Breast surgery – an overview

People often refer to all breast surgery with the colloquial term “boob job”, so let’s break it down and take a look at the various options available.

For further information on each procedure, please click the link to a more in-depth discussion.

Breast augmentation

This procedure is perhaps the most common of breast surgeries and refers to increasing the size of the breast with an implant. Usually chosen to boost self-esteem and improve appearance, this procedure involves an incision under the breast, around the areola or in the armpit, in order to insert an implant, either under the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle. The implant can be round or tear drop shaped to suit your frame and desired outcome, and will consist of an outer silicone shell with a silicone or saline filling. The manufacturers say the implant will last 10 years or more, so you will need to consider that further surgery may be required in your lifetime if you opt for breast augmentation.

Breast reconstruction

This describes the procedure performed on women who have had a mastectomy, or large lumpectomy, as a result of breast cancer. One-stage reconstructive surgery is performed at the same time as the mastectomy by replacing the breast tissue with an implant to retain the original contour. A two-stage approach might be required if the skin and chest wall tissue are tight and flat, or if further treatment is necessary. The implant options are the same as with breast augmentation, or alternatively tissue can be used from the tummy, back, thighs or buttocks to rebuild the breast to give it a more natural look and feel.

Breast reduction

A breast reduction can resolve the backache, neck pain and rashes associated with a large bosom, but can also be requested if a big-busted woman is self-conscious, attracting unwanted attention or unable to exercise. Removing excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts can help bring them into proportion with the rest of the body. This procedure leaves a woman with permanent scarring (although it should be covered by a bra or bikini), the possibility of asymmetrical breasts and a high risk of being unable to breastfeed. These are important considerations before opting for this surgery, along with considerable pain through the recovery.

Breast lift

This procedure can combat the natural breast droop experienced over time, during pregnancy and after breastfeeding, or as a result of weight fluctuations. The surgeon can’t repair the elasticity of the skin supporting the breast, but will effectively restructure the boob by removing pleats of excess skin and remodelling the shape into a tighter cone, to give the illusion of a youthfully pert contour.

Breast implant revision

Breast Implant Revision is a procedure to remove and / or replace breast implants already in situ. It is usually performed as the result of complications from previous breast surgery, a ruptured or leaking implant, or to correct an unsatisfactory result from prior augmentation work, such as asymmetry.