Wednesday, July 6, 2005

What Will Happen During Breast Surgery?

Breast surgery is used either for medical or personal reasons. There are three types of surgery involving the alteration of breast tissue. Breast reduction, where the breasts are made smaller, is most common in women with disproportionately large breasts that cause pain to the back or shoulders.

During the breast reduction procedure, incisions are made around the nipple area and in the crease of skin under the breast where it meets the chest. Excess fat, tissue and skin are then removed. Depending on how much the breast is reduced, the surgeon may have to reposition the nipple and underlying tissue. Incisions are then sutured and the healing process begins.

The second type of surgery is a breast lift and is available to women with sagging breasts. The incisions are similar to those of breast reduction but all that is removed in the breast lift is excess skin. Finally, breast augmentation is an option for those who wish to enlarge small or underdeveloped breasts.

The breast enlargement is accomplished by use of an implant surgically placed either directly under the tissue in the breast or under the chest muscle behind the breast. Incisions can be made either around the nipple, under the breast, or in the armpit for placement of the implant. The first step for breast surgery is a consultation with a plastic surgeon. He or she can discuss your options and decide which treatment is best for you.