
Breast Surgery
Well-shaped and firm breast are universally accepted attributes of beauty.
Reality, however, paints a different picture: often, breasts are considered too small or too big; and pregnancies, strong weight gain and loss, advancing age and last but not least gravity take their toll.
Plastic surgery offers competent solutions for all these problems. Breast aesthetics is one of the most important areas of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
Breast Augmentation
The era of modern breast augmentation began in 1963 in the USA with the use of silicone implants. Since then, the popularity of breast implants has consistently risen, making it one of the most prominent plastic surgeries worldwide. In 2023, approximately 304,181 breast augmentation procedures were performed in the United States alone. Patient satisfaction with breast augmentation remains exceptionally high; studies have shown that 98% of women report that the results met or exceeded their expectations.Frequently Asked Questions
After 3 hours, patients can eat and get up. After 6 hours they can be discharged. A dressing is placed on the incision. After 2 days, patients can take a bath. On the 3rd day, they have to return to the clinic for a check-up; afterwards they can return to their normal life.
In the first three week, all physical exercises, except walking, must be avoided. During this time, the patient must wear a sports bra at all times. After 3 weeks, physical exercises are permitted, except arm and chest movements. After 6 six weeks, you are free to exercise as you please. In the first 3 weeks, the implants lie higher than normal, and the appearance is unnatural. After week three, they begin to move downward into their final position which they reach after 3 months. Further check-ups follow after 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months and one year after the operation. At that time, a control mammogram / ultrasound scan must be taken as well.
Breast Reduction
The goal of a breast reduction is to balance the body-to-breast ratio. Breast reduction surgery comprises three distinctive steps: reduction and shaping, excision of excess skin, re-placement of the nipple-areola complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
After 3 hours, patients can eat and get up. After 6 hours, they can be discharged. A dressing is placed on the incision. After 2 days, patients can take a bath. On the 3rd day, they have to return to the clinic for a check-up; afterwards they can return to their normal life.
In the first three week all physical exercises, except walking, must be avoided. During this time, the patient must wear a sports bra at all times. After 3 weeks physical exercises are permitted, except arm and chest movements. After six weeks, you are free to exercise as you please. In the first 3 weeks, the breasts lie higher than normal and the appearance is unnatural. Also, the vertical scar under the areola looks rippled. After week three, the breasts begin to sink into their final position which they reach after 3 months. Further check-ups follow after 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months and one year after the operation. At that time, a control mammogram / ultrasound scan must be taken as well.
Breast Lift
Mastopexy is a procedure used to lift sagging breasts. The intervention comprises three main steps: excision of excess skin, re-shaping of the breast tissue and re-positioning of the nipple-areola complex. If the breasts are small, the lift may be combined with the insertion of implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Depending on the extent of sagging, the following scars will result:
- around the areola (periareolar mastopexy)
- around the areola and vertically down (vertical mastopexy)
- around the areola, vertically down and horizontally in the breast crease (“reversed T”).
If the breasts are only moderately sagging, or empty after childbirth and breast-feeding, implants may be inserted to restore lost volume. In this case, a small incision in the breast crease, just like in breast augmentation, is sufficient.
The most common breast lift method is vertical mastopexy. The result is aesthetically pleasing and the scar is not too conspicuous. With respect to permanence of the result, vertical mastopexy is superior to all other methods.
The most frequent complaint concerns scars and asymmetries of breasts and nipple-areola complex. All these problems are avoidable if the operation is carried out by an expert surgeon.
If the breast lift is combined with implants, implant-related complications may occur. The most important problem is capsular contracture around the implant. You can find more information about the issue under the heading breast augmentation.
Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
Breast reconstruction plays an important role in the normalisation process after cancer-related mastectomy. This radical surgery does not only leave physical traces but also causes a psychological trauma with consequences for the sufferer’s social life. A breast reconstruction can help patients to regain quality of life, rebalance the body and its appearance, and bring relief to the mind as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following principle methods are used:
- Reconstruction with implants
- Reconstruction with the patient’s own tissue
- Reconstruction with implants and own tissue.
In general, breast reconstruction is a sequence of operations and may take up to one year. The first surgery is usually the most comprehensive and most painful. The follow-up operations are shorter and less painful.
With the first surgery, the tissue expander is implanted and the healthy breast is reduced in size. During the second intervention, the implant is placed and symmetry restored. If tissue grafting is the preferred method, this is performed during the first surgery session. The second phase is dedicated to symmetry and small-scale revisions. In the third session, the nipple-areola complex is reconstituted. This is a relatively simple intervention and requires only local anaesthesia.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a composite Greek word (gyne - woman, mastos - breast) and a medical term for “women-like breasts”. The condition affects one in two men and can cause psychological trauma. The reasons for male breast formation are varied, changes in hormone levels or side effects of medication, but in many cases, the source cannot be identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
At first, the cause is determined. If there is suspicion it might be caused by hormonal imbalances, an endocrinologist must be consulted. If that is the cause, there are special treatments. Gynecomastia in young adults usually recedes after a few years.
After 3 hours, patients can eat and get up. After 6 hours, they can be discharged. A dressing is placed on the incision. In the first 2 weeks, patients must wear a special corset because of the liposuction.
After 2 days, patients can take a bath. On the 3rd day, they have to return to the clinic for a check-up; afterwards they can return to their normal life. In the first three week, all physical exercises, except walking, must be avoided. After 3 weeks, physical exercises are permitted, except arm and chest movements. After 6 six weeks, you are free to exercise as you please.