Cosmetic Breast Surgery: Types, Procedures and Complications

Cosmetic breast surgeries have become increasingly common procedures, typically requiring only one to two hours to complete. These surgical interventions offer various solutions for women seeking to improve or modify their breast appearance through implants, fat grafting, or tissue adjustment techniques.

While breast augmentation remains the most frequently performed cosmetic breast procedure, other options, such as breast lifts, help address sagging tissue. This article will explore different types of cosmetic breast procedures, their indications, and the procedure's risks.

What is Cosmetic Breast Surgery?

Cosmetic breast surgery encompasses a range of surgical procedures to alter the size, shape, or appearance of the breasts for aesthetic purposes. These elective interventions focus on enhancing breast appearance rather than addressing medical necessities, making them distinct from reconstructive breast surgeries.

Breast aesthetic procedures fall under the broader category of plastic surgery and are performed by specialist surgeons with expertise in cosmetic modifications. Unlike reconstructive procedures that restore breasts after mastectomy or trauma, cosmetic breast operations primarily aim to improve appearance and boost self-confidence.

Different Types of Cosmetic Breast Procedures

The landscape of cosmetic breast surgery features several distinct procedures, each addressing specific aesthetic concerns or physical discomfort. 

• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): This procedure corrects sagging by reshaping breast tissue without necessarily changing size. Three primary approaches exist:
  • Periareolar lift: This procedure follows the natural areola shape, ideal for minimal drooping
  • Vertical "lollipop" lift: This procedure includes a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease and is suitable for moderate sagging.
  • Inverted-T "anchor" lift: This procedure adds a horizontal incision along the breast crease, which is best for significant sagging.
• Breast Reduction: This method removes excess fat, tissue, and skin to decrease breast size. Options include liposuction alone for minor reductions or more extensive surgical techniques for larger reductions. This procedure often relieves physical discomfort from overly large breasts.
• Nipple and Areola Procedures: These procedures encompass various corrections, including nipple reduction, lifting inverted nipples, and areola reshaping. These can be performed as standalone surgeries or alongside other breast procedures.

Combination procedures, such as augmentation/pexy (lift with implants), provide comprehensive results when patients want to address multiple concerns simultaneously.

Why do People Undergo Cosmetic Breast Surgery?

Body image concerns drive many decisions for breast surgery. Research reveals that women seeking breast augmentation report greater dissatisfaction with their breasts than those not pursuing surgery. They also experience more distress about their appearance in various situations and report more frequent appearance-related teasing.

Life changes often prompt women to consider breast plastic surgery. Many seek to:

• Restore breast volume lost after pregnancy or significant weight loss
• Correct asymmetry between breasts
• Counteract natural ageing and sagging
• Reconstruct breasts following mastectomy

For breast cancer patients, reconstruction can significantly decrease anxiety and depression compared to mastectomy alone. For people with disproportionately large breasts, reduction surgery can alleviate physical discomfort, including back and neck pain. Equally important, some choose breast surgery to feel better about themselves, with many reporting improved confidence after their procedures.

When is Breast Surgery Necessary?

Breast surgery becomes necessary for medical reasons beyond aesthetic preferences. Medical necessity primarily drives surgical interventions when conditions affect health and function or cause significant distress.

• Breast cancer treatment 
• Patients with Paget disease affecting the nipple-areolar complex
• Patients who undergo breast-conserving surgery but have continuously positive margins
• Women who previously had breast-conserving surgery and radiation may need a mastectomy if they develop recurrence or new primary cancer in the same breast.

Non-cancerous conditions that necessitate surgery include:

• Benign breast lumps causing discomfort or concern
• Severe breast asymmetry causing psychological distress
• Extreme size differences (more than one cup size) - creating psychosexual stress
• Complete absence of breast development on one side (aplasia)
• Huge breasts - causing chronic back and neck pain

Risk of Cosmetic Breast Surgery

General surgical risks apply to all types of breast surgery types. These include:

• Infection at incision sites
• Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure
• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia
• Hematomas (blood collection beneath the skin) or seromas (fluid accumulation) 
• Post-surgical scarring 
• Changes in breast and nipple sensation 
• Some patients experience temporary numbness or heightened sensitivity, while others may face permanent sensation alterations. 

Several factors can increase risks during cosmetic breast procedures:

• Smoking impairs healing and significantly raises complication rates
• Diabetes or autoimmune conditions may compromise recovery
• Obesity increases anaesthetic risks and wound-healing difficulties
• Previous breast surgeries create additional technical challenges

Complications of Cosmetic Breast Surgery

Implant-related issues may include:

• Malposition (shifting from the original placement)
• Rupture or leakage
• Rippling (visible or palpable wrinkling)
• Implant rotation (particularly with anatomical implants)

Treatment and Procedure

Undergoing cosmetic breast surgery involves a comprehensive journey from initial consultation through recovery.

Before Surgery

The preparation phase for breast plastic surgery starts with a thorough consultation. Initially, your surgeon will discuss your medical history, ongoing medications, and aesthetic goals. You'll likely to receive detailed instructions about preparing for the procedure, including:

• Getting blood tests and other medical evaluations
• Stopping cigarette smoking at least 4-6 weeks before surgery
• Avoiding aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs that increase bleeding
• Adjusting current medications as directed by your doctor

During Surgery

The surgical phase typically begins with either general anaesthesia or intravenous sedation. Afterwards, the surgeon makes an incision based on the previously discussed approach—either along the breast crease (inframammary fold), around the areola edge (periareolar), or within the armpit (transaxillary).

For breast implant procedures, the surgeon creates a pocket either beneath the breast tissue but above the chest muscle (submammary placement) or underneath the chest muscle (submuscular placement). Upon properly placing the implant, the surgeon closes incisions with layered sutures and applies gauze dressings.

After Surgery

Most patients return home after several hours or the next day with specific care instructions.

During the first week, expect significant discomfort managed through prescribed pain medication. Acute pain generally subsides within 1-5 days, though soreness may persist longer. Your surgeon will likely advise:

• Wearing your support garment continuously as instructed
• Taking prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
• Avoiding strenuous activities for 4-6 weeks
• Refraining from sleeping on your stomach for about 8 weeks
• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments

When to Call the Doctor

Contact your surgeon immediately if you notice:

• Sudden, significant swelling in one breast that becomes tense and painful (potential hematoma)
• Large dark bruising - developing after surgery
• Widespread redness, warmth, or breasts hot to touch
• Offensive discharge or pus coming from incision sites
• Increased severe pain uncontrolled by medication

Conclusion

Cosmetic breast surgeries offer life-changing results when performed by qualified plastic surgeons under proper medical supervision. While these procedures carry risks like any surgery, careful preparation and following post-operative instructions help ensure successful outcomes. Patients should maintain rational expectations and understand that recovery times vary based on the procedure.

FAQs

1. Is Cosmetic breast surgery risky?

Cosmetic breast surgeries carry some degree of risk, as do all surgical procedures. The FDA identifies several potential complications, including capsular contracture, breast pain, and infection. 

2. How long does Cosmetic breast surgery take?

Typical cosmetic breast procedures last between 45 minutes to two hours. Fat transfer breast augmentation may take longer, typically three to four hours. 

3. Is Cosmetic breast surgery painful?

The first several days after cosmetic breast surgery areassociated with mild to moderate discomfort. Many patients experience soreness, swelling, and sensitivity in the chest area. Pain generally decreases significantly after 5-7 days.

4. What is the recovery time?

Complete recovery from breast plastic surgery usually takes six to eight weeks. 

5. What is the age limit for breast surgery?

The FDA has set minimum age requirements of 18 years for saline implants & 22 years for silicone implants.

6. Is breast surgery safe?

Breast surgery is considered relatively safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Most patients experience no serious complications.