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.

The Right & Wrong Reasons For Cosmetic Surgery

December 2, 2013 - Rhys Branman, MD
Cosmetic surgery should always be for your own self enhancement, after all, this is elective surgery. While it is true that studies have shown that cosmetic surgery can improve self esteem, you must have a realistic self image to begin

Breast Implants and Mammograms

May 5, 2022 - Rhys Branman, MD
The American Cancer Society estimates that 39,510 women will die from breast cancer in 2012, the ACS put out some critical information for women who have breast implants. The ACS recommends a mammogram every two years for women over 40.

Manboobs?

January 10, 2014 - Rhys Branman, MD
Remember the “bro” otherwise known as the “manssiere?” Now, before you laugh yourself silly, remembering  the episode of the Seinfeld show in which Kramer and George’s father invent  this product for manboobs, know that this overdevelopment of the male breast

Celebrity Gossip?

January 6, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
When it comes to celebrities and the tabloids, all we hear about is cosmetic surgery gone wrong. But what about all those subtle, successful cosmetic surgeries the stars have had? The camera picks up every flaw and shadow. Movies stars…

Can I Breast Feed After Breast Reduction Surgery?

February 26, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
Some women are concerned that they will not be able to breast-feed if they have breast reduction surgery. This is indeed an important question. Breast reduction essentially results in a breast lift. If you are thinking about breast reduction surgery…

Cultural Issues In Cosmetic Surgery

February 26, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
It is helpful for me, as a cosmetic surgeon in Little Rock, Arkansas to know the trends. Last year, 2011 in the United States, most cosmetic surgery patients were of European descent, a full 69 percent. Following that group 12…

A Study Of Breast Beauty

February 23, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
The results of a study recently published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal identified breastfeeding as a factor in keeping the breast beautiful as women age. 161 pairs of identical female twins agreed to participate in the study at the 2009…

Breast Implant Trends

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Several current developments have come to the public’s attention recently regarding breast implants. The safety of breast implants has again made the news overseas and trends in breast implants here at home in the United states, are two topics that…

So What is a Mommy Makeover?

January 6, 2016 - Rhys Branman, MD
The term “mommy makeover” has been coined to describe a combination of cosmetic surgical procedures consisting mainly of tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast lift and liposuction. The mommy makeover is meant to restore your pre-pregnancy body. Everyone knows that having…

Shopping for a Bra After Having Breast Implants

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Women who have visited Dr. Branman for breast implants often question what bra they should buy after their procedure. Their larger breasts require a new bra, and a good fit is vital to provide the support and comfort necessary after…
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