A saggy or droopy breast is the result of an excess of skin for the available breast tissue. Pregnancy can cause the breast to grow and swell, stretching the skin, but when the breast returns to its normal size after the conclusion of breast feeding, the excess skin left behind can lead to a droopy breast. Weight loss or normal aging can do the same thing. Basically a sagging breast is one in which there is too much skin and not enough breast.
The solution is to add breast volume or to reduce the amount of excess skin, or both. There isn't a procedure where we move the breast up and tie it down, unfortunately (although many have tried).
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia, although smaller lifts can be done with a local anesthetic. The doctor will perform precise drawings on you prior to the operation, which takes about an hour and a half to two hours. The appearance of the breast may appear tight and unnatural at first, but this quickly "ripens" into a nice shape. The scars fade over a 6-12 month period.
It goes without saying that male breast enlargement is upsetting. This condition may be from birth (congenital), obesity, some types of drugs, or rarely, a hormonal problem.
The doctor will do a careful history and examination to make sure there are no medical causes that require treatment. The extent of the procedure depends on how much excess tissue and skin you have. It may include only a liposuction procedure, a small incision with a lighted scope retractor to remove breast tissue, or a procedure that involves removal of skin and visible scars. We will educate you about all the alternatives.
Usually general anesthesia is required. Markings are performed before surgery. The procedure takes from 45 minutes to 2 hours, and is an outpatient procedure. We don’t usually use drains or tubes.
We'll have you wear some type of compression garment for a month, and watch the vigorous upper body activity for a while depending on the extent of the procedure. Most types of work are OK right away, maybe reduced activity if you have a very physical job.
Scars are a possibility, although most guys think they are worth it. Changes in nipple sensation are not uncommon, not usually permanent. Infections and wound problems are rare.
Many women are born with breasts that are uneven in size and shape, which may or may not be noticeable to others. These differences in breasts are often undetectable to patients themselves, causing no problems at all, while other women can have obvious asymmetry, which can cause both an unbalanced appearance and emotional distress.
Asymmetric breasts can be corrected through surgery that either enlarges the smaller breast or reduces the larger one. Implants can be placed in smaller breasts or a breast reduction can be performed on larger breasts. If the nipples appear at different heights, surgery can relocate one or both of the nipples.
All of these options produce breasts that are more similar in appearance, working with each woman's unique body to achieve the best possible results. Creating a more balanced appearance can help improve physical balance, self-confidence and body image.
Congenital breast abnormalities are defects in the breast that are present from birth. The most common types are extra, or accessory, nipples and breast tissue. Between two and six percent of people are estimated to have these deformities. Most people with accessory nipples have more than one and they can occur from the underarm to the groin. Sometimes patients are not even aware of their existence because they may be mistaken for moles. Accessory breast tissue is most often found in the underarm area.
Poland's syndrome is a congenital cause of breast asymmetry in which there are underdeveloped or absent chest muscles and breast bone on one side of the body. In milder cases, Poland's syndrome might not be noticeable until a child reaches puberty, when breast and chest development make missing muscle mass apparent. It occurs much more frequently in males than in females.
Other types of congenital abnormalities that are relatively uncommon are severe underdevelopment or absence of one or both breasts or nipples. When the breast tissue is missing, it usually occurs in tandem with abnormalities of the underlying muscles and rib cage. Plastic surgical correction can remedy these deficits and offer a significantly better quality of life.
