Breast Aesthetics: Differences Between Augmentation, Reduction, and Lifting Procedures

What is Breast Aesthetics?

Breast aesthetics include surgical procedures performed to change the size, shape, and appearance of a woman's breasts. Breast augmentation, reduction, and lift surgeries are commonly preferred by women who are not satisfied with the appearance of their breasts or who experience health issues. Each procedure is planned and performed according to different goals and personal needs.

The main goal of breast aesthetic operations is generally to achieve a breast appearance that is more harmonious with the body, aesthetically pleasing, and symmetrical. These procedures can also help provide physical comfort as well as address aesthetic concerns. Since each person's breast structure and body type are unique, the type of surgery is determined based on individual needs.

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Breast augmentation surgery is a procedure performed to achieve fuller and larger-looking breasts by increasing breast volume. Although it is commonly preferred for aesthetic concerns, it can also be applied for women with congenital breast asymmetry, or those who lost breast volume due to pregnancy or weight loss. Silicone implants are usually used in breast augmentation, but in some cases, the patient's own fat may also be used.

How is Breast Augmentation Performed?

Breast augmentation surgery is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes 1-2 hours. The surgeon places the implant either under the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Incisions are typically made under the breast crease, around the areola, or from the armpit, and scars usually become very faint after the healing process.

The implants used in breast augmentation vary in shape, size, and material. Your surgeon will select the most appropriate implant for your body type and your preferences. The recovery period after surgery typically lasts a few weeks, and full results become apparent within a few months.

Advantages of Breast Augmentation Surgery

• Increased breast volume and a fuller appearance
• Correction of breast asymmetry
• Increased self-confidence

When planned correctly and performed by an experienced surgeon, breast augmentation surgery can offer natural and aesthetic results. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved. Complications such as infection, capsular contracture (formation of hard tissue around the implant), and implant displacement may rarely occur.

Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is performed to achieve a lighter and more aesthetic appearance by reducing large and heavy breasts. Large breasts can cause back, neck, and shoulder pain in women, and may even result in poor posture in some cases. Therefore, breast reduction is a preferred procedure not only for aesthetic concerns but also for health reasons.

How is Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?

Breast reduction surgery is performed by removing excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. The nipple is also moved to a higher position during the procedure. Breast reduction is generally performed under general anesthesia and the procedure lasts between 2 and 4 hours.

The surgeon generally makes incisions around the areola and towards the breast crease. This helps to conceal the scars after surgery, which become less visible over time. The recovery period after breast reduction surgery lasts about 2-4 weeks and the final results become evident within a few months.

Advantages of Breast Reduction Surgery

• Reduction of back, neck, and shoulder pain
• Achieving a breast size more proportional to the body
• Ability to perform physical activities more comfortably

Breast reduction surgery provides both aesthetic and functional benefits. However, there may be swelling, tenderness, and mild pain in the breast area for a few weeks after surgery. Following your doctor’s care instructions during this period will speed up the recovery process.

Breast Lift Surgery

Breast lift surgery is performed to create a more uplifted and firmer breast appearance in sagging and less elastic breasts. Breast tissue may sag and lose its aesthetic look due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. Breast lift surgery eliminates this sagging and restores a youthful and lively look to the breasts.

How is Breast Lift Surgery Performed?

Breast lift surgery is performed by removing excess skin and sagging breast tissue. The nipple is repositioned higher for a more aesthetic appearance. For those wanting more breast volume during the procedure, a breast lift can be combined with augmentation. This operation is performed under general anesthesia and takes 2-3 hours.

Incisions are made around the areola and under the breast crease. Scars become less noticeable over time, but they do not completely disappear. Recovery after surgery takes 4-6 weeks, during which strenuous physical activities should be avoided.

Advantages of Breast Lift Surgery

• Sagging breasts gain a more uplifted and aesthetic appearance
• The breasts can be made more symmetrical
• A younger and fitter look is achieved

Breast lift surgery is especially preferred by women with sagging breasts after childbirth. Achieving firmer and lifted breasts after surgery can also increase self-confidence.

Differences Between Types of Breast Aesthetic Surgery

Each type of breast aesthetic surgery is performed for different purposes, and each has its own techniques and outcomes. While breast augmentation aims to give volume and fullness to the breasts, breast reduction aims to provide comfort and aesthetics by reducing large breasts. Breast lift surgery, on the other hand, is done to give sagging breasts a more uplifted appearance.

The common point of all three surgeries is to meet the individual's aesthetic expectations and create a breast structure proportional to the body. However, surgical techniques, recovery periods, and results may vary from person to person. To determine which procedure is most suitable for you, it is important to have a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Risks of Breast Aesthetic Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with breast aesthetic surgeries. These risks may vary depending on the technique used, the person's health status, and the experience of the surgeon. Possible risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Poor wound healing
• Implant displacement
• Loss of sensation in the nipple

Although most of these risks are rare, it is important to discuss all risks and possible complications with your surgeon prior to surgery. In addition, following your doctor's instructions after the surgery will accelerate the healing process and reduce risks.