Cosmetic surgical enhancement of breasts aims to restore and modify undesirable breast size and shape as required by individual towards a perceived aesthetic ideal. Changes due to pregnancy, the effects of gravity and ageing can be reversed in most patients and more youthful breasts restored without altering natural appearance or function
Small, sagging or “empty” breats may be enlarged, filled and the shape improved by placing silicone gel implants under the breast tissue or the chest wall muscle.
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Sagging breasts of adequate size may be lifted and made firmer to improve breast shape and reduce stretched areolas without enlargement. This operation is often requested after pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss which leaves the breasts smaller, sagging and flaccid. Breast lift makes patients less bra dependant and improves fitting of underwear and clothing.
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Should one’s breasts be small, shapeless, droopy and if a fuller upper pole of the breast is required, a breast lift operation can be done in addition to implant placement to make the breasts firmer, fuller and to enhance the upper breast in the cleavage area. This combination procedure requires more operation time and combines the benefits but also the potential complications of both augmentation and breast lift.
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Large sagging breasts may be reduced in size and made firmer to produce a more proportionate size and improved breast shape.
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Enlarged male breast tissue may be removed by excision of glandular tissue through an incision around the areola and pectoral fat collections may be removed by liposuction.
Asymmetrical breasts may be corrected by various operations depending on breast size and extent of asymmetry. Breast implant placement, breast lift or reduction operations are often combined to correct the differences. Absence of breasts and absent chest wall muscles may be improved by placing implants or other reconstructive operations.
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The shape and size of the deformed breasts can be improved by a variety of operations which are highly individual depending on the particular breast deformity. Breast implant placement, breast lift or reduction operations and variations thereof are combined to restore the breasts to the best possible shape and size. Large, protruding nipples and areolae can be reduced in size and more natural proportions restored.
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Breast deformities left after various forms of breast cancer surgery may be reconstructed and restored to a natural appearing breast, matching the remaining one. As it is difficult to match a large, droopy or very small opposite breast by breast reconstructive procedures, the opposite breast often requires adjustment as part of the reconstruction as well in order to achieve a natural symmetrical result. Currently most breast reconstruction operations are started at the time of mastectomy if the cancer treatment will allow this.
Breast lift
The best operation option is decided on at consultation as different techniques are offered depending on breast size and patient requirements. Some techniques result in less scarring than others and we endeavor to leave the least scarring possible.
The operation usually requires general anaesthetic or conscious sedation and patients leave hospital in the evening or stay overnight depending on the extent of surgery and recovery from anaesthetic.
After the operation supportive bras are worn for 6 weeks and the scars are taped for 6 months to obtain the best possible result. Scars take 1 year to mature to pale soft lines. Recovery periods vary according to the extent of the operation but most patients are able to drive themselves for short distances in a comfortable vehicle after 7 days and return to work at 2 weeks postop. Arms may be lifted fully from 3 weeks onwards and strenuous physical activity and sport allowed after 6 weeks.