Cosmetic Surgery for the Breast
Cosmetic surgery is usually performed to correct a physical abnormality or to enhance an otherwise normal physical feature and, therefore, improve a person’s appearance.
I perform the following procedures for the breast:
Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
Implant breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and/or improve the shape of the breasts. It can also balance any differences in size between the breasts.
Breast Augmentation Mastopexy
A mastopexy augmentation is an operation designed to uplift breasts by removing loose skin and combining this with an implant to give more volume and fullness in the cleavage.
Breast Implant Removal
Whilst the vast majority of patients would not want to part with their breast implants, there are various reasons why some want them removed and not replaced. These include capsular contracture, dissatisfaction with the size or appearance of the breasts, rupture or fears that implants are causing health problems. Sometimes when patients get older they feel that they no longer wish implants and the potential maintenance they may require in the future.
Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is an operation designed to make large breasts smaller, perter and more in proportion with the rest of your body. The operation can also be performed to make each breast a similar size if one side is much larger than the other or asymmetrical.
Capsulectomy
A capsulectomy is the removal of the scar tissue (capsule) that forms around an implant. A capsule is an entirely normal response to any foreign body. However, in some instances, the scar (capsule) around the implant may thicken and contract (capsular contracture). As a result, the breasts may feel much harder. With worsening capsular contracture, the shape may become significantly distorted and the breast can become painful or uncomfortable. Performing a capsulectomy and replacement of the breast implants should alleviate the discomfort and improve the appearance and feel of the breasts.
Change of Implants
Implants can be changed with a capsulectomy (removal of the scar tissue that forms around an implant) or capsulotomy (incision in the capsule to open the pocket) to accommodate a new implant and correct any asymmetries between the breasts.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that implants are imaged 5 years after insertion and thereafter every 2 years. The risk of complications increases with the age of the implants, and it is therefore recommended that they are changed after 10 years.
Fat Transfer to Breasts
Fat transfer (fat grafting or lipofilling) to breasts is a dynamic procedure which has gained immense popularity for augmenting various parts of the body. The technique involves aspirating fat through special small diameter cannulae. The fat is then treated to remove oil and excess water. This leaves concentrated fat cells which are gently re-injected to fill out the desired area.
Gynaecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynaecomastia is an enlargement of the male breast as a result of an abnormal increase in the glandular tissue and/or fat. It is quite common, affecting an estimated 40% to 60% of men in varying degrees. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, surgery to reduce the breast can improve personal confidence and self-esteem.
Mastopexy (Uplift)
A mastopexy or breast uplift is similar to a breast reduction operation but maintains breast volume, so that there is no reduction in size.
Nipple Correction
Inverted nipples usually develop during puberty and are the result of short milk ducts. Occasionally they can occur after puberty and if this is the case it is important to ensure that you have seen your GP to ensure there is no underlying problem. They can cause considerable distress and embarrassment, as well as making hygiene and breast feeding difficult.
