Surgical Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts

17 Jul Surgical Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts

What are the Options to Correct Breasts Affected by Volume Loss

The body changes as a response to many factors like age, hormones, and lifestyle. The breasts, in particular, are very much a product of the influence of these factors. The shape and size of the breasts are not static; they change with significant life events.

Puberty marks the start of these changes, where the breasts start developing and take on a fuller shape. Pregnancy and breastfeeding bring about another series of changes. The breasts swell in preparation for breastfeeding, and once that phase is over, they might not return to their pre-pregnancy size and shape. This change could lead to a loss of volume and fullness.

Age also plays a crucial role in the development of breasts. As we grow older, the firmness of our breasts naturally decreases due to the loss of elasticity in our skin and the shrinkage of the milk-producing glands.

For any inquiries regarding breast surgery, Dr. Guy Watts, a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Perth, Western Australia, is happy to assist you. As a respected member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, he can guide you through the various options and details of breast procedures.

What is Breast Ptosis?

Breast ptosis is a term often used to describe breasts that have lost their volume and firmness. This change in appearance can give the breasts a sagging or empty look.

Different factors can contribute to breast ptosis:

• Age: As women age, the skin loses elasticity and the breasts’ glandular tissue decreases, which can lead to a loss of volume and firmness in the breasts
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The breasts can enlarge during pregnancy and breastfeeding, stretching the skin. After breastfeeding, the breasts may not return to their previous shape and size
• Significant weight loss: Losing a large amount of weight in a short period can also lead to a loss of volume at the level of the breasts. When you lose weight, fat is reduced from all over your body, including your breasts. When you drop a lot of kilograms in a short amount of time, your breast size and skin’s flexibility can go down
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal shifts, such as those experienced during menopause, can also affect the volume and fullness of breasts

Surgical Options for Firmer Breasts

To be able to make an informed decision about plastic surgery, it is crucial to understand the many surgical options available. Each procedure has its unique purpose, ideal candidates, associated risks, and recovery process.

1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A Breast Lift is a surgery that lifts the glandular tissue and tightens the breasts. It works by removing extra skin and tightening the tissue around the breasts to change their shape. If the areolas have grown bigger over time, this procedure can also be used to reduce the size of the areola.

· Good Candidates for Mastopexy

Women affected by breast ptosis can undergo this type of surgery. This means that the breasts have descended lower on the chest wall and have also lost volume. To be eligible for a Mastopexy procedure, the patient should be in good physical health and have reasonable goals, and ideally, not smoke, as smoking can complicate both the procedure and the recovery process.

· Risks and Recovery

As with any surgery, a Breast Lift/Mastopexy comes with potential risks, such as infection, changes in nipple or breast sensation and scarring. The recovery process includes wearing a special post-op bra that offers the breasts the support they need as they heal.

2. Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is a procedure aimed at increasing breast size, through the placement of silicone or saline implants or with fat grafting. This surgery can also restore breast volume lost due to weight reduction, pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

· Good candidates for Breast Augmentation

Good candidates for Breast Augmentation are women who are affected by a minor breast ptosis and want a significant increase in terms of breast volume. Again, candidates should be physically healthy and have realistic expectations.

·Risks and recovery

Potential risks of Breast Augmentation include but are not limited to infection, capsular contracture (with implants), recurring ptosis if the implants are large and fat necrosis if using fat grafting. Surgical recovery can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks, with implants taking up to 3-6 months to settle.

3. Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction surgery, also called Reduction Mammoplasty, is a process that removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to reduce their volume. The procedure is often performed for functional purposes too, as it can help with the pain that comes from having breasts that are too big.

· Good candidates for breast Reduction surgery

Women experiencing physical discomfort due to large, pendulous breasts might consider a Breast Reduction. Candidates should be in good physical health, have realistic expectations, and not smoke.

· Risks and Recovery

Potential risks of Breast Reduction include unfavourable scarring, inability to breastfeed and changes in sensation at the level of the breasts and nipple. Recovery from surgery can take 3-4 weeks and scarring may take 2-3 years to completely resolve.

4. Multiple Procedures

Combination procedures, such as a Breast Lift with Augmentation or a Breast Reduction with a Lift, offer the opportunity to address multiple issues at once.

Breast Lift with Augmentation

This combined procedure lifts the breasts while also adding volume and fullness. It is particularly beneficial for women who experience breast ptosis and loss of volume due to ageing, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Breast Lift with Reduction

A Breast lift and Reduction procedure can be potentially beneficial for women who want to reduce the size of their breasts while also addressing breast ptosis.

How Long Do Results Last?

Surgical procedures can provide long-lasting results, but the exact duration varies:

• Breast Lift: The results of a Breast Lift can last several years, but factors like ageing, gravity, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can impact longevity
• Breast Augmentation: Breast implants are not lifetime devices. The average lifespan of an implant is about 10 years, after which they may need to be replaced. Regular check-ups with Dr. Watts can ensure that your implants are functioning properly
• Breast Reduction: Generally, Breast Reduction results are long-lasting, especially if you keep a stable weight and do not become pregnant after the surgery

How to Sustain the Results of Your Breast Surgery

The longevity of breast surgery results can vary based on the individual and the specific procedure, but there are steps you can take to keep your results for as long as possible:

• Maintain a stable weight: Significant weight fluctuations can affect breast size and potentially diminish the results of your surgery. Keeping your weight stable can help preserve the new shape and size of your breasts
• Wear supportive bras: A well-fitted, supportive bra can help maintain the shape and position of your breasts, especially during physical activities that might put strain on your chest area
• Stay healthy: Good health can promote skin elasticity and overall body resilience, which can help keep your results. Doing exercise, a balanced diet, and proper hydration can contribute to overall health
• Avoid excessive sun exposure: Overexposure to the sun can weaken the skin and decrease its elasticity. Protecting your skin from the sun can help preserve its firmness and resilience

FAQs about Surgical Solutions to Get Firmer Breasts

What are the main surgical options for achieving firmer breasts? 

There are three primary surgical options for achieving firmer breasts:

1. Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
2. Breast Augmentation
3. Breast Reduction.

These procedures can restore firmness and volume, change the shape and size, and alter the overall appearance of your breasts.

How long do the results of these surgical procedures last?

• The longevity of results varies by procedure and individual factors. Generally, Breast Lift and Breast Reduction results can last several years, but factors like ageing, gravity, weight fluctuations, and pregnancy can impact longevity. Breast implants, used in Augmentation procedures, typically last 10 to 15 years before needing replacement.

Are there non-surgical ways to achieve firmer breasts? 

• Certain exercises, maintaining good posture, leading a healthy lifestyle, and using topical creams and massages are advertised as methods to help achieve firmer breasts. However, these methods often don’t provide visible or long-lasting results as surgical procedures do.

How can I keep the results of my breast surgery? 

• Keeping a stable weight, wearing supportive bras, staying healthy, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can help preserve the results of your surgery.
• Regular follow-ups with Dr. Watts are also crucial.

Is breast surgery the right choice for me? 

• The decision to undergo breast surgery is a personal one and should be based on your unique needs and desires. It’s essential to have realistic expectations and to discuss all your options with a specialist plastic surgeon.

Further Reading about Breast Surgery with Dr. Guy Watts

• Read Dr Guy Watts Breast Augmentation Surgery Page
• Read Dr Guy Watts Breast Reduction Surgery Page
• Read Dr Guy Watts Breast Lift Surgery Page
• Read Dr Guy Watts Blog What Causes Sagging Breasts

Medical References about Breast Procedures

• Breast Implants: Silicone Vs. Saline, Cost, Problems, Recovery – WebMD
• Preoperative sizing in breast augmentation – NCBI
• What to Know About Sagging Breasts – WebMD
• Saggy breasts: Causes and Solutions – Medical News Today