Much of the results in plastic surgery including the breast rely upon the quality of the skin. Breast surgery includes breast augmentation and breast lift or mastopexy with or without reduction. There’s also a category of breast reconstruction after mastectomy for cancer and to some degree, these principles apply well.
We have discussed in detail in previous blogs the layers of the skin. Suffice it to say that in the dermal layer collagen and elastin are the important proteins contributing to the skin’s final appearance over time. The short answer to the question above is no. The surgeon cannot guarantee how the patient’s skin will react to these individual procedures at any given time.
Age, genetics, hydration, and nutrition as well as smoking and stress all play a role in the quality of skin after any cosmetic breast surgery. With a straightforward breast augmentation, we now introduce an additional volume of weight pressing from the inside of the breast to the outer skin shell. This internal weight pressure challenges the ability of the skin to maintain its position and youthful appearance.
Moisturization, massage, and a good support bra when exercising will help to maintain a more youthful texture and quality of the skin housing abreast in point. With breast lift and or reduction the situation is similar. These two operations remove excess skin and the reduced volume of tissue as well. This reduced volume as well as tightening of the skin creates a much more attractive and perkier and firmer breast than the preoperative condition of sag and or excess weight. This healing process also requires moisture position hydration and support.
Breast Sag
These operations when performed properly and by a qualified surgeon can significantly enhance the aesthetic appearance of the breasts and of the female patient overall. However, the healing process goes on for some time and requires the patient’s diligent participation to maintain that improved look in clothing, bathing suit, or without.
The patient must participate in maintaining the overall maximum result for their case. Remember also hormonal changes in gravity are major factors in the healing process which in most instances is not entirely predictable. Using this knowledge, we can minimize the sag after cosmetic breast surgery.
THOMAS TREVISANI, MD
BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON
MEMBER OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGERY
