Lifting and enlarging

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - In 2012, breast augmentation was the most popular surgical procedure. More than 330,000 women underwent augmentation mammoplasty, while another 127,776 women opted to have a breast lift. The majority of the breast augmentations were in the age range of 19 to 34, while breast lifts were most popular with women between the ages of 35 and 50. Discover the risks and benefits to each of these breast enhancement procedures.

Augmentation Mammoplasty

A breast augmentation is designed to enhance the shape or size of the breasts. Saline or silicone implants are used to add size and shape to uneven or small breasts. This breast enhancement procedure is sometimes paired with a breast lift.

Implants come in a variety of sizes and a few shapes. Your doctor discusses the best size and shape for your frame. After that, the surgical technique becomes part of the discussion. Surgeons use one of three incision sites: the armpit (transaxillary), around the areola (periareolar), or under the breast (inframammary). The next decision involves the placement of the implant, and those options include below the pectoral muscle, over that muscle, or partially below the muscle.

Following an augmentation mammoplasty, swelling and tenderness is common. You need a week to heal before engaging in activities again.

Common complications of breast implants include scarring and a temporary, possibly long-term, reduction in sensitivity. Capsular contracture, ruptured implants, bleeding, and damage to the nerves that stimulate milk flow during breast feeding are other risks.

Mastopexy

Mastopexy, or a breast lift, helps restore the natural position of a sagging breast. Pregnancy, breast feeding, and aging all impact a breast's position. With the loss of elasticity, gravity pulls the breast down. With a breast lift, the breast is pulled upward to help boost self-confidence and create younger looking breasts.

There are two procedures used. With a full breast lift, the doctor makes the incision around the areola, down to the breast crease, and then along the crease. The areola and nipple are pulled upward, additional skin and tissue are removed, and then the incisions are sutured. If your areola is too large for your liking, the doctor can make it smaller during this surgery. Expect some scarring. With a modified breast lift, scarring is minimized because the doctor avoids the vertical incision below the breast. Not every woman qualifies for the modified breast lift, however.

Like any surgery, mastopexy does have risks. They include infection, reaction to the anesthesia, and bleeding. Swelling is common following the surgery. Allow your body a week to heal before returning to work. You must avoid strenuous activity for four or five weeks.

A mastopexy does not impact the milk ducts, so women who undergo this surgery are able to breastfeed future children. However, it is important to note that pregnancy and breastfeeding may cause the breast to sag. If you plan to have a child or additional children, it's often advisable to delay this procedure until you wean your last baby.

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