Lancaster County Center for Plastic Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Breast Enhancement or Augmentation

Breast enhancement or augmentation is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman's bustline by one or more bra cup sizes.

This procedure may be performed for various reasons including:

• To enhance the body contour of a woman who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small.
• To correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy.
• To balance a difference in breast size.
• As a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.

For many women, the result of breast augmentation can be satisfying as they learn to appreciate their fuller appearance.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is designed for women experiencing a variety of medical problems including back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities and breathing problems caused by their very large pendulous breasts, In addition, bra straps may leave indentations in their shoulders. And unusually large breasts can make a woman or teen feel extremely self-conscious.

The procedure removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body.

Reconstruction Following Mastectomy

Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Frequently, reconstruction is possible immediately following breast removal (mastectomy), so the patient wakes up with a breast mound already in place, having been spared the experience of seeing herself with no breast at all. But bear in mind, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is not a simple procedure. There are often many options to consider as you and your doctor explore what's best for you.

Chances are your reconstructed breast may feel firmer and look rounder or flatter than your natural breast. It may not have the same contour as your breast before mastectomy, nor will it exactly match your opposite breast. But these differences will be apparent only to you. For most mastectomy patients, breast reconstruction dramatically improves their appearance and quality of life following surgery.

Breastlift or Mastopexy

Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume--for example, after pregnancy--breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

For more information about any of these procedures, visit www.plasticsurgery.org.