Breast Augmentation (Enhancement)

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. A woman may decide
to have this procedure for a variety of reasons, including:

* To enhance her body contour if she feels her breast
   size is too small.
* To correct a reduction in breast size after pregnancy.
* To balance a difference in breast size.
* As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bust size by one or more bra cup sizes. Silicone gel implants and saline filled implants are available.  Most procedures are performed as an outpatient.

The method of inserting and positioning the implant will depend on the patient's anatomy and the surgeon's recommendations. The incision can be made either in the crease where the breast meets the chest, around the areola, or in the armpit. Working through the incision, the surgeon will lift the breast tissue and skin to create a pocket, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. The implants are then centered beneath the nipples.

Breast Lift

Pregnancy, nursing and gravity affect a woman's breasts over time. The skin may lose its elasticity causing the breasts to lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. With a breast lift, however, a woman's breasts may be brought back to their original beauty.
The best breast lift results are experienced by women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the result may not last as long for women with larger breasts. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and normally takes from two to four hours. Techniques vary, but a common one involves an anchor-shaped incision following the natural contour of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Breast Reduction

Besides discomfort, women with very large breasts may exp-
erience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessi-
ve weight. These can include neck and back pain, skin irritat-
ion,  skeletal deformities  and  breathing problems.  A breast
reduction  procedure  removes  fat, glandular tissue and skin
from the breasts making them smaller, lighter and firmer.
The goal  of  breast  reduction  surgery is to give the woman
smaller,better-shaped breasts in proportion to the rest of her
body.

Breast reduction should be performed on an outpatient basis. Techniques  vary, but the most common one involves
an anchor-shaped incision  that  circles  the  areola,  extends
downward and follows the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat and skin and then moves the nipple and areola into their new positions.  He or she then brings the skin  from both sides of the breast down and around the areola, shaping the new contour  of  the  breast.   Liposuction may be used to  remove excess fat from the armpit area.


Graphic Images / Courtesy of The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons