Robert F. Jackson, MD, FACS, FAACS
Hamilton Surgical Arts |
FEMALE BREAST SURGEY
|
The female breast in today’s society is important to the psyche of many women. For this reason, breast augmentation is the number one cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States today. A youthful, perky, fuller breast is considered sensuous, feminine and healthy.
The four major surgical interventions on the female breast include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift (mastopexy) and breast reconstruction. In this article, we will discuss the notion of the ideal breast and then examine the procedures above. The female form is a complement of shape and proportion. Today’s society views a youthful body habitus as desirable, and the female breast contributes to this appearance. Cosmetic surgeons now have the tools and techniques to restore or enhance the body to bring it close to this ideal. Along with clinical skills, the surgeon needs the artistic aptitude to give the patient the very best results. A clear understanding of anatomy, an eye for beauty, and a knowledge of cultural aesthetics is necessary to obtain the best results. Judgement, creativity and skill elevate the surgeon to the level of an artist. In females, roundness and perceived softness is considered feminine and attractive, and the nicely formed breast constitutes part of this female mystique. |
|
|
Breast Augmentation
The reasons for this kind of enhancement include loss of volume and change in shape following pregnancy. Others may desire to correct asymmetry, and some women just think their breasts are too small. There are two types of hypomastia (small breasts): developmental and involutional. Both can be corrected through augmentation. The breasts should complement and accentuate the patient’s femininity and remain in balance with her body. The hips and breasts, especially, should have a sense of symmetry. The ideal breast should fall naturally from the clavicle to the peak of the nipple, and there should be a gentle outward curve from the areola to the base of the breast. The nipples should point upward and outward. Lastly, the breasts should subtly accentuate the torso. The patient and her surgeon need to decide if she wants a typically perky, very youthful breast, or the more mature breast that falls slightly. Both can be beautiful. Patients have the choice of silicone- or saline-filled implants, and both are very safe. Preoperative sizers, photos and in-depth discussion at the consultation will help the patient make her decision for the best postoperative outcome. |
Breast Reduction
Many patients seek breast reduction for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Back pain, neck pain, chronic rashes under the breasts (intertriginous) and difficultly carrying out normal daily activities are some of the medical reasons patients may seek a breast reduction. With proper documentation of the medical indications and failure of conservative therapy to have an effect, many times this procedure is covered by insurance. There are also patients who just feel their breasts are too large and seek reduction for cosmetic reasons.
Most breast reductions require an anchor-type scar. Fortunately, the breast skin heals well, and scars, though they remain, fade and leave a more attractive breast. At your consultation your surgeon can explain the risks and benefits of breast reduction. Our breast reduction patients are some of our happiest patients. Their back pain is gone, their posture is better, their clothes fit better, and they just have a better self-image.
Breast Reconstruction
One of the most devastating things for our female patients is breast cancer. Fortunately, early detection, genetic screening and rapid, appropriate surgical and medical treatment provides a much better prognosis. Many patients benefit both physically and emotionally by having either immediate or late breast reconstruction. Tissue expanders and mammary implants often can be used today, as opposed to the old extensive flap surgery. With tissue expanders placed at the time of extensive breast surgery, the stigma of awaking from surgery with the deformity of an absent breast is diminished. One of the most rewarding things cosmetic breast surgeons have the privilege of being able to offer is a return to a relatively normal preoperative appearance. And federal law mandates that if you have had breast cancer, reconstruction is a procedure covered by insurance.
Breast Lift
Pregnancy, weight loss and age may result in ptosis (sagging) of the breasts. Sometimes augmentation alone will elevate the breasts. However, some patients do not want augmentation, but only a lift instead. The extent of the scars, the degree of lift, and the expected end result is a conversation the patient and her surgeon need to have at her consultation. Lift alone may not be enough to correct loss of upper pole fullness. There are occasions where a combination of a breast lift and an augmentation will give superior results. This is another question to be answered at your consultation.
In the culture we live in, appearance and self-image are important. The female breast is a part of that healthy lifestyle. Breast surgery can help enhance or restore that self-image. Choose wisely a surgeon with extensive experience and artistic ability to give you the best outcome.
Many patients seek breast reduction for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Back pain, neck pain, chronic rashes under the breasts (intertriginous) and difficultly carrying out normal daily activities are some of the medical reasons patients may seek a breast reduction. With proper documentation of the medical indications and failure of conservative therapy to have an effect, many times this procedure is covered by insurance. There are also patients who just feel their breasts are too large and seek reduction for cosmetic reasons.
Most breast reductions require an anchor-type scar. Fortunately, the breast skin heals well, and scars, though they remain, fade and leave a more attractive breast. At your consultation your surgeon can explain the risks and benefits of breast reduction. Our breast reduction patients are some of our happiest patients. Their back pain is gone, their posture is better, their clothes fit better, and they just have a better self-image.
Breast Reconstruction
One of the most devastating things for our female patients is breast cancer. Fortunately, early detection, genetic screening and rapid, appropriate surgical and medical treatment provides a much better prognosis. Many patients benefit both physically and emotionally by having either immediate or late breast reconstruction. Tissue expanders and mammary implants often can be used today, as opposed to the old extensive flap surgery. With tissue expanders placed at the time of extensive breast surgery, the stigma of awaking from surgery with the deformity of an absent breast is diminished. One of the most rewarding things cosmetic breast surgeons have the privilege of being able to offer is a return to a relatively normal preoperative appearance. And federal law mandates that if you have had breast cancer, reconstruction is a procedure covered by insurance.
Breast Lift
Pregnancy, weight loss and age may result in ptosis (sagging) of the breasts. Sometimes augmentation alone will elevate the breasts. However, some patients do not want augmentation, but only a lift instead. The extent of the scars, the degree of lift, and the expected end result is a conversation the patient and her surgeon need to have at her consultation. Lift alone may not be enough to correct loss of upper pole fullness. There are occasions where a combination of a breast lift and an augmentation will give superior results. This is another question to be answered at your consultation.
In the culture we live in, appearance and self-image are important. The female breast is a part of that healthy lifestyle. Breast surgery can help enhance or restore that self-image. Choose wisely a surgeon with extensive experience and artistic ability to give you the best outcome.