Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that involves placing either implants beneath or fat into the breasts to create larger, fuller breasts. This is a popular option for women who are unhappy with the size or shape of their breasts. This procedure is correct for you if:
- You want to increase the size of your breasts
- You want to restore volume to your breasts after weight loss or pregnancy
- You want to improve the symmetry of your breasts.
Breast Augmentation with Implants
The most common type of breast augmentation involves placing silicone or saline implants in the breasts. Implants are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures. Your surgeon will work with you to choose the right implant for your body type and desired results.
Types of Implants
There are two primary types of implants: saline and silicone. Silicone implants contain a cohesive silicone gel, while saline implants have sterile salt water.
Types of Incisions
The type of incision used for your breast augmentation will depend on several factors, including the type of implant being used, your body type, and the surgeon’s preference. The most common types of incisions are:
- Periareolar: made around the edge of the areola (the dark area around the nipple)
- Inframammary: made in the crease under the breast
- Transaxillary: made in the armpit, the incision will be hidden in a natural fold or crease to minimize scarring.
Breast Augmentation via Fat Transfer
This procedure may be correct for you if you want to avoid implants and have enough excess fat to harvest. This option involves taking fat from another part of your body — usually the thighs, abdomen, or flanks — and injecting it into the breasts. Fat transfer breast augmentation avoids the use of an implant and provides the added benefit of liposuction; however, the volume of the augmentation is limited by the amount of fat available.
Breast Lift
This procedure may be correct for you if your breasts have drooped or sagged due to age, weight loss, pregnancy, or nursing. A breast lift involves removing excess skin and tissue from the breasts and repositioning the breast tissue, areola, and nipple. Depending on your desired results, a breast lift can be done with or without implants. An “internal bra” made of resorbable mesh can be incorporated into the procedure in order to enhance the longevity of the results.
Breast Reduction
This may be right for you if you have large, heavy breasts that cause pain or other problems such as difficulty breathing, neck pain, or back pain. Breast reduction involves removing excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. This procedure also involves repositioning the breast tissue, nipple and areola. The amount of tissue removed depends on your desired results and your surgeon’s recommendation.
Consult With Your Doctor
During your consultation, you can discuss which combination of procedures will best suit your needs based on your goals. Whether you want a combination or just one procedure, you’ll be in good hands with Clareo. If you are considering breast augmentation or any of these procedures, contact our Boston plastic surgery practice today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. We will help you determine if breast surgery is right for you and develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
