Breast Procedures

Augment

Breast Augmentation (Mammoplasty Augmentation)

Breast augmentation (also called Mammoplasty Augmentation) is a cosmetic procedure designed to increase and enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts.

Women choose breast augmentation for a variety of reasons — to balance a difference in breast size, to enhance their body contours and to correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy. Whatever the reason, the end result is a more rounded, attractive bust line and a natural, proportionate figure.

Breast augmentation is relatively straightforward procedure. An incision is made around the areola, beneath the breast, or under the arm, and an implant is inserted either above or beneath the pectoral muscles, depending on the desired results.

The best candidates for breast augmentation are women who are physically healthy and are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look.

To learn more, visit the breast augmentation section of plasticsurgery.org.

Lift

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Pregnancy, nursing, excessive weight loss or gain, or the natural aging process can cause breasts to lose their natural elasticity and sag. A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. (However, remember that no surgery can permanently prevent natural changes in your body as you age.)

The best results are usually achieved in women with small, sagging breasts. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in heavy breasts.

During the procedure, excess skin and tissue are trimmed away and the bust line is tightened and lifted, beautiful, natural-looking results. Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume, breast implants can be inserted in conjunction with the breast lift to increase both their firmness and enhance their shape.

To learn more, visit the breast lift section of plasticsurgery.org.

Reduce - Female

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty) for Women

Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight. Overly-large breasts can cause back and neck pain problems, skin irritation around the breast area, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can have an emotional toll when a woman feels extremely self-conscious.

Breast reduction (also called reduction mammaplasty) is designed for such women. The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

To learn more, visit the breast reduction section of plasticsurgery.org.

Reduce - Male

Breast Reduction (Reduction Gynecomastia) for Men

Gynecomastia is a medical term for enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men. Although quite common (affecting an estimated 40-60% of men), gynecomastia is rarely talked about. Gynecomastia can be caused by steroids, drugs, as well as other factors.

Breast reduction surgery can help men who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their chest, or who feel socially handicapped by their enlarged breasts. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts. In extreme cases, excess skin may be removed as well, resulting in a chest that is flatter and firmer.

Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will respond well to re-countouring. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with weight loss or exercise.

To learn more, visit the male breast reduction section of plasticsurgery.org.