Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Reduction – Surgery, Procedure, Risks & Complications

On this page: Risks | Implant Types & Placement | Incisions | Surgery Setting | Anesthesia Options | Expectations for Surgery | Gynecomastia |

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 355,000 breast augmentations, were performed by plastic surgeons in the United States in 2006. Another 200,000 women underwent breast lift or breast reduction surgery. These procedures help to reshape the form and self-image for thousands of satisfied plastic surgery patients.

The results for breast surgery can be highly rewarding, and for this reason many women desire to have the surgery. However, it is important that candidates understand that breast augmentation, breast lift are breast reduction are serious surgical procedures that are highly invasive and can carry the risk of serious complications.

To make the right decision about breast enhancement, it is important that you understand all of the implications regarding the surgery itself, as well as the associated risks. Furthermore, you should consult with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your specific needs and address any questions or concerns.

Your doctor may recommend that breast augmentation with breast implants (enlargement) be performed at the same time as breast lift. Learn how your doctor will evaluate you for breast reduction and how previous breast biopsy, future weight loss, current medications, and your medical history may affect your decision to decrease the size of your breasts. If you have any concerns about breast reduction, you need to address them with your doctor prior to the surgery.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for breast surgery and provide you with post-operative guidelines.

Risks for Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift and Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction are invasive surgeries that involve risk. You should recognize the risks and potential complications you are about to take on, as well as the possibility of needing a second operation to accomplish your desired goals. One reason for having a second operation is that your breasts and/or nipples may not be asymmetric after the first surgery. Since breast enhancement is a surgical procedure, the same risks apply to this procedure, such as infection, swelling, bruising, etc.

Breast implants create their own set of complications as well. Breast implants may interfere with future mammograms, breast feeding, and there is a slim chance that an implant could rupture. You should consult with your plastic if you plan on breast feeding after your surgery, as it may alter the surgical technique and/or placement of the implant. Some other risks associated with breast surgery using breast implants include infection, bleeding, loss of breast sensitivity, complications that arise from anesthesia, and other factors. Anesthesia-related complications are especially dangerous as they might lead to serious brain injury.

Breast Implant Types and Placement

Your plastic surgeon may recommend one of the following types of breast implants: silicon breast implants or saline breast implants.

It is best to ask the plastic surgeon what types of considerations there should be to make the right selection of the breast implants. Some of the criteria include implant surface (smooth or textured), implant shape (round or shaped), implant profile (how far the implant protrudes), and implant size.

There has been a debate since 1992 about the safety of silicone gel-filled breast implants. Learn more about the most up-to-date information on silicone breast implant surgery, including risks related to silicone gel-filled implants, long term implant issues, health care coverage issues, and questions to ask about silicone gel-filled breast implants. You can learn more about saline versus silicon breast implants by reviewing this article.

Breast implant placement is an important decision you and you doctor will discuss at your consultation. There are pros and cons to each type. The following links describe the three placements of breast implants:

Finally, you should determine, along with your doctor, the right size and shape that will make you feel most comfortable. Your self-image will be impacted by breast surgery, so it is important to understand the various options and make a decision that works best for you.

Breast Augmentation with Implants Incisions

During your initial consultation, you and your plastic surgeon will discuss the optimal location of your breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction incisions. The choice of incision placement is important, as it may affect scar visibility after the surgery.

The following are the various incisions associated with breast augmentation:

Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery provides an excellent overview of the various implant sizes and shape, implant placements and incision.

Where Will Your Breast Surgery Be Performed?

Breast augmentation, breast lift and breast reduction can be performed as an outpatient procedure (in a plastic surgeon's office or an ambulatory surgical facility) or as an inpatient procedure (in a hospital). All outpatient facilities must meet certain surgery facility standards as set forth by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF).

If your breast surgery is performed in a hospital, you may need to stay overnight. Furthermore, understand the implications of outpatient surgery. Read an article from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons on the safety of outpatient plastic surgery. It is just as important to focus on the actual surgery as it is the results.

Your Anesthesia Options for Breast Surgery

Breast augmentation, breast lift or breast reduction will involve either local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. You and your surgeon should discuss available anesthesia options and decide on the anesthesia choice that is appropriate for you. Find out which type of anesthesia is used most for the procedure.

What Can You Expect During Breast Surgery?

Breast surgery is similar to other surgeries in that you will receive anesthesia prior to surgery, the breast surgery will be performed, and then you will go into recovery. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may have to stay overnight.

Educate yourself about breast augmentation recovery and results by visiting other pages of this website.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Male breast reduction is a common procedure undergone by men suffering from gynecomastia. It is important that men who have this condition conduct extensive research into the disease and its treatments in addition to consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Other Plastic Surgery Procedures

To learn about other plastic surgery procedures, such as tummy tuck and rhinoplasty, visit our sister websites.