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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Surgical procedures can provide long-lasting results, but the exact duration varies:
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:
There are three primary surgical options for achieving firmer breasts:
These procedures can restore firmness and volume, change the shape and size, and alter the overall appearance of your breasts.