A cosmetic surgery that uses breast implants to change the volume and shape of a woman’s breasts is called a breast augmentation. Some people call it a breast enlargement, and some mistakenly refer to it as a breast lift. They are different procedures so let’s define each one to understand what a breast augmentation really is.
Understand that a breast augmentation and a breast enlargement are not exactly the same thing. Some women will opt to get implants for larger breasts during an augmentation, but many want to simply get back the fullness and shape they had pre-pregnancy, after breastfeeding or after losing a lot of weight.
If your natural breasts have excess skin from being stretched or are sagging, the implants might be able to correct the problem. However, if the skin is too loose, a breast lift might also be needed to achieve the desired outcome. A breast lift is surgical procedure where the entire breast, the areola/nipple complex, or both are “lifted” to a higher position on the chest. There are many variations of breast lifts, depending on the amount of lift, size of breasts prior to surgery, and type of incision. But breast lifts do not require the use of breast implants. That is often a confusing point to women.
Breast reconstruction is actually a series of procedures designed to help women who have had a mastectomy or partial breast removal as an effect of cancer treatment. There is no one technique that is right for every woman. In some procedures, a tissue expansion is used to stretch the skin using an inflatable device beneath the chest muscle. Once the skin is stretched, a permanent implant can be placed in the breast to restore its shape. Alternatively, a flap reconstruction can be performed by using chest tissue or donor tissue from the thigh, buttocks or abdomen which is relocated to the chest area. If only one breast was affected by cancer, a breast implant, breast reduction, or breast lift may also be used on the other breast to achieve an balanced look.
If you decide that breast augmentation is right for you, you will still face many other decisions. You will need to choose between silicone and saline implants. Then you will need to decide if you want smooth or textured implants. Next, you’ll have to pick the size and shape of your implants. Then you’ll have to choose the implant profile, or what distance it will project off the chest wall. You still won’t be finished. Then you have to choose whether you want the implants below or above the muscle tissue. Finally, decide which manufacturer’s implants you want to use.
It might seem overwhelming, but your surgeon will be able to explain the pros and cons of each choice. It’s his or her job to help educate you before you move forward with a procedure that will affect you for the rest of your life.
Want to find out more about breast augmentation? Contact Dr. Joseph Cannova to schedule a consultation.