If you’re considering breast surgery, you are likely doing lots of research. But sometimes, there is so much information out there it can become confusing. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive look at each type of breast surgery. With this information, you should be able to determine which breast surgery is most likely the best option for you so that contacting Dr. Ran Stark can be your next step.

Breast Augmentation

One of the most popular cosmetic surgeries is breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty. It is used to enhance the size of small breasts and can also address asymmetrical breasts. The breasts are usually increased by about one and a half cup sizes on average using breast implants, or based on patient preference.

The most common implants are silicone implants or saline implants. Each type of implant has its specific optimal uses. Form stable implants such as “gummy bear” implants are a variety of silicone that holds their shape very well with no rippling. Saline implants are great as well and are preferred by some patients.

The most common incision is the inframammary, which is in the breast fold. Incisions around the areola and near the armpit are often used as well.

Implant placement is another variable of breast augmentation, and your surgeon will help you determine whether subglandular placement or submuscular placement is the best choice.

An alternative to implants is fat transfer breast augmentation which uses liposuction and fat grafting to remove fat from other areas of the body and inject it into the breast tissue. This is a very natural result.

Breast Lift

If the patient wants to address sagging, deflated breasts and excess skin brought about by aging, weight loss, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, a breast lift is the best procedure. During this surgery, one of three incision options will be used, and then excess skin will be removed, the tissue will be repositioned, and the breasts will be lifted to a new, natural, perkier position. Dr. Stark also offers a cutting-edge scarless breast lift where RF energy is used, which causes the skin and underlying tissues to contract for a simple, effective lift without the need for breast surgery. This is only used in very selective anatomy.

Breast Reduction

For some women, large breasts can cause health and lifestyle problems, including back and neck pain, skin irritation, clothes that don’t fit properly, or the inability to exercise effectively. During a breast reduction surgery, some breast tissue and skin are removed and the breasts are contoured, resulting in a smaller, more proportionate bust. This breast surgery can also be performed alongside a breast lift for a natural-looking, enhanced final result.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Typically caused by hormone imbalance, medication side effects, or simply aging, gynecomastia is a condition where male breast tissue grows in excess. This can cause major self-confidence issues in men who struggle with this condition. Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, works to address this. During this breast surgery procedure, breast tissue or excess fat is removed either directly or with liposuction to create a naturally masculine and sculpted appearance.

Inverted Nipple Correction

An inverted nipple can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including infection complications due to breastfeeding, extreme weight loss, or simply a congenital condition. Patients who wish to correct this concern for aesthetics and comfort can do so through minor surgery with minimal downtime. During this breast surgery procedure, which usually only takes about 30 minutes, precise stitches are made near the nipple to create a restructuring effect with virtually no scarring.

Breast Implant Removal and Breast Revision Surgery

In some cases, after augmentation, there is a need or desire by the patient for breast revision. Sometimes this is an update or replacement of aged breast implants, and in other instances, it may be breast implant removal, also known as explant. Most breast augmentation patients are aware that they will likely need a revision about 10 to 12 years after initial surgery, and many choose to receive new implants, with or without a breast lift if needed. Some patients may decide to simply remove them at this time because of preference changes. In other cases, implants might require removal due to other issues like capsular contracture, rupture, or leakage.

Ask An Expert

Hopefully, you now have a better idea of what exactly each breast surgery looks like and what the goals are. Once you have an idea of what you need, it’s time to contact a qualified surgeon who can create a comprehensive surgical plan and guide you further through the breast surgery process. Dr. Ran Stark is a double-board certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon who would be thrilled to meet with you and tell you about “the Stark difference” that he and his team are ready to provide.

Breast Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide