Health

What are the types of breast surgery?

Portrait of female doctor choosing mammary prosthesis with her patient over white background.
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Various types of breast surgery procedures can be performed for different reasons. Surgeries for breast are usually done for patients with breast cancer or who want to change their aesthetic appearance. Based on this breast surgery can generally be divided into categorized as breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction. Surgery for breast cancer removal is done to excise the tumor along with some surrounding tissues. This can also be of various types depending on the spread and location of cancer. This includes:
Wide local excision or lumpectomy: It involves removal of the area in the breast affected by cancer. It is also called breast-conserving surgery.
Mastectomy: Surgery to remove the whole breast. This includes the removal of the breast tissue (the skin as well as nipple) and the tissues of the chest muscles.
Surgery to removing the lymph nodes and breast reconstruction surgery.

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is also known as breast enhancement or a boob job. It is performed to change or improve the appearance, size, and contour of the breasts. There are many reasons for which a woman may consider breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty). Some may want to increase the size of the breast as they feel they are too small in proportion to their body shape. Many women consider breast augmentation after pregnancy and lactation to restore their original appearance. It may also help women who have an asymmetry in breast size and want to correct that.

For a breast augmentation surgery in India, the doctor inserts artificial implants in the breast. This can be done through several positions over or under the pectoralis chest muscle. The surgeon may make an incision in the axilla (armpit), areola or lower breast region. The surgery can be performed using endoscopes. Placing the implants beneath the pectoralis chest muscle has an advantage that it causes less interference with screening mammography for breast cancer detection. It is important to note that breast implants may interfere with the diagnosis of breast cancer and, also, breast compression during mammography can cause the rupture of the implant.

A breast implant can be mainly of two types – silicon gel or saline-filled. It comprises a silicone shell filled with either a saltwater solution (saline) or silicone gel. A woman can determine the desired size using trial implants. There are pros and cons for each type of implant, and the doctor will help you select a suitable implant according to your needs.

The surgery for breast enhancement is a simple procedure and usually done on an outpatient basis. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks of complications associated with breast augmentation.

Breast reduction – Mammoplasty

Many women or men may choose to reduce the size of their due to several reasons. It can be uncomfortable to manage large, heavy, breasts for women. Breast reduction can be an option for them where the excess skin, fat and glandular tissue are removed.

With this type of surgery, the doctor may be able to preserve the normal breast sensation, nipple-areola sensation, and milk production. Some side effects of this surgery are lumpiness from scar tissue and not being able to breastfeed. The procedure preserves breast sensation and function while reducing the breast volume and contour.

Augmentation or reduction mammoplasty is offered by several hospitals in India with a success rate. They offer affordable packages for an international patient with excellent quality of services. The mammoplasty cost in India is relatively lower than in several other countries, and an international patient can save a significant amount on the overall cost.

Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is a type of plastic surgery that is done to provide the desired appearance, shape and volume to the breast. Many women who undergo breast cancer removal surgery, especially mastectomy, may desire to have breast reconstruction.
It can be done using the implants or with a woman’s tissue. The implant is first sized to match with the opposite breast size. If own breast tissue (autologous) is used, a segment of the lower abdominal wall is used. Other issues that can be used for reconstruction include the muscle and skin of the back or a segment from the buttock.

Breast lifts

Breast lift is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to enhance the body contour by uplifting the sagging breasts. As the breast skin is not resilient or strong enough to support the weight, the breasts begin to sag. This condition is called ptosis and it gives a sagging or drooping look to the breast. In a breast a lift, also known as mastopexy, the surgeon removes the excess skin, giving a perky and young look to the breasts.

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