Common Questions about Breast Surgery

Beautiful breasts are an enviable asset, especially in beachy areas of the country like Southern California. If you are considering having your breasts augmented, reduced, lifted or otherwise enhanced, you likely have some questions. In this month’s newsletter, San Diego plastic surgeon Dr. Abhay Gupta answers common questions about breast surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Should I get saline or silicone breast implants?

Both options have their advantages, so it depends on your personal preference.

Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution and inserted empty (then filled in place). They are FDA-approved for women over the age of 18 for breast augmentation.

Silicone implants are filled with a thick, sticky fluid and come pre-filled from the manufacturer. They are FDA-approved for women over the age of 22 for breast augmentation. Most women believe silicone implants produce a more natural look and feel, but the choice is yours.

What size implant should I choose?

Selecting implant size is a personal decision based on your ideal outcomes, body type, lifestyle and other factors. For example, if you have a petite frame or are an athlete, you probably won’t like extra-large implants. Trying on implant sizers with Dr. Gupta’s guidance can help you find a look that you love.

What happens if my implant ruptures or leaks?

Implant rupture and leaks are rare. If a saline implant ruptures, it is more obvious, as the breast flattens almost immediately. Due to the nature of silicone implant filling, it is more difficult to detect an implant rupture. Women with silicone implants are encouraged to have regular MRI tests every two to three years to look for potential problems. Ruptured implants should be taken out and replaced with a new pair.

Breast Reduction

What does breast reduction entail?

Breast reduction removes excess skin and tissue for smaller, lighter breasts. This alleviates the physical pain and discomfort of oversized breasts; it can also help eliminate psychological distress stemming from large breasts (e.g., low self-esteem, depression, anxiety).

Does insurance cover breast reduction?

There is a good chance your health insurance provider offers coverage for breast reduction if there is a medical necessity (e.g., chronic neck/back pain, rashes underneath the breasts). We would be happy to help verify whether you are eligible for coverage on your current plan.

Do I need a breast lift, too?

A breast lift is automatically built into a typical breast reduction procedure. The incisions of a breast reduction are designed to lift the sagging nipples and tighten the loose breast skin at the same time as reducing the weight of the breast tissue. A breast lift can also be done without a breast reduction for older women who may have lost breast shape due to gravity but do not have a large amount of breast tissue. This procedure can also be combined with a breast implant insertion if indicated.

Breast Lift

What does breast lift improve?

Breast lift is intended to correct breast sagging (clinically known as breast ptosis). By removing excess skin and reshaping the breast tissue, breast lift restores the breasts to a more youthful position on the chest. The breasts feel firmer and look perkier.

Will my breast size change with breast lift?

Breast lift only removes skin (not tissue) and does not change breast size significantly. Some women perceive their breasts being smaller after breast lift because removing skin reduces the surface area of the total breast. It is normal to wear a smaller bra after surgery, because a breast sitting high on the chest wall requires a smaller cup size than breasts that sag lower on the chest.

If you would like breasts that are both bigger and perkier after surgery, you should consider combination breast lift with implants.

Does breast lift leave noticeable scarring?

Conscientious surgeons like Dr. Gupta are careful to reduce the extent of post-operative scarring. Depending on the degree of correction needed, and whether implants are placed, the operation may leave some scars. They will fade significantly over time. Many women are so happy with their results that they don’t mind the scars.

Speak to Our Talented Breast Surgeon

To learn more about breast surgery with Dr. Gupta, please contact our San Diego plastic surgery practice today. Call (858) 408-6100 today to make an appointment with the doctor.

Fun Monthly Fact: The average American woman wears a 34DD-sized bra. The Guinness World Record for largest natural breasts was claimed by a woman whose chest circumference measured 70 inches (5.85 feet around!).