My goal for every patient with questions or concerns about their breasts is that I create and maintain breast harmony while achieving what they are interested in. Sometimes the patient doesn’t know exactly what bothers them about their breasts. They may think that their breasts are too small, have never been big enough, or were big enough but are now smaller after childbirth, aging, or weight loss. Breasts sometimes don’t have enough volume, lose firmness, don’t match, aren’t in the same position on the chest right versus left, or the patient’s chest isn’t symmetrical before you even look at the breasts. I like to create a harmonious breast for the patient so that they will be happy. When the patient’s breast is in harmony, the nipple is in the correct position on the breast mound, and the breast mound is above the breast fold completely or only minimally drops over the fold.
Achieving breast harmony for the patient may include breast augmentation, breast lift (mastopexy), or breast reduction. A combination of these techniques may provide superior results. It takes time to listen to the concerns of the patient and to examine them to see what really bothers them. Patients sometimes show me concerns in the mirror or describe it in terms of clothing fit. They may be unable to wear strapless tops and dresses, or they cannot fill out their bathing suit or shirts the way they would like. Patients frequently state that they are bothered by not being able to fill out the top half of their bra cup.
I use Vectra 3D imaging to help the patient see their own body from this perspective. With my 3D imaging system, the patient can see, in 3D, how they may look after augmentation surgery and/or a breast lift. 3D imaging and photos of the patient are excellent tools to demonstrate whether the breast is or isn’t in harmony before we proceed with what they would like to do. Volume alone for the patient’s breast may not be the best option. If the patient’s breast is not in harmony and we add volume, it really won’t correct the situation. For breasts that are out of proportion, in the wrong position, or have too much sag or droop, a breast augmentation by itself will not fix all of these problems. An implant will only fix breast sag or droop when these problems are minor. If there is significant breast sag or droop, breast malposition, or nipple malposition, this should be corrected with a mastopexy first, and then the breast can be augmented to create an enhanced harmonious breast, and a happy patient. This may be just one operation but sometimes two operations are the best solution. You may also like to read my blog on breast implants.