Nowadays, breast enhancement surgery comes in many forms including breast augmentation, mastopexy
(raising the sagging bust), and reduction mammaplasty (decreasing its
size). And while each kind uses
different techniques, their goal is the same: to improve the appearance of the
bosom.
In 2011, breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic
surgery in the US, with about 307,000 procedures performed during the
period. Currently, the Food and Drug
Administration has only approved saline and silicone breast implants for this
surgery.
As its name suggests, breast augmentation is traditionally
used to increase the bust, but with the introduction of new implant designs, it
has become possible to use the procedure in creating a more prominent cleavage,
and address certain types of breast deformity such as pigeon chest.
In some cases, breast implants are used to reconstruct the breasts after mastectomy or cancer
surgery, although they can only be helpful if there is an ample amount of
tissue left. By using the devices, women
can avoid unfavorable scarring associated with tissue-based breast
reconstruction, and weakening of the donor site (e.g., buttocks, abdomen,
back).
Another type of breast enhancement surgery is mastopexy in
which the sagging breasts are raised to make them appear more appealing and
youthful. Contrary to popular belief,
the procedure is not only popular among aging women but also on massive weight
loss patients who often develop sagging, elongated breasts.
For some, mastopexy involves reducing the size of areola
(pigmented part of skin surrounding the nipple) to complement the “perky” and
youthful appearance of the breasts.
Doing this additional procedure does not necessarily mean more scars
because doctors simply use the peri-areola incision.
While mastopexy can lift the sagging breasts, patients
should take note that it cannot create volume especially in the upper and
medial cleavage. For this reason, many
plastic surgeons suggest breast implants as a way to further enhance the
appearance of the bosom, resulting to a prominent cleavage.
Brest reduction
is another type of breast enhancement surgery, although women with medical
problems caused by extremely large bust size will more likely see this as a
reconstructive procedure. If performed
as a way to improve body function and address discomfort, insurance
reimbursement is possible.
By contrast, breast reduction which is performed purely to
enhance one’s appearance is not covered by insurance, as with any cosmetic
surgeries. In fact, most insurance
companies require at least 300 grams of fats and tissue to be removed from each
breast before the procedure is considered reconstructive.
