Our Summary

Breast enhancement surgeries that do not use silicone implants are becoming more popular. A surgical procedure called mastopexy, which lifts sagging breasts, can be personalized to meet the patient’s needs and, at least visually, gives the appearance of a larger bust.

Another method, lipofilling, uses the patient’s own fat to reconstruct or enhance the breasts. This method is safe and can help to restore a natural look, make up for volume loss, and correct any unevenness that might be present from birth or caused by previous surgeries.

However, if the patient’s breasts are very small or they want a significant increase in size, lipofilling usually needs to be combined with other procedures that expand the tissue. This helps to increase the chances of the injected fat being successfully incorporated into the breast tissue.

The paper concludes by stating that using hyaluronic acid injections is not a valid alternative and not recommended for breast enhancement. The safety data for this method is not robust enough to recommend its use.

FAQs

  1. What is mastopexy and how does it enhance the appearance of breasts?
  2. What is lipofilling and how does it contribute to breast enhancement?
  3. Why are hyaluronic acid injections not recommended for breast enhancement?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to have realistic expectations about the results of breast augmentation surgery. Make sure to discuss your goals and desired outcome with your surgeon, as well as any concerns or questions you may have. It is also important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and the best possible results. Regular check-ups and monitoring are also important to ensure the long-term success of the procedure.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are typically recommended for breast augmentation are those who are looking to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts. This could include individuals who have naturally small breasts, have experienced a loss of breast volume due to weight loss or pregnancy, have asymmetrical breasts, or simply desire a fuller and more proportionate bustline.

It is important for patients considering breast augmentation to have realistic expectations and be in good overall health. They should also have a stable weight and be non-smokers, as smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo breast augmentation should be made after careful consideration and consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can assess the individual’s unique goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Timeline

Before breast augmentation:

  1. Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals, expectations, and options for breast augmentation.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and may be required to undergo certain tests such as mammograms.
  3. Patient and surgeon decide on the type of procedure, implant size, and placement.
  4. Patient may be required to stop smoking and certain medications before surgery.
  5. Patient schedules surgery and makes necessary preparations.

After breast augmentation:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery, which typically takes a few hours and may require an overnight stay in the hospital.
  2. Patient experiences some pain, swelling, and discomfort immediately after surgery.
  3. Patient is advised to rest and follow post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check on the implants.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need to wear a special bra for support.
  6. Patient enjoys the final results of breast augmentation, which may take a few months to fully settle and for swelling to subside.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about breast augmentation include:

  1. What are the different types of breast enhancement surgeries available, and which one would be the best option for me?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with breast augmentation surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after breast augmentation surgery, and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to have any additional procedures or follow-up surgeries in the future?
  5. What are the expected results of the surgery, and are there any limitations or potential side effects?
  6. Can I see before and after photos of previous patients who have undergone breast augmentation surgery?
  7. How long will the results of the surgery last, and are there any maintenance procedures I will need to undergo in the future?
  8. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I will need to follow after the surgery?
  9. What is the cost of the surgery, and are there any financing options available?
  10. How experienced are you in performing breast augmentation surgeries, and what is your success rate with this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Uyulmaz S, Fontein D, Grünherz L, Lindenblatt N. Journal: Praxis (Bern 1994). 2020;109(14):1127-1133. doi: 10.1024/1661-8157/a003548. PMID: 33109001