Dr. Branman Awards Dr. Rhys Branman's Cosmetic Surgery Blog

Category: Breast Surgery

Breast surgery is among the most sought‐after forms of cosmetic surgery, offering women (and men) a chance to enhance, reduce, or reshape their chest for improved aesthetics and self‐confidence. Whether you’re looking to add volume, address asymmetry, or seek relief from back pain caused by larger breasts, breast surgery provides a range of customizable options. In this category, we discuss everything from breast augmentation and lifts to reductions and reconstruction, offering a comprehensive resource for anyone exploring breast surgery.

Common Breast Procedures

  1. Breast Augmentation: Uses implants or fat transfer to increase breast size and enhance shape. Choices include saline or silicone implants, each offering unique benefits in terms of feel, appearance, and incision type.
  2. Breast Lift (Mastopexy): Addresses sagging or drooping breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the tissue to achieve a perkier, more youthful contour.
  3. Breast Reduction: Ideal for those experiencing discomfort or self‐esteem issues due to large breasts. By removing excess tissue and skin, this procedure can alleviate chronic pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
  4. Breast Reconstruction: Often performed following a mastectomy or lumpectomy, this procedure restores breast shape and symmetry using implants, tissue flaps, or a combination of both.

Who Is a Good Candidate?
The best candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and fully understand the limitations and potential risks of surgery. Breast surgeries are highly personalized, taking into account body proportions, breast shape, lifestyle needs, and patient preferences regarding scar placement, implant type, or post‐operative bra usage.

Preparation & Consultation

  • Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon reviews your medical history, examines your breasts, and may request imaging like mammograms for safety.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Quitting smoking and maintaining a stable weight are typically advised to improve healing and results.
  • Discussing Options: Implant sizing, incision placement, and the degree of lift or reduction are deliberated during your consultation. Clear communication ensures your surgery plan aligns with your aesthetic goals.

Recovery & Aftercare
The healing process can vary based on procedure complexity. Generally, patients need to wear a surgical bra or compression garment for several weeks, avoid strenuous activities, and manage discomfort with prescribed medications. Follow‐up visits help track healing progress, remove sutures if necessary, and address any complications early. Scar appearance usually improves over time, especially with proper incision care and scar management strategies.

Risks & Considerations
Like any surgery, breast procedures carry potential risks such as infection, bleeding, implant complications (e.g., rupture or capsular contracture), and changes in breast or nipple sensation. Selecting a board‐certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive breast surgery experience can greatly minimize these risks and help ensure a satisfying outcome.

Longevity of Results
While breast implants can last many years, they are not lifetime devices, and some patients may need revision surgery or replacements eventually. Breast lifts and reductions also offer long‐term improvements, though natural aging, gravity, and weight fluctuations may gradually alter the breasts’ shape over time. Adopting healthy habits and maintaining a stable weight can help prolong your surgical results.

Combining Procedures
Breast surgery is often combined with other cosmetic procedures, such as a tummy tuck or liposuction, in a comprehensive approach sometimes referred to as a “Mommy Makeover.” Combining procedures can streamline recovery and produce more holistic transformations. However, your health profile and surgical goals will guide whether a multi‐procedure plan is appropriate.

Our Breast Surgery Blog Topics

  • Implant Choice & Sizing: Explore silicone vs. saline, shape considerations, and 3D imaging.
  • Recovery Tips: Learn about proper support garments, managing swelling, and scar care.
  • Revision & Replacement: Delve into reasons for revisional breast surgery, from implant updates to aesthetic refinements.
  • Psychological Factors: Understand the emotional impact and how to prepare mentally for breast surgery and its life changes.

Recent Report On Breast Augmentation Explained

March 29, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
As breast augmentation becomes more and more popular among women, scientists and surgeons continually research not only the best procedures, but also the risks involved in those procedures. Earlier this year, a British medical journal reported that breast implants “adversely…

Choosing the Correct Breast Implant for Your Body

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
One of the most important factors in reaching your goal, and being satisfied with your breast augmentation is to match the breast implant to your body type. There are many decisions to be made when you choose breast augmentation at…

Breast Augmentation as the Body Changes

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Breast augmentation is the most popular procedure performed at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center. Patients ask many good questions! Many women wonder what happens if they gain weight after having breast augmentation? Or what happens as they age? And whether…

Satisfaction with Breast Augmentation

December 2, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Last year breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. A whopping 330,631 were performed in 2012, and this is by far the most popular cosmetic surgery. This is no surprise to us at Little…

New Trend for Nipples?

August 26, 2019 - Rhys Branman, MD
There appears to be a new trend in cosmetic surgery. It’s called “Tittooing.” Again, in the United Kingdom, it has become a fad for darkening, or defining the nipples. Not only that, but sometimes the nipples are tattooed into shapes…

Round or Anatomically Shaped Breast Implants?

February 26, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
Remember the BREAST-Q? I wrote about this new survey instrument a while back that measured women’s satisfaction and quality of life in relation to having breast augmentation. The developer of this instrument has recently published another study to find out…

Controversy Over Treatment for Gynecomastia in Teens

October 22, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
It is not only women who seek cosmetic surgery. And it is not only women who worry about the size of their breasts. While some teenage girls may struggle through school and other social functions lacking self-esteem due to overly…

Treating Gynecomastia at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center

December 2, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast. It can be emotionally devastating. Men, particularly adolescents often experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and humiliation. There are many reasons men may develop gynecomastia; however, in most cases the cause is unknown or…

Male Breast Reduction at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center

October 22, 2020 - Rhys Branman, MD
June is for men at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center. In honor of Father’s Day, Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center offers male breast reduction specials. Why on earth would men need breast reduction surgery? If you are one of the…

Fat For Breast Augmentation

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Yes, another new trend, kind of. In the search for a “natural” material for breast augmentation, fat grafting is becoming popular. Fat transfers are not new, and actually neither is the practice of using one’s own fat for breast augmentation.…
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