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Common Reasons People Undergo Breast Surgery
Without a doubt, breast augmentation has become a well-known cosmetic procedure often performed in the United States. Despite differing opinions about this type of surgery, there are many reasons why women across the country choose breast augmentation, including the desire to improve the shape and volume of their breasts. Each patient holds a unique reason for wanting to enhance their breasts and it is important that they are guided by a board-certified plastic surgeon throughout their journey. Besides breast augmentation, there are many other breast surgeries available, even for men who are unhappy with the appearance of their chest! Let’s delve into some of the more common reasons why people undergo breast surgery, including some of the benefits associated with the surgery for both men and women.
Mastectomy
People who have had breast cancer sometimes undergo a mastectomy, or removal of the breast tissue. This can happen in the case of both men and women. After a mastectomy, some patients choose to undergo reconstructive surgery, which often involves the placement of breast implants. Although breast reconstruction is different from a breast augmentation, they both share a similar end goal—to achieve fuller and better-shaped breasts to increase confidence in the patient. A breast reconstruction poses unique challenges for the surgeon, as the limited or absent amount of remaining natural tissue can hamper the achievement of a natural look. Breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy may also require skin or fat grafting, as well as nipple and areola reconstruction.
Post-Pregnancy Breast Volume changes
It’s not uncommon for women to experience a change in the volume of their breasts after having a baby. In an effort to achieve their pre-pregnancy physicality, some women choose breast augmentation with or without a breast lift. While it’s possible to get back to physical fitness through diet and exercise, that’s not the case when it comes to restoring breast volume. Breast volume can be increased using breast implants or using the patient’s own fat tissue. Depending on the goal size and the characteristics of the breasts, a board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to help you decide the option that works best for you.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the breast tissue in boys and men causing “man boobs”. An imbalance of estrogen and testosterone is usually the cause of this condition. Gynecomastia is a common reason for which males choose to undergo breast surgery, as the procedure reduces the size of the breast tissue that causes a feminine-like profile and restores the patient’s confidence.
Enhanced Youthfulness
Some women start to notice loss of volume and sagging of their breasts as they age. While this isn’t an issue for all women, some prefer the restoration of perky breasts that tend to have a more youthful appearance. A breast lift or mastopexy can help reshape and reposition the breasts, allowing them to have a firmer texture and sit at an optimal position on the chest. A breast lift can also correct the nipple enlargement that sometimes is present after pregnancies, or as a part of the natural aging process. A breast augmentation with or without implants can help restore the fullness of the breasts but it will typically not change the position of the nipples on the chest. A breast augmentation can be performed alone or in combination with a breast lift. Depending on your specific needs, your board-certified plastic surgeon will be able to help you choose the best path towards perkier and more youthful breasts.
Back and Neck Pain
Women with disproportionally large breasts often report back and neck pain, as well as other symptoms associated with the weight of their breasts. Although these symptoms can be caused by multiple reasons, reducing the size of the breasts has shown to help ameliorate the pain and discomfort in most patients. A breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty allows fat tissue and skin to be removed from the breasts. This results in proportionally sized breasts, which are also repositioned higher on the chest wall, resulting in more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing breasts.
Self-consciousness
A positive self-image and high self-esteem are important in life. It’s actually one of the reasons why some women choose breast surgery. Studies of individuals that have received breast augmentation often reveal a significant increase in confidence. Living with the self-consciousness of having a body part that is bothersome to the patient may weigh heavy on their mind. Discussing these issues with your doctor is the first step towards living a happier and healthier life.
Improved Fit of Clothing
Some women choose to have breast surgery because they would like their clothing to fit better. Whether they feel as though their breasts are too large, too small for their frame, or simply sitting too low on their chests, breast surgery can help women achieve the breast shape that maximizes their comfort, happiness, and health. A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will shed light regarding the surgical intervention that best addresses any particular concerns.
We’re Here to Help You
Regardless of your situation, elective breast surgery is a decision that should be made thoughtfully. It’s also a decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified doctor. Dr. Hetal Fichadia is a double board-certified surgeon located in Portland,OR who has received comprehensive training in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Fichadia has the knowledge and expertise to help you make a decision that best fits your needs. You’ll have an opportunity to ask any questions about breast surgery so that you can make an informed decision. Whether you are considering breast surgery because you are a cancer survivor or because you simply want to boost your self-confidence, Dr. Fichadia will guide you through the process.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
