Following breast lift surgery, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising. It may take 1-2 months for swelling to disappear completely.
Average Procedure Time: 2-3 Hours
Recovery Time: 1 – 2 weeks; Strenuous activity: 4 – 6 weeks
Recommended Accommodation: 5 days
BREAST REDUCTION
Mammaplasty or breast reduction is a procedure performed in order to reduce excess breast fat, skin and glandular tissue in order to achive a new breast size in proportion with the body of the patient. Although breast reduction is often performed to address medical problems, it can also be the choice of the patients are not satisfied with their breast size.
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of the excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. The remaining incision lines are visible and permanent scars, but are usually well hidden under swimsuits or bra. Incision options include:
After the incision is made, the nipple is repositioned. The areola is reduced by excising skin at the perimeter, if necessary. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast .
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting Your new breast size will help you relieve the pain and physical limitations you experienced before your breast reduction procedure.
RECOVERY
The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover.
Average Procedure Time: 3-4 Hours
Recovery Time: 1 – 2 weeks; Strenuous activity: 4-6 weeks
Recommended Accommodation: 5 days
MALE BREAST REMOVAL (GYNECOMASTIA)
Gynecomastia corresponds to abnormal and excessive development of breast tissue in male patients. Due to genetics, use of certain medications, or other unspecified reasons, some men develop the appearance of enlarged breasts. A male breast reduction is the most effective known treatment for gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts. This cosmetic surgery procedure removes excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a flatter, firmer and more masculine contour to the chest.
Why is it performed?
While losing weight can help reduce the appearance of male breasts for some men, often times there is excess glandular tissue as well, causing even very lean patients to notice enlarged breasts.
Male breast reduction is considered by patients who are not comfortable with the apearance of their chest and would like long lasting results in order to regain their self-confidence.
Involved risks?
Gynecomastia surgery risks include:
Reactions to tape, suture materials, anesthesia risks, bleeding (hematoma), blood clots, breast asymmetry, breast contour and shape irregularities, changes in nipple or breast sensation may be temporary or permanent, deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications, fat necrosis, fluid accumulation (seroma), infection, persistent pain, poor wound healing, possibility of revision surgery, unfavorable scarring.
How the procedure is performed? (Technique)
There are different techniques of male breast reduction:
Treating Gynecomastia with tissue excision
In severe cases of Gynecomastia Tissue excision is needed. The patients are usually eligible for breast reduction with tissue excision are the ones that have stretched and sagging skin around the breasts, this treatment allows the surgeon to remove a larger amount of excessive skin and glandular tissue.
How the procedure is performed? (Technique)
There are different techniques of male breast reduction:
Treating Gynecomastia with tissue excision
In severe cases of Gynecomastia Tissue excision is needed. The patients are usually eligible for breast reduction with tissue excision are the ones that have stretched and sagging skin around the breasts, this treatment allows the surgeon to remove a larger amount of excessive skin and glandular tissue.
Treating Gynecomastia with Liposuction
Liposuction is another less invasive technique of Male breast reduction which is performed under general anesthesia or by using local anesthesia with sedation, and involves small incisions on each side of the male breast. The excess fat or glandular tissue will be removed through these incisions sculpturing the male chest and giving it a natural look.
Pull-through technique
The Lateral Pull Through technique is an alternative to treatment of the large majority of patients with gynecomastia. In my experience it routinely includes traditional liposuction, ultrasonic assisted liposuction and direct excision all through a quarter inch incision placed on the side of the chest. It avoids the use of a lower peri areolar scar. Lateral Pull Through technique has a quick relatively easy recovery.
What to expect after surgery?
Male breast reduction results are meant to be permanent. The excess fat, glandular tissue and skin removed are gone for good. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight gain, steroid use, or certain medical conditions could result in a recurrence of gynecomastia. Additionally, drugs that influence testosterone levels could also affect your results. Patients feel ready to return to work within 1 week of surgery, and a gradual return to exercise is usually permitted after the first couple of weeks.
How is the recovery?
After gynecomastia surgery, you should notice an immediate improvement in the shape and appearance of your chest. While you may feel sore for a few days, pain is usually minimal. Your plastic surgeon will prescribe pain medication, antibiotic lotion, and antibiotic tablets. If you are given a compression garment, wear it. This will enhance your comfort and help your chest heal optimally.
While every patient’s healing process is unique, most patients feel ready to return to work just a few days after a male breast reduction, depending on the nature of their work. Some men experience a loss of sensation in the treated areas after a male breast reduction, but this is almost always temporary. Any loss of sensation should gradually return over the months following your procedure.
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or an unusual heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.
