BREAST SURGERY

Breast Enlargement

General description
Breast enlargement, technically called enlargement mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the size and shape of female breasts.
Before undertaking this surgery, carefully think about your expectations and discuss them with your physician.

Benefits
Best candidates for surgery are women who want to improve their physical appearance.

Technical description
Procedure – Enlargement mammoplasty is a relatively safe surgery. Nevertheless, there are risks, like in any other surgical procedure.

Breast enlargement surgery might cause capsular contracture around the implant as a way for the organism to fight a foreign body. This capsule presses the implant, which causes the breast to harden. Capsular contracture can be treated in many ways. Sometimes it will be necessary to remove or open the capsule and other times the implant has to be replaced or taken out.

Health problems, like in any other type of surgery, might arise: excessive bleeding can cause pain and inflammation. If bleeding does not stop, the patient must be operated on to remove blood. A small percentage of women might develop infection around the implant. In these cases, the implant should be removed for several months until infection stops, and then, a new implant will be placed.

Some women experience increase or loss of sensibility around the nipples, but these symptoms usually disappear very fast. There is no evidence that breast enlargement affects fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding or that it can cause cancer.

Rupture could also occur. You should be aware of changes in shape and consistency. Like a consequence, the patient will be operated on to replace the implant.

Some women have experienced symptoms similar to the ones caused by diseases in the immune system, like scleroderma or other arthritic-related. These symptoms can include pain or swollen joints, fever, fatigue or breast pain. Scientific studies around the world have not shown a direct relationship between silicone implants and these alterations in the connective tissue.

In your first consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your physical condition and will explain the appropriate technique for you, taking into consideration your breasts and skin pigmentation.

Discuss your expectations with your physician. Be honest; let him know whether you smoke, take medication, vitamins or use any drugs. The plastic surgeon should also let you know the type of anesthesia needed, the facilities provided and cost. Since insurance companies do not consider breast enlargement a medically necessary procedure, they do not cover the costs.

Hospitalization – Breast enlargement is an ambulatory surgical procedure, so make sure someone goes with you to help you get home afterwards.

Breast Reduction

Benefits
Plastic surgery of this type is an option for women who have big and/or hanging breasts. Over time, bras can leave marks in women's shoulders that can cause health problems ranging from pain in the back and neck, skin irritation or even deformities in bones and respiratory problems. Besides, big breasts can make a woman feel uncomfortable about herself, something that could negatively affect her sense of security and self-worth.

Reduction mammoplasty is not a simple surgical procedure, nevertheless, risks are minimized if a qualified plastic surgeon performs the surgery.

Technical description
Procedure – Like in any other type of surgical intervention, there is the risk of complications; they, however, can be reduced if you carefully follow your physician's instructions both before and after surgery.
Breast reduction surgery leaves visible scars that can be hidden with the bra (smokers might have bigger scars). Some women also experience less sensibility in the nipples, but this will return to normal in a few weeks.

In your initial consultation you must be honest with your physician and go over your expectations with him. Your surgeon will evaluate your health, measure your breasts and decide which surgical procedure is best for you based on your age, breast size and shape and skin type. Your physician must carefully explain the procedure, possible risks, limitations, scars and new position of the nipple.

You also have to know the type of anesthesia required, the facilities the hospital has and costs.

The surgeon could request a mammography before surgery. He will advise you on food, beverages, cigarettes and whether you can take some vitamins or medication.

Breast Lift

General description
Cosmetic plastic surgery with implants can help you lift your breasts. Mastopexy is a surgical technique that aims to reshape and lift hanging breasts. If your breasts are small or have lost volume over time, implants (prosthesis) might be the solution since they give the breast shape and firmness.

Benefits
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and gravity affect women's breasts. When the skin looses elasticity, breasts might begin to hang, their shape and firmness disappear.
Ideal candidates for this procedure are women who have small and hanging breasts. This does not mean that women with larger breasts cannot be operated; nevertheless, because of gravity results are less permanent.

Technical description
Procedure – Even though there is no risk involved for breastfeeding, it is advised to postpone the procedure if you are considering having children.