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.

What To Do If Your Implant Ruptures

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
The fear of implant rupture is most often perpetuated by the few cases that make dramatic news stories, but the reality is that for the majority of women who get breast implants, Little Rock, AR cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Branman asserts…

Breast Augmentation Incisions For Minimal Scarring

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
When you’re considering breast augmentation, there are several decisions your surgeon will help you make, such as the type and size of the implant. Another decision to consider is the type of incision technique your surgeon will use. While there…

Third Silicone Breast Implant Approved by FDA

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Breast implant choices have grown with the recent FDA approval of a new silicone gel breast implant by Sientra Inc. With the latest approval, there are now three silicone gel-filled breast implants approved by the FDA in the U.S. They…

Women More Satisfied with Their Sex Lives After Breast Surgery

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
A recent RealSelf.com poll of women who had breast implants and breast lifts revealed that they were more satisfied with their sex lives after surgery. The poll of 55 women who had breast surgery reported a 34% increase in overall…

More African-American Women Getting Cosmetic Surgery

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
A recent ABC News 20/20 cosmetic surgery special reported that more African-American women are considering cosmetic surgery. The program spoke with black women who have undergone breast augmentation and nose surgery and featured a BOTOX® party in Beverly Hills attended…

Multiple Cosmetic Surgeries on One Area Can Enhance Results

March 29, 2018 - Rhys Branman, MD
The breasts and buttocks are two areas of the body where having multiple cosmetic surgeries at once can benefit the patient. Dr. Samir Pancholi, a Las Vegas cosmetic surgeon, says that he often performs breast augmentation and breast lift surgery…

Allergan Educates Consumers on the Safety of Its Silicone Breast Implants

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Allergan reminded consumers of the safety of its silicone breast implants in a release, after news reports that France was recommending women have their Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) silicone gel implants removed. PIP used cheaper industrial silicone instead of medical…

Breast Augmentation Forums Provide Women Emotional Support

January 18, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
Women who have undergone breast augmentation can find emotional support through Internet forums, according to a new study. The study found that overall breast augmentation forums are a positive experience for women. “Through electronic postings, they cared for and nursed…

FDA Reaffirms Safety of Silicone Implants

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
The FDA has reaffirmed the safety of silicone implants and said that it would work with manufacturers to improve studies gauging the health of women who have received the implants. In 2006, the FDA lifted a 14-year ban on silicone…

Is There an Ideal Cosmetic Surgery Age?

November 7, 2023 - Rhys Branman, MD
If you’re in good health, you may never be too old for cosmetic surgery. The New York Times recently featured an 83-year-old woman who wanted to improve her figure, so she underwent a breast lift with implants. The ideal age…
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