Breast augmentation surgery aims to change the size and shape of a woman’s breasts using implants or fat transfer. Aside from cosmetic purposes, this procedure can also be performed to address concerns due to surgical removal of the breasts as part of cancer treatment or congenital defects. Outcomes of breast augmentation can vary widely depending on the individual goals of the patient, the type of implants used, the surgical techniques employed, and the initial conditions of the breasts.
Breast Augmentation Surgery
Reasons for having Breast Augmentation
Choosing to undergo a breast augmentation is a personal decision. Patients may choose to undergo the procedure in order to:
- Change the size and shape of their breasts because of aesthetic preferences
- Address breast changes due to the natural process of ageing, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss
- Address structural defects in the breasts that result from birth or traumatic injury
- Address breast concerns following surgical removal of one or both breasts (mastectomy) as part of cancer treatment
Patients with these breast conditions may choose to undergo the procedure. However, they should be in good overall health, have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure, and be willing to commit to post-surgical instructions to be considered a suitable candidate for breast augmentation.
Outcomes
Whatever your reasons might be, studies have shown that breast augmentation does more than just increase a patient’s breast size.
Postural Changes
In a study of 48 patients with breast hypoplasia (underdeveloped breasts) who underwent breast augmentation, posture changes were assessed using the Fastrak™ system and stabilometry before, and 1, 4, and 12 months post-surgery. [1] Early results showed a retropositioning of the upper body. Retropositioning describes the displacement or shift of a body part away from its normal or original position towards the back. One year after the procedure, a reduction in retroposition of the head and anterior positioning of the pelvis was observed.
Symmetrical Breasts
A study using BREAST-Q analysis revealed that patients undergoing contralateral breast augmentation reported an increase in breast symmetry, as evidenced by a high statistical significance. [2] In addition, this group of patients also scored highest in terms of symmetry, shape, and overall aesthetic results according to the Kroll Scale (a clinical assessment tool used to evaluate the aesthetic outcomes and quality of breast reconstruction surgery). This research pioneers the use of BREAST-Q to assess the long-term stability of breast symmetry post-reconstruction. The findings underscore that implant-based contralateral management can help achieve symmetrical breasts.
References:
- Mazzocchi M, Dessy LA, Iodice P, Saggini R, Scuderi N. A study of postural changes after breast augmentation. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2012 Jun;36(3):570-7. doi: 10.1007/s00266-011-9841-6. Epub 2011 Nov 16. PMID: 22083412. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22083412/.
- Barone M, Cogliandro A, Signoretti M, Persichetti P. Analysis of Symmetry Stability Following Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction and Contralateral Management in 582 Patients with Long-Term Outcomes. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018 Aug;42(4):936-940. doi: 10.1007/s00266-018-1082-5. Epub 2018 Jan 22. PMID: 29359234. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29359234/.
