Breast Implant or Reduction
Introduction
Breast Implant or Reduction surgery are both relatively frequent interventions in the area of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. All of the treatments work towards enlargement or reduction in size and form of breast tissue for aesthetic purposes to better a patient’s physical appearance, as well as in a lot of cases to improve self-esteem. Breast implant surgery is the process of inserting implants underneath the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall to increase breast volume. In contrast, an operation decreases the breast size through the removal of any excess tissue, fat, and skin during Breast Reduction. Those who want a breast size change for aesthetic reasons and those with physical conditions caused by breasts that are too big widely use these procedures.
This article explores everything you need to know about both procedures, including their types, costs, procedure steps, benefits, risks, and more.
What is Breast Implant or Reduction Surgery?
Breast Implant Surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that inserts saline or silicone implants in the breast for enlargement, alteration, or volume increase. Those who are dissatisfied with the size of their breasts, the asymmetry of breast size, or the loss of breast volumes due to aging, fluctuations in body weight, or pregnancy commonly select such a surgical procedure.
In contrast, Breast Reduction Surgery is specifically designed to reduce the volume of large, enlarged breasts to alleviate physical pain, discomfort, and psychological distress. The procedure consists of the excision of fat, glandular tissue and skin until achieving smaller denser and more proportionate breasts. This operation is usually carried out on women having back, neck, or shoulder pain provoked by the weight of breasts of large size.
Why is Breast Implant or Reduction Surgery Performed?
Breast Implant Surgery is performed for aesthetic enhancement, helping individuals feel more confident about their body image. It can also be a reconstructive procedure for women who have undergone mastectomy (breast cancer surgery) and wish to restore their breast shape.
Breast Reduction Surgery is often suggested for patients feeling pain in the back, or on the skin caused by hypertrophy of the breasts and who are struck by changes in posture due to the large size of the breasts. In some instances, the presence of large breasts can also limit daily activities, physical activity, and clothing selection. Breast reduction not only solves these problems but also enhances the body’s shape.
Types of Breast Implant or Reduction Surgery
Various techniques are employed during both breast augmentation and breast reduction procedures on an individual case basis, under patient requirements and predefined goals.
Types of Breast Implants:
- Saline implants The implants contain sterile saline and are introduced in an empty state, filled once it is introduced into the body. Saline implants offer a uniform shape, firmness, and feel.
- Silicone Implants Filled with gel-like filler material, silicone implants lead to a more realistic sensation and look than saline implants. Silicone implants are available in various shapes and sizes.
- Gummy Bear Implants A newer form of silicone implant, gummy bear implants are firmer and retain their shape better than traditional silicone implants.
Types of Breast Reduction Surgery:
- Vertical (Lollipop) Removal By a vertical incision from the areola to the breast crease, redundant tissue is excised and the breast is reshaped.
- Anchor Reduction The most common type of breast reduction, this method involves an incision around the areola, down the center of the breast, and along the breast fold.
- That is, liposuction can be applied in some cases to remove the subcutaneous fat from the breast tissue to use minimally invasively.
Procedure Steps
Breast Implant Surgery Procedure:
- Consultation and Planning: The surgeon will assess your breast size, skin quality, and overall health. You will look at implant size, implant type, and implant position (over or under the muscle)
- Implant Placement: The surgeon creates a pocket in the breast tissue or beneath the chest muscle to insert the implant.
- Anesthesia: The medical team uses general anesthesia to allow the patient to be adequately asleep during the procedure.
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in one of three areas: under the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit.
- Closing Incisions: Once the team sets the implants in place, they seam close the incisions with sutures and apply bandage dressing.
Breast Reduction Surgery Procedure:
- Consultation and Assessment: The surgeon will evaluate the size and shape of the breasts and discuss expectations for size reduction.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is used during the procedure.
- Incision Creation: Depending on the technique chosen, the surgeon makes the necessary incisions to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin.
- Reshaping and Positioning: The residual tissue is reconfigured and the nipple is moved if necessary.
- Closing Incisions: The incisions are closed with stitches, and the breasts are bandaged.
Benefits of Breast Implant or Reduction Surgery
Breast Implant Surgery Benefits:
- Increased breast size and volume
- Improved symmetry and balance
- Enhanced self-confidence and body image
- Reconstructive benefits for post-mastectomy patients
Breast Reduction Surgery Benefits:
- Relief of chronic pain, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain.
- Improved posture and mobility
- Increased physical activity and comfort
- Better fitting clothes and bras
- Enhanced self-esteem and body image
Cost of Breast Implant or Reduction Surgery
- USA: $6,000 – $12,000
- UK: $4,500 – $8,000
- India: $2,200 – $4,500
- Mexico: $2,500 – $5,000
- Thailand: $2,000 – $3,500
India is one of the most affordable destinations for these surgeries without compromising quality.
Best Hospitals in India for Treatment
A few of the leading hospitals in India providing breast implant and reduction surgery are:.
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
- Medanta: The Medicity, Gurgaon
Hospitals are well known for their cosmetic surgery expertise.
Risks and Complications
Although Breast Implant or Reduction Surgery is extremely rewarding, there are risks and complications such as:.
- Infection
- Scarring
- Changes in nipple sensation
- Implant rupture (in the case of implants)
- Hematoma or seroma (blood or fluid buildup)
- Asymmetry or uneven breast size
- Breathing or anesthesia complications
All pre-and post-operative instructions should be strictly followed to decrease the risks.
Recovery
The recovery process after Breast implant or reduction surgery generally includes:
- Rest: The doctor prescribes several days of postoperative rest during which you must restrict physical activity.
- Pain Management: You may require prescription pain medications for the first few days.
- Follow-Up: Short-term postoperative visits to the surgeon to check healing progress and prevent complications.
- Full Recovery: Full recovery typically involves a period of 4-6 weeks, during which the majority of people can resume normal activities after 2-3 weeks.
During the recovery, it is important not to perform heavy lifting or strenuous physical activity to allow adequate healing.