Augmentation

A breast enlargement (augmentation) is a surgical operation performed to enlarge the breasts and is accomplished by inserting a breast implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscles. Incisions are made to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible, usually under the breast, around the lower part of the areola, or in the armpit. Breast implants are manufactured in a variety of shapes, sizes, and with either smooth or textured surfaces. Breast Augmentation surgery may be performed for a number of reasons, including:

• Enhance the body contour of a woman, who for personal reasons feels that her breast size is too small.
• Correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
• Balance breast size, when there exists a significant difference between the sizes of the breasts.
• Reconstruction after partial or total loss of the breasts for various conditions.
• Replace existing breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive reasons.
• The method of implant selection and size, along with surgical approach for inserting and positioning breast implants will depend on your preferences, your anatomy and the surgeon’s recommendation. Breast implant surgery is contraindicated in women with untreated breast cancer or pre-malignant breast disorders, active infection anywhere in the body, or individuals who are currently pregnant or nursing.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Many women feel that their breasts do not match their overall body physique or they may be displeased with the changes to their breasts which come about through normal ageing, after pregnancy or following menopause. In such cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) is an option to help create a more youthful and naturally lifted breast appearance.

The procedure involves resecting unwanted skin and elevating the nipple/areola from a lower, droopier position, to a more natural position on the breast mound. If a patient perceives her breasts to be droopy, breast implants may be inserted at the same time. The surgery is either performed through a peri-areola scar (i.e. around the circumference of the areola), or using a keyhole pattern incision, with the resultant scar around the areola and a small horizontal scar in the inframammary fold. A vertical scar joins these two scars. All sutures are absorbable and do not need to be removed. Post-operatively the patient has to wear a bra for 4 weeks, day and night.

It is important to understand that no person is perfectly symmetrical from one side to the other, even before a surgical procedure. Every attempt will be made during surgery to minimise your side-to-side dissimilarities, but such differences are natural and always persist to some degree even after the most successful operation.

Reduction

Gynaecomastia is a medical term that refers to male breast overdevelopment. Though this condition is rarely talked about, it’s actually quite common. Gynaecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in some cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be excised, or cut out, with a scalpel. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made in an inconspicuous location – either on the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more conspicuous scars.

Surgery to correct gynaecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.