Consumer demand for breast surgery procedures has increased significantly over the past years. Data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons shows that over 313,700 breast augmentation procedures were performed in 2018 alone. This was an increase of 4 percent from the previous year and the numbers are still rising. This article explores the various surgical procedures.
Why People opt for Breast Surgery
Ladies undergo surgery of the breast for aesthetic purposes or as part of cancer treatment. A person can undergo surgery to enhance breast size, contour, or appearance. People have different tastes for breast size and most end up taking surgery to correct what they acquired naturally. Unfortunately, some people are born with an asymmetry of the breasts and opt for correction through surgery.
Plastic surgery is also sought after to restore breasts after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Clinical surgery may also lead to deformation of the breast and victims end up seeking plastic surgery for correction. Studies show that corrective surgery boosts self-esteem as well as feelings of sexuality to the participant.
Options for Breast Surgery
Breast surgery options can be divided into three categories. These are augmentation, reduction, and reconstruction.
Breast Augmentation
Clinically referred to as augmentation mammoplasty, breast augmentation is the procedure performed to enhance the size, contour, or appearance of a woman’s breasts. A woman may opt for this procedure if she feels her breasts are too small for her contour or after pregnancy and breastfeeding. Augmentation is also the preferred procedure for correcting the asymmetry of the breasts.
Breast augmentation involves placing implants under the armpit, the areola, or lower breast fold. An implant consists of a silicone shell filled with either silicone gel or saline. A participant has to try wearing several samples to determine the best fit. This procedure is minimally invasive, with some cases involving the use of endoscopes for guidance.
Breast Reduction
As the name suggests, breast reduction is the surgical procedure carried out to remove excess fat, skin, and tissue from the breast. Doctors settle for this procedure if the breasts are causing significant discomfort. Patients with oversized breasts may experience recurring back pain, numbness, weakness, or neck pain due to the extra weight. Undertaking breast reduction surgery relieves a patient of all these systems and leads to changes in breast sensation.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction is the procedure carried out to accord breasts the desired volume, contour, or appearance. In most cases, reconstruction is considered after mastectomy. Mastectomy is the full removal of the breast during cancer treatment, while lumpectomy is partial removal of an affected part. Once performed, breast reconstruction reduces the psychological effects associated with mastectomy or lumpectomy.
There are two main procedures involved in breast reconstruction; the use of implants or the use of a skin flap. In the first procedure, saline or silicone implants are inserted into the desired area. The second option involves the use of tissue from another part of the body. Surgeons may also use a combination of both techniques to achieve a stronger reconstruction.
Breast Lifts
In rare conditions, the breasts are too heavy for the supporting skin to bear thus causing the breasts to sag. This condition is called ptosis and is corrected by removing the excess skin. This surgical procedure is called mastopexy.
Conclusion
The decision to undertake breast surgery is a personal choice. Opting for surgery is a good way to restore breast size or contour and restore self-esteem to the affected person. Cancer patients may also choose reconstructive surgery to reduce the stigmatization of having their breasts cut. Since breast surgery procedures only involve a few side effects, anyone can opt for the process of their choice. Consult a doctor for advice on the most appropriate procedure.
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