Types of Breast Surgery Procedures

Types of Breast Surgery Procedures : Breast surgery, also known as mammoplasty, is a cosmetic operation that aims to enhance the female breast. Augmentation is done for various reasons such as enhancing contours, shape, and size; to name a few. Some individuals feel their breasts are not big enough. Others aim to retain a firm appearance post pregnancy. The breast surgery population has grown significantly last decade. One of the reasons for this is the versatility of breast surgery.

Primarily through the use of implants, board-certified surgeons assist their patients achieve personal body goals. The implants most-used in these procedures are made from silicon, saline, or a combination. Common incision locations for breast surgery procedures are areola, lower breast, and armpit. The incision site will be contingent on the specific surgery you get. Becoming familiar with different types of breast surgeries and reasons for getting them can guide you to the procedure best-suited for your situation.

Breast reduction

Reduction mammoplasty, also known as breast reduction, is a plastic surgery procedure for decreasing larger breasts. During this procedure, there is a corrective vitality consideration. This is because the nipple is highly-sensitive. A board-certified surgeon will take the appropriate steps to ensure areola tissue viability remains optimal after surgery. Women typically choose to get a breast reduction for benefits that are mental, aesthetic, and physical.

Reasons for breast reduction

Beast hypertrophy is a medical condition the affects the breast connective tissue. As a result of abnormal tissue growth, the breasts grow excessively big. There are mild, moderate, and severe types of hypertrophy. This condition can present symptoms and complications such as chronic pain in the shoulders, head, neck, and back. More severe issues from breast hypertrophy includes shortness of breath, poor blood circulation, and skin chafing.

Potential breast reduction complications

Issues rarely-known to occur post -surgery are hematoma, wound infection, and seroma. Studies reveal that less than 7% of individuals who get a breast reduction have postoperative complications. Post-surgery issues are higher in people who smoke tobacco.

Breast reconstruction

This type of breast surgery procedure is most common among individuals who have undergone a mastectomy (breast removal) due to breast cancer. An individual will opt for removal of pectoral muscle(s) to prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other areas of the body. Following breast removal surgery, patients often choose to follow up with breast reconstruction. This allows for contour, shape, and appearance enhancements of the breast(s); that were altered due to mastectomy.

The main goal for breast reconstruction is to redesign breast muscle and tissue according to the treatment plan created by patient and surgeon. This procedure also involves reconstruction of the nipple and areola.

What to expect during reconstructive surgery

For this surgery, a patient can either use their own body tissue or implant(s). Tissue choices for this procedure includes fatty tissue from back muscle, abdomen, or buttocks region. Implant options typically utilize silicone or saline. Regardless of material used, a board certified surgeon will match sizes of both breasts and place new implant/tissue underneath existing breast muscles. In some cases, surgery may be required on both breasts to ensure efficient symmetry and shape. There are no known affects or increased risks associated with cancer recurrence due to this procedure.

Potential complications

Knowing the possible complications that can arise during and after surgery can answer questions you might have; and aid the recovery process. Healing time for breast reconstruction surgery will depend on the type of procedure you get; and treatment goals. Although not common, this procedure can pose issues such as blood clots, infection at incision site, anesthesia problems, and extreme fatigue. There’s also the chance of complications surfacing months after procedure. These potential issues includes necrosis, loss of nipple sensation, and scar tissue formation; to name a few. As with all surgical procedures, individuals who smoke have a higher risk of complications.

Recovery

Following your procedure, Your doctor will discharge you within 48 hours. Small drainage tubes may be utilized for the first few weeks following operation. This helps get rid of excess fluids as you heal. You will also be advised to wear proper clothing support during recovery. Bruising and swelling can take several weeks to completely go away. However, your surgeon will provide guidance through your follow-up appointments. Individuals can typically return to work 7 days after surgery.

Breast augmentation

This is the most common breast surgery procedure. During surgery, either breast implants or fat tissue from another body part will be transferred under or in between existing chest muscles. Common implant choices include saline and silicone. Individuals opt for this procedure when they desire to increase/adjust the overall volume, symmetry and appearance of their bust. Life changes such as pregnancy, weight loss, and weight gain can influence a person’s choice to get this procedure. Breast augmentation has potential complications such as unwanted scarring, wrinkled skin, implant rupture, and revision surgery. However, these risks are not common. Patients can return to work after 1-2 weeks; and full results can be noticed after 30 days.

The United States has seen a consistent increase in breast surgery procedures over the last 10 years. Plastic surgery in Houston has influenced much of this growth in the cosmetic industry. Consulting with a board-certified surgeon will help you choose the breast surgery best-catered to your situation.