Depending on the objective, there are several types of plastic surgery that can be performed on the breasts, making it possible to enlarge them, reduce them, lift them and even reconstruct them, in cases of breast removal due to breast cancer, for example. example.
Generally, this type of surgery is performed on women, but it can also be performed on men, especially in cases of gynecomastia, which is when the breasts grow due to the excessive development of breast tissue in men. Find out more about breast enlargement in men and how to treat it.
Mammoplasty should only be performed after the age of 18, as it is only after this age that the breast is already developed, avoiding changes in the result. The surgery is usually carried out under general anesthesia and takes an average of 1 hour and the person is admitted to the clinic for around 2 days.
1. Breast augmentation
Plastic surgery to enlarge breasts, known as breast augmentation, is performed when you want to increase the size of your breast, especially when it is very small and causes a decrease in self-esteem, for example. Furthermore, there are women who, after breastfeeding, lose some breast volume and surgery can also be used in these cases.
In these cases, a silicone prosthesis is placed that increases volume, and its size varies according to each person’s body and the woman’s desire, and can be placed above the breast muscle or below it. Find out how breast augmentation surgery is performed.
2. Reduction mammoplasty
Plastic surgery to reduce breast size is performed when a woman wishes to reduce its size, due to disproportionality in relation to the body or when the weight of the breasts is the cause of constant back pain, for example. However, this type of surgery can also be adapted for men who have gynecomastia, allowing the excess breast tissue that grows in these cases to be eliminated.
In this surgery, excess fat and skin is removed, achieving a breast size proportional to the body. See when it is recommended to undergo reduction mammoplasty.
3. Mastopexy to lift the breasts
The surgery performed to lift the breasts is known as breast lifting or mastopexy and is performed to shape the breast, especially when it is very droopy and flaccid, which occurs naturally after the age of 50, after breastfeeding or due to fluctuations in breast weight. Weight.
In this surgery, the surgeon lifts the breast, removing excess skin and compressing the tissue. It is common to perform this surgery simultaneously with breast augmentation or reduction, depending on the case. Find out why having a mastopexy can bring excellent results.
4. Breast reconstruction surgery
Breast reconstruction surgery is performed to completely change the shape, size and appearance of the breast and is mainly done after removing part of the breast due to cancer.
However, reconstruction of the nipple or areola can also be performed when it is large or asymmetrical, and it is common for mammoplasty to be performed to make the breast more beautiful and natural.
See how breast reconstruction is performed.
Post-operative breast plastic surgery
Recovery takes an average of 2 weeks and, in the first few days, it is normal to feel some pain or discomfort in the region. However, to speed up recovery and avoid pain, it is advisable to take some precautions such as:
- Always sleep on your back;
- Wear an elastic bandage or brato support the breasts for at least 3 weeks;
- Avoid making too many movements with your armssuch as driving a car or doing intense exercise, for 15 days;
- Taking analgesic medicationanti-inflammatory and antibiotic according to the doctor’s instructions.
Especially in cases of breast reconstruction or reduction, the woman may have a drain after surgery, which is a small tube that allows the excess fluids that form to be removed, avoiding various types of complications. Typically, the drain is removed 1 to 2 weeks later.
Stitches are generally removed between 3 days and 1 week, depending on the healing process, which is evaluated during review consultations with the surgeon.
Possible complications of surgery
After plastic surgery on the breasts, some complications may arise, but infrequently, such as:
- Infection, with accumulation of pus;
- Hematoma, with accumulation of blood
- Breast pain and sensitivity;
- Rejection or rupture of the prosthesis;
- Breast asymmetry;
- Excessive bleeding or stiffness of the chest.
When complications occur, it may be necessary to go to the hospital to correct the problem, however, only the surgeon can evaluate and inform the best way. Find out more about the possible risks of plastic surgery.
