Which Breast Procedure Is Right for You?

Among surgical options to improve a woman’s upper body profile, breast augmentation invariably draws the most attention — and not simply when a patient’s elegant new proportions premiere at the next event on the social calendar. Breast augmentation is the most talked-about breast procedure in plastic surgery offices, too.

Not every woman considering a breast procedure wants or needs greater volume, however. Dr. Carlos Chacon of San Diego’s Divino Plastic Surgery is skilled in a variety of breast procedures, and will help you choose the technique that best fits your own image of the ideal body shape.

Breast Augmentation

In 2019 nearly 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries were performed in the U.S., according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. That made it the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure nationwide, topping liposuction, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty and facelift.

It’s undeniable that most women considering a breast procedure are seeking greater volume. But size isn’t the only factor involved; women opting for breast augmentation surgery will also have to decide on shape, material and texture. There are saline implants, traditional silicone and newer silicone implants such as the supple “gummy bear” variety. There are round and teardrop shapes, as well as advanced materials that promise better integrity for the implant and a more natural feel for the patient.

The incision placement also varies. With an inframammary procedure, the incision is made under the breasts. A periareolar procedure places incisions around the nipple or areola

Breast Lift

Although breast lift is distinct from breast augmentation, the two procedures are frequently performed at the same time. That is because although breast augmentation can increase volume, it does not address issues of sagging. Breast lift reverses droopiness by elevating the breasts on the chest. 

Sagging may have occurred as a result of pregnancy, changes in weight or aging. With breast lift, Dr. Chacon repositions breast tissue and can also return low or downward-pointing nipples to a natural position. By dramatically improving projection, breast lift restores the “perky” proportions of younger years.

Breast Reduction

Sometimes a woman’s breasts are too large for her frame, which can have physical and emotional consequences such as back and neck pain, soreness, inflammation, embarrassment and even lower self-esteem. Breast reduction surgery can sculpt a trim upper body by reducing breast size, enhancing symmetry, adjusting the nipple, compressing the size of the areola and generally creating a more youthful profile.

Breast Revision

Breast revision is necessary in cases where implants have lost integrity, drifted or caused changes in surrounding tissue. Breast revision is also appropriate for women who decide that implants did not meet their aesthetic expectations, or felt less natural than they hoped. In a few cases, patients have health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, that may be aggravated by the presence of implants.

To learn more about breast surgery options, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Carlos Chacon at his San Diego-area office in Bonita by contacting Divino Plastic Surgery today.