Breast surgeries have been the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the US for years. In 2013, there were over 268,000 breast surgeries performed in the US. The main purpose of breast surgery is to achieve the shape, size and look of breasts that patients desire. Generally patients inquire about surgery due to significant weight loss, heredity, pregnancy or simply due to aging. There are 6 different types of breast surgeries; Breast Augmentation, Breast Reduction for women, Breast Lift, Breast Asymmetry, Breast Reconstruction and Gynecomastia also know as Male Breast Reduction.
Also known as breast enhancement or breast enlargement allows for women to increase the size of her breasts with Silicone or Saline implants. Saline and Silicone come in different sizes and two main shapes, round and anatomical or tear-drop shape. Breast augmentation procedures take about 1.5 hours and is done on an outpatient basis. Patients are recommended to take 3 to 4 days off from work and most swelling will resolve after the first month. The final shape and size will show within 6 months.
Breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty removes excess fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts while also lifting their position on the chest wall. Women who have found that they have significant discomfort due to the size and weight of their breasts get a breast reduction. The breast reduction procedure takes between 2 to 4 hours and is generally done in a hospital or an outpatient facility. Both cases most patients are able to go home the same day. Patients are recommended to take a week off work and generally can resume normal physical activity after 4 weeks.
Breast Lift
Breast lift or Mastopexy restores the breast and nipple to its proper position on the chest wall. This procedure is great for patients that have sagging or lost breast shape and volume. The breast lift surgery takes about 2 to 3 hours and is also done on an outpatient basis. Mild to moderate swelling will occur for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Patients are recommended to take light walks the day after the surgery and can resume regular exercise 3 weeks after the procedure.
Breast Asymmetry
Breast Asymmetry is quite common and is done when a patient’s breasts differ in shape or size. Surgery with implants, reductions or lift procedures can be performed in conjunction with breast asymmetry procedures. Depending on the on the degree of complexity, the surgery can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. Light activity and showers are fine, however, heavy exercise and sexual activity is restricted for 2 weeks after surgery. In some cases, a second surgery may be necessary between 6 to 12 months after the first procedure.
This procedure generally is performed after or in conjunction with a mastectomy, which is the removal of breast tissue usually due to cancer. There are three different ways to reconstruct the breasts, one is implant reconstruction, TRAM Flap reconstruction and Latissimus Flap reconstruction. The TRAM Flap procedure involves taking fat and muscle from the lower abdomen to create a new breast. This procedure is popular because the TRAM Flap produces a more natural feel and appearance as well as the appearance of slimmer, flatter abdomen. The Latissimus Flap breast reconstruction the muscles and fat are taken from your back.
Gynecomastia or Male Breast Reduction
Male breast reconstruction is a procedure that is done when a man has excess breast tissue. The procedures can be performed by liposuction or by direct incision to remove fat and breast tissue. The breast reconstruction surgery can take 1 to 2 hours and is done on an outpatient basis. Patients are generally able to go back to work after a week, but are recommended not to engage in anything more than walking for up to 3 weeks.
Because our bodies are different, it is important to consult a local physician about what procedures are right for your goals.
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