The aim of cosmetic breast surgery is to create beautiful and symmetrical breasts. What defines a beautiful breast shape depends on the individual patient’s body stature and what she considers attractive, as well as her particular cultural concepts of beauty.
Augmentation is a procedure to increase the size of the breasts. This can be done with:
1. Autologous tissue like fat grafting
2. Breast Implants.
All implants on the market today are made of two separate components: an outer silicon shell and an inner filling that can be of Saline or Silicone.
Breast implants may be round or anatomical in shape. The newest generation of implants – the cohesive silicon gel implant – promises increased gel integrity and a more natural appearance.
Commonly, dual-plane breast augmentation is done in which the implant is placed under both muscle and breast tissue.
The most common complication is capsular contracture. Other complications include:
1) Abdomen.
2) Thigh.
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia. Fat is aspirated manually with a liposuction cannula attached to a syringe or vacuum pump. The liposuctioned fat is washed with 0.9% normal saline solution, followed by centrifugation at 1000 rpm for 2 minutes. Then this purified fat is injected into the breast.
Mastopexy is aesthetic breast surgery in which the breast is lifted and reshaped without increasing the size of the breast to look aesthetically pleasing and more youthful. In modern mastopexy, restoration of upper pole fullness with possible parenchyma rearrangement can be an essential part of the procedure, even without implant augmentation.
The presence of breasts is a defining feature of adult mammalian gender. Therefore, it must be considered an essential element of human femininity, and the role it plays in female psychology cannot be understated. Hence, breast reconstruction is almost exclusively consequent to surgery for breast cancer.
Creating a symmetrical ptotic conus precisely positioned on the breast footprint embodies the art of breast reconstructive sculpture. The ultimate goal of breast reconstruction is to create symmetrical, natural-looking breasts and not necessarily a specific shape or volume.
What is Cosmetic Breast Surgery?
Cosmetic breast surgery encompasses a range of procedures aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the breasts. The goal is to create beautiful and symmetrical breasts that align with the individual patient’s body stature and personal preferences, as well as her cultural concepts of beauty. Each patient has unique desires and expectations, making cosmetic breast surgery a highly personalized field.
Types of Cosmetic Breast Surgeries
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, designed to increase the size of the breasts. This can be achieved through two main methods: using autologous tissue like fat grafting or breast implants.
Breast Implants
Modern breast implants consist of two components: an outer silicon shell and an inner filling that can be either saline or silicone. The choice between saline and silicone implants depends on patient preference, surgeon recommendation, and desired aesthetic outcomes.
Shapes of Implants
Implants come in two primary shapes: round and anatomical (teardrop). Round implants generally provide more fullness at the top of the breast, while anatomical implants mimic the natural slope of the breast, offering a more natural look. The latest generation of cohesive silicone gel implants promises increased gel integrity, providing a more natural appearance and feel.
Approaches for Breast Augmentation
Several surgical approaches can be employed to insert the implants:
A commonly used technique is dual-plane breast augmentation, where the implant is placed partially under the pectoral muscle and partially under the breast tissue.
Advantages of Dual-Plane Implant Placement
– Minimal Capsular Contracture: Reduces the risk of hardening around the implant.
– Invisible Implant: Reduces the likelihood of visible rippling.
– Unaltered Breast Function: Preserves the ability to breastfeed.
Complications of Breast Augmentation
While generally safe, breast augmentation can lead to complications, the most common being capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing it to harden. Other complications include:
– Implant Malposition: Displacement of the implant.
– Asymmetry: Uneven breast size or shape.
– Infection: May require implant removal.
Indications for Breast Augmentation
– Small Breasts: Enhancing size in naturally small breasts.
– Tuberous Breast: Correcting the shape and size.
– Poland Syndrome: Addressing underdeveloped chest muscles and breast tissue.
– Post-Implant Removal: Restoring shape after implant removal or breast lumpectomy.
– Breast Contour Correction: Improving symmetry and contour.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting involves harvesting fat from donor sites such as the abdomen or thighs, purifying it, and injecting it into the breasts. This procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia.
Procedure:
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
Mastopexy is a procedure to lift and reshape the breasts without increasing their size. It aims to make the breasts look aesthetically pleasing and youthful. Modern mastopexy techniques often involve rearranging the breast parenchyma to restore upper pole fullness, which can be done with or without implants.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is a specialized form of cosmetic breast surgery performed to restore the appearance of the breast following mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery for cancer. It plays a crucial role in helping women regain their sense of femininity and psychological well-being.
Aims of Breast Reconstruction
The primary goal is to create symmetrical, natural-looking breasts. This involves sculpting a ptotic conus (the natural drooping shape of a mature breast) that fits precisely on the breast footprint.
Indications for Breast Reconstruction
– Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: Most common indication, aiming to restore the breast after removal due to cancer.
– Breast Conservative Surgery: Restoring symmetry and shape after lumpectomy or other breast-conserving procedures.
Conclusion
Cosmetic breast surgery is a diverse and personalized field aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the breasts. Whether the goal is augmentation, reduction, lifting, or reconstruction, each procedure is tailored to meet the individual needs and preferences of the patient. The advancements in surgical techniques and implant technology continue to improve the safety and outcomes of these procedures, helping women achieve their desired breast appearance and boosting their confidence and quality of life.
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