At some point in time, most women have thought deeply about their breasts, from trying to figure out if they have hit puberty to picking out a bra. Sometimes when picking out an outfit for any occasion, the breasts can be part of the final decision-making process. Although all body types are beautiful, sometimes a person sees room for improvement, and for women, the breasts are a trendy area for cosmetic surgery.
If a woman is unhappy with their breast size, shape, or the way they droop, there are two procedures to choose from. A breast enhancement, often referred to as a “boob job,” involves changing the size of your breasts through implants or a fat transfer. You can also use this procedure to restore breast volume or make any changes to the shape. Many women choose to undergo this procedure after pregnancy or weight reduction to have a more rounded shape or to improve symmetry.
When considering breast augmentation, you should think about the placement of the incision, implant size or shape, the type of implant, and the risks. The size of their breasts is usually the first thing women consider. When choosing the degree of augmentation, you should think about your chest wall shape, body form, and goals. The implant type will impact how your breast will look as well.
Silicone tends to be more expensive and requires a larger incision. They do, however, provide a more natural feel and are excellent for those with very little breast tissue. Saline implants are better for patients with ample breast tissue since it adds volume and shape without changing the feel of your breasts. After you decide on a size and type, you think about the incision. There are three standard incisions for breast augmentation with implants: inframammary, which is under the fold of the breast; periareolar, made around the nipple; and trans-axillary, or is in the armpit.
Breast augmentation also comes with its own risks, no matter how standard the procedure is. Various hazards include scar tissue that distorts the implant’s shape, breast pain, infection, changes in your nipple or sensation, and implant leakage or rupture. Talk to your surgeon about which area of incision is better for you, scarring, and if you are an ideal candidate compared to the risks.
A fat transfer augmentation involves fewer risks since a patient’s own fat is used instead of a foreign substance like silicone or saline. Still, many of the hazards common during any procedure are still present, like scarring, infection, and bruising, as well as more risks specific to liposuction like contour irregularities.
A breast lift, or more technically known as mastopexy, is performed to change the shape. This procedure is sought after by women and even men when breast sag or have nipples pointed downward. During this procedure, excess skin is removed, and the breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breast. A breast lift won’t change the size of your chest by much, but it can be combined with breast augmentation. Just like with breast augmentation, you have options for how this procedure is done. The three types of approaches are periareolar, vertical breast reduction, and inverted-T incisions.
Periareolar incisions approach follows the natural areola shape and is best for those who have large areolas and minimal correction needed. Vertical breast reduction incision follows the same path as the periareolar but extends directly down from the areola, which allows a more significant lift for moderate changes. Inverted-T incision approach follows the same path as the previous incisions mentioned, but it also includes an incision within the breast fold. Discuss with your surgeon the number of changes you wish to have done on your breast to understand which approach is best for you.
This procedure has risks similar to breast augmentation surgery, such as changes in your nipple or breast sensation. However, it comes with its own unique risks, which are fatty tissue found deep in the skin that might die. With each procedure, you should be informed about the advantages and disadvantages that are to be expected. This is all to help you to decide between the two to build your confidence and be happier with your breasts.