Understanding the options
What each procedure may address.
These introductions explain the main distinctions. Detailed procedure pages will expand on indications, surgical planning, recovery, risks, and limitations.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation may be considered to increase breast volume or address selected volume-related concerns. Planning considers breast and chest anatomy, existing tissue, skin quality, implant dimensions, and the patient's preferences. Implant selection and placement are individual decisions rather than a standard size or technique for everyone.
Implants do not last indefinitely and may require future imaging, monitoring, or additional surgery. Potential complications include capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, changes in sensation, asymmetry, and the need for revision. Rare implant-associated malignancies and other implant-related concerns should be discussed during informed consent. Significant breast descent may require a different or additional approach.
Breast Lift
A breast lift, or mastopexy, may address breast descent by reshaping and repositioning breast tissue and managing excess skin. The amount of lift, incision pattern, and potential scars depend on anatomy and the intended correction.
A lift does not necessarily increase breast volume. Augmentation may be considered separately when appropriate, but combining procedures adds considerations and is not automatically necessary. Risks include wound-healing problems, changes in nipple or breast sensation, asymmetry, scarring, and possible effects on breastfeeding.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction may be considered for selected patients experiencing concerns related to breast size, such as neck or back discomfort, skin irritation, difficulty with activities, or unwanted breast volume. Assessment considers symptoms, breast anatomy, general health, and the patient's goals.
The operation removes and reshapes breast tissue and skin, with the technique selected according to the required reduction and blood supply to the nipple-areola complex. Scars, changes in sensation, wound-healing problems, asymmetry, and possible effects on breastfeeding are important considerations. Symptom improvement and a particular final size cannot be guaranteed.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia refers to enlargement of glandular breast tissue in males. Chest fullness may also involve fat or a combination of glandular tissue, fat, and skin. Assessment helps distinguish these causes and consider whether medical evaluation is needed before surgery.
Depending on the findings, surgery may involve glandular excision, liposuction, skin management, or a combination. Potential risks include bleeding, fluid collections, contour irregularities, scarring, changes in nipple sensation, and residual or recurrent enlargement. The underlying cause and realistic expectations should be discussed before treatment.
Liposuction
Liposuction removes selected subcutaneous fat deposits through small incisions using a cannula. It may be considered for localised contour concerns when the patient's anatomy, health, and skin characteristics are appropriate. It is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for weight management.
The amount and location of fat removal, skin elasticity, and the surrounding anatomy influence the achievable contour. Risks include contour irregularities, asymmetry, bleeding, infection, fluid collections, changes in sensation, and anaesthesia-related complications. Extensive or combined procedures may carry additional risks, including thromboembolic complications. Skin laxity may require separate assessment.
Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty may address selected concerns involving excess abdominal skin and, when indicated, abdominal wall laxity or rectus diastasis. The operation may involve removal of excess skin, repositioning of the umbilicus, and repair of the abdominal wall according to the surgical plan. It is not a weight-loss operation.
Assessment considers skin, fat, abdominal wall anatomy, previous scars, medical history, and future pregnancy or weight-change plans. The extent of surgery and scar placement vary. Risks include wound-healing problems, seroma, bleeding, infection, skin or tissue compromise, altered sensation, and venous thromboembolism. Recovery and activity restrictions require individual planning.