Breast Augmentation

Types of Breast Surgery

Several procedures can lift, shape and contour your breasts. The best choice for you will depend on your desired outcome and body type.

Choosing an experience surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery is crucial to navigating the available options such as:

• Breast Implant Surgery: Involves inserting saline or silicone gel implants to enhance breast size and shape.
• Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation Surgery: Uses liposuction to transfer fat from other areas of the body, offering more natural results.
• Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Removes excess skin and contours breast tissue to create a youthful figure.
• Revision Cosmetic Breast Surgery: Replaces old implants with new ones, sometimes adjusting size or shape.
• Breast Reduction: Removes tissue to reduce size, creating a more balanced look.

Combining procedures, such as a breast augmentation with a lift, can enhance both shape and volume while reducing recovery time.

Why Choose Breast Augmentation?

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, enhancing breast size, shape or symmetry. It can be a solution for regaining a youthful appearance, correcting imbalances, or reversing the effects of aging, pregnancy or weight loss. It’s also an option for women who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy as part of breast cancer treatment.

Many women report high satisfaction, with improved self-esteem, confidence and quality of life. For those experiencing physical discomfort, a breast reduction may alleviate back and shoulder pain, improving daily life.

Breast Augmentation Procedures

The surgical techniques for breast augmentation vary depending on the procedure. For breast implants, incisions are typically made under the breast fold, where the implant is inserted to enhance size and shape. In fat transfer breast augmentation, fat is harvested from another area of the body using liposuction and then injected into the breasts for a more natural look. Breast lifts involve incisions around the nipple and along the breast crease. The surgeon reshapes the breast tissue, repositions the nipple, and removes excess skin to create a lifted and youthful appearance.

Risks and Side Effects

While breast augmentation is generally safe, like any surgery, it carries risks, including allergic reactions, bleeding and infections. Scarring is inevitable, but typically fades over time. Other risks include:

• Implant rupture
• Shifting
• Changes in shape
• Uneven sizes
• Changes in nipple sensitivity

A rare form of lymphoma, breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), has been linked to some implants. If you experience symptoms like unexplained pain, swelling or lumps, immediate medical attention is required.

Even after surgery, regular mammograms are essential. Be sure to inform the technician if you have implants, as this can affect the imaging process. Additionally, scheduling follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon is important to monitor your implants and ensure there are no complications.

What to Expect

At Beaufort Memorial Hospital, you may undergo a physical exam, blood tests and possibly a pre-surgery mammogram. It’s essential to stop smoking before surgery to aid healing.

Call 843-707-8020 to schedule an appointment.