The term breast surgery covers a multitude operations and reasons for undergoing surgery, ranging from medical procedures like a lumpectomy or mastectomy due to breast cancer or elective cosmetic surgery (boob jobs!) for aesthetic reasons. In this instance we are going to concentrate on cometic breast surgery, such as breast reduction, breast reconstruction and breast augmentation.
Breast reduction
Reduction mammoplasty to use the correct medical term, is the process of removing breast tissue, fat and skin in order to reduce the size of the breasts. It should also be mentioned, when we talk about breast reduction, there is often an assumption that it refers only to female breasts. This is not the case, as breast surgery as it is not uncommon for mean to have enlarged breast tissue (Gynecomastia) which can lead to breast reduction surgery. In fact, an article published on Statistica.com (Jenny Yang, Feb 8, 2024) reports that the most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the USA in 2022 amongst male patients was in fact breast reductions.
Female breast reduction procedures are carried out for a variety of reasons, which could be medical, aesthetic or simply to be able to take part in physical activities more easily or to feel better about themselves. Women with large breasts often experience discomfort in the form of back, shoulder and neck pain and groves left by bra straps, due to the weight of the breasts. Some women also experience nerve pain, rashes and irritations under the breast and due to trouble getting clothes and underwear to fit properly. The size and weight of the breasts can also hamper sports activities, making it different to stay fit and active.
The process can involve your cosmetic surgeon making an incision around the areola and nipple and downwards towards the crease of the breast. After which excess skin and fat is removed, the breast and nipple will be reshaped and set. In some cases, the nipple will need to be removed and reattached.
At the other end of the spectrum there are those who would like larger breasts. The reasons could be purely cosmetic or to correct uneven breasts or to increase the size after losing a large amount of weight loss or after a pregnancy.
A breast lift will be carried out under general anaesthetic and will take around 2 hours on average. The implant will be inserted via an incision either under the breast (inframammary), your arm (axillary) or in the nipple area (periareolar). Your surgeon will discuss the site of the incision to ensure the best placement for each patient. The size and shape of the implant and the elasticity of your skin, will inform whether the implant will sit behind the chest wall or between the breast tissue and chest muscle.
Dr.Pietro di Mauro explains, “Breast augmentation increases the size and changes the shape of the breast but it is crucial to understand that it will not prevent or correct sagging. If you want perkier, more youthful breasts, a breast lift may be recommended as the solution”.
Breast lift surgery (mastopexy)
All breasts start lose firmness and sag as we age. The effects of gravity can cause nipples to point down and breasts to sag, as can pregnancy and fluctuations in weight, and without the elasticity of the skin, the breast start to stretch and sag. A breast lift can help to rejuvenate the appearance of the breasts, by reducing sagging and repositioning the nipple and resizing the areolae in proportion to the breast. Incisions will be stitched and the remaining skin tightened. The process will take around 3 hours. If you want your breasts to look larger or smaller, it is possible to carry out a breast reduction or augmentation procedure at the same time.
Pre-surgery consultation
All of Dr di Mauro’s cosmetic surgery patients are assessed for their suitability for breast surgery during an initial consultation. The reasons for the surgery and desired outcomes will be discussed, along with medical history and general fitness. Should the patient decide to proceed, all risks and possible side effects are clearly outlined.
Post-surgery recovery
After undergoing any form of breast surgery, it is essential that you follow the aftercare plan provided by your surgeon. You will need to wear a post-surgical support bra for 24 hours throughout your recovery (approx. 4 to 6 weeks). It is essential that you do not lift anything heavy and avoid any type of impact to the breast area.
If you would like to find out more about Dr Pietro di Mauro’s aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery procedures get in touch for a confidential no-obligation personalised consultation, by calling call 648 43 45 93.
FAQs
Following a boob job, before you leave the clinic you will be provided with a personalised aftercare plan. This will include instruction on how to support and protect your new breasts by wearing a post-surgical bra, not to lift any heavy weights (including picking up children), knocks to the chest and getting plenty of rest etc. You will also be provided with an emergency contact number should you need assistance, day or night, and a follow up appointment will be made to check on your progress.
Everyone is different, however on average a breast lift usually takes around 3 hours. The operation will be carried out under general anaesthetic and you will be expected to recover over night in the clinic where you can be closely monitored.
Dr di Mauro has many years of experience of carrying out all types of breast surgery, including breast lifts, breast reduction surgery (including male breast reductions) and breast augmentation in Marbella. He is an active member of the Spanish Society for Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine (SECPRE). He specializes in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery, having trained in Chiron Madrid Hospital’s Aesthetic Surgery Unit and the Chelsea Westminster Hospital (London) unit for reconstructive surgery and burns.
