Mammaplasty (also called mammoplasty or mastoplasty) refers to a group of surgical procedures, the goal of which is to reshape or otherwise modify the appearance of the breast.
Breast enhancement surgeries typically can be divided into three general categories: augmentation, reduction, and lifting. Each type of surgery is explained.
Breast augmentation - also known as augmentation mammoplasty - is a cosmetic surgery procedure to increase breast size and enhance breast shape, typically through the placement of silicone or saline breast implants. From a cosmetic surgeon’s perspective, the ultimate goal of breast augmentation is to enhance a patient’s natural proportions and create a more symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing breast profile. The exact procedure is tailored to meet a woman’s individual needs.
For some women, breast augmentation is a way to feel more confident. For others, it's part of rebuilding the breast for various conditions.
Breast augmentation might help you:
Breast reduction also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgery used to remove excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts. If you have large breasts, you might choose to have breast reduction surgery to ease discomfort or to achieve a breast size proportionate to your body.
If you have disproportionately large breasts that are causing neck pain, back pain, or other physical symptoms, you may be considering breast reduction surgery.
Breast reduction surgery might also help improve your self-image and your ability to participate in physical activities.
Most women who get breast reduction are very satisfied with the results. Men with conditions such as gynecomastia (in which male breasts are abnormally enlarged) may also get breast reduction.
Breast lift — also known as mastopexy — is a surgery performed by a plastic surgeon to change the shape of your breasts. During a breast lift, excess skin is removed and breast tissue is reshaped to raise the breasts.
Breast lift surgery won't significantly change the size of your breasts. However, a breast lift can be done in combination with breast augmentation or breast reduction.
You might consider a breast lift if: