What are Breast Reduction, Augmentation & Lift?

There are multiple reasons a woman may desire to alter the size or form of her breasts. The options available to her are breast reduction, augmentation and lift.

Breast reduction is a major surgical procedure that allows a woman to have smaller and lighter breasts with improved shape.

You may consider a breast reduction surgery if your breasts cause:

• difficulty in finding a comfortable bra size or clothing that fits
• regular skin infection under the breast fold
• severe and persistent discomfort in the back, neck and shoulders
• low self-esteem because of size

Types of breast reduction procedures include:

• Liposuction - a shorter and less intrusive surgery that offers less visible scarring on the breasts with long-lasting outcomes
• Vertical or ‘lollipop’ breast reduction - involves two incision sites, one around the edge of the areola and another vertically from it to the crease underneath the breast
• Inverted-T or ‘anchor’ breast reduction - involves three incision sites, one around the edge of the areola, another along the crease underneath the breast and the third done vertically from the areola to the crease underneath the breast

Breast augmentation are procedures in which breast implants or fat transfer are used to enhance the size and shape of a person’s breasts.

You may consider a breast augmentation surgery to:

• enhance the breast size and form
• improve or restore breast contour after weight loss or pregnancy
• correct the asymmetry in the breasts if one side is noticeably smaller than the other

Types of breast augmentation procedures are:

• Breast implants - Artificial devices (prostheses) are surgically implanted into your breasts. The two common types of breast implants are silicone shells filled with silicone gel or saline.
• Fat transfer augmentation - Fat from other areas of your body is removed and injected into the breasts.

Breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure that reshapes and supports a new breast contour by removing extra skin and tightening the tissue around the breasts.

You may consider a breast lift surgery to:

• enhance the symmetry of the breasts
• reshape the breasts to make them look fuller
• improve or restore breast contour after weight loss or pregnancy

Types of breast lift procedure:

• Vertical breast lift
• Anchor breast lift
• Crescent breast lift - An incision in the shape of a crescent is made along the top portion of the areola, and then implants are inserted.
• Periareolar breast lift - A tiny incision is made around the areola to allow for required modifications and tissue removal.

How should you prepare for breast surgery?

Consult a qualified plastic surgeon if you're considering breast surgery. It's crucial to understand the risks and complications associated with breast reduction surgery.

Before a breast procedure, you will need:

• to consult with a surgeon on your medical history and the purpose of the procedure
• a mammogram or breast exam
• to quit smoking before and after surgery

To ensure a smooth surgical procedure, it is essential to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding diet, fluid and medication intake.

Most women who undergo breast surgery will go home the same day as their procedure. You should make preparations to have someone drive you back home.

After the surgery, you will need to stop or minimise your physical activities. You may also have to take a few weeks off from work.

Ask your surgeon if you require any particular support garments and make sure to get them in advance of your scheduled surgery.

Risk of breast surgery

A common after-effect of breast surgery is scarring that heals over time. Other possible risks include:

• side effects from anaesthesia after the breast procedure
• bruising and swelling
• difficulty in breastfeeding
• blood clots

Therefore, you need to ensure that you follow up on your appointments with your surgeon so that they can monitor your healing progress.

Results from breast surgery will show right away and generally lasts a long time. However, breast size and shape can still change from natural ageing, fluctuations in body weight and pregnancy.

At SKINCENTRIC based in Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre (BTMC), our excellent team of professional plastic surgeons offers a variety of plastic surgery services to fit the needs of our patients, allowing them to live full and healthy lives.