Breast Surgery

Quit often, after a pregnancy or a weight loss programme, breasts tend to droop or sag. Even it is a process of ageing. Sagging occurs when the skin over the breasts stretches; as a result, the breasts have a loss of shape and a less youthful appearance.

A breast lift is done to raises the breasts and also reshape them. The surgery adds fullness and firmness adding to a her body's shape and confidence. The excess skin is removed and the nipples are then repositioned in a new, higher location.

An "anchor-shaped" incision following the natural contour of the breast is made. Excess skin is removed and the nipples are positioned on a higher location. The skin from both sides of the breast is then brought down and around the areola, giving a firmer shape to the breast. The skin is sutured in a vertical line downwards from the nipple and along the lower fold of the breast. A general anaesthesia is given for this surgery which lasts for about two hours.

Most patients are up and about in a day or two, but one can return to work after two weeks. It is advisable to wear a support bra for four to six weeks while you gradually resume normal routines and activities.

The firm look stays for many months and even a few years if one is maintains good weight and exercises regularly. The natural effects of gravity, pregnancy, ageing and weight fluctuations eventually alter the shape and firmness of the breasts. Good support with a comfortable bra is recommended. For alteration of size of breast, a breast augmentation or reduction is recommended as the case may be, because a breast lift surgery will not significantly alter the size of your breasts.

Breast Lift Risks

Risks are rare but may include bleeding, haematoma, infection, fat necrosis, scarring, wound healing problems, loss of nipple sensation, minor asymmetry between breasts, and an inability to breastfeed. A meticulous surgeon takes care to avoid such complications. The operation should not affect your ability to breastfeed since the milk ducts are not interfered with by the surgery. The scars will be noticeable but will gradually become less obvious and fade to pale lines over a 12-month period. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers.

For women who have heavy and large breasts breast reduction surgery is performed to make them smaller, lighter and firmer. It gives the body a better proportion. It is a boon for women who suffer physical discomfort, bad posture, back, shoulder & neck pain, embarrassment and low self-esteem..

Breast Reduction Procedure -

The breast reduction is achieved by removing skin, fat and breast tissue and repositioning the nipple higher on the chest to give a better proportioned and more natural appearance. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and normally takes two to three hours. The surgery leaves an "anchor-shaped" scar from the areola to the curve of the breast below.

Breast Reduction Recovery -

The breasts will be tender, swollen and bruised during the first two weeks following surgery. It may take four to six weeks to feel normal again. Patients are advised to wear a well-fitting supportive bra during this period. It is normally possible to return to work two to three weeks after the surgery.

Breast Reduction Risks -

With the use of the right technique risks are rare, but may include bleeding, haematoma, infection, fat necrosis, scarring, wound healing problems, loss of nipple sensation, minor asymmetry between breasts, and an inability to breastfeed. A meticulous surgeon takes care to avoid such complications. The scars will gradually become less obvious and fade to pale lines over a 12-month period.

Breast enlargement or breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures done today. There are different reasons that cause the fluctuation of the size and shape of the breasts. The size of the breasts is genetically determined and may sometimes remain small throughout puberty and as a consequence of hormonal changes later in life. The breasts may also change through fluctuations in weight, and after pregnancy and breastfeeding, while the ageing process may cause them to droop.

It is very important to choose a surgeon with a specific interest and with extensive experience in breast augmentation before going ahead with surgery. The surgeon will advise you on which shape and size of implant will be right for you, and the method of inserting the implant will be determined and discussed.

Breast Augmentation Procedure

A short incision is made in either the crease under the breast, the armpit or around the areola. Implants are positioned either between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle (sub-glandular) or behind the muscle (sub-muscular).

A breast implant is made of silicone and/or saline. It comprises an outer shell of silicone filled with either silicone gel or salt water. Cohesive silicone gel implants are commonly used by cosmetic breast surgeons today. Implant shapes are either round or oval with a teardrop contour. Your surgeon will let you see and understand the implant.

The predicted life expectancy of breast implants is 10 years or more. However, as there is no specific expiry date, implants can stay in place without problems for a much longer period.

Breast Augmentation Recovery

After the breast augmentation surgery, there will be some soreness around the chest area, particularly when moving the arms. This will improve within the first few days after surgery. Patients are advised to stay away from work for one week. A good support bra (for example, a sports bra) should be used for four weeks following surgery. It takes four to six weeks to return to normal routines and to resume any type of strenuous activity.

Is it safe?

Results of many studies conducted to determine the safety of silicone breast implants suggests no association with increased incidence of breast cancer or auto-immune diseases.