Patient Question: I’m tired of wearing a padded bra. What are my options for improving the shape of my breasts?
- Breast augmentation is still the best way to improve volume and shape, according to Dr. Antimarino. It can give more reliable results when compared to fat grafting for breast enhancement. A consultation includes an examination, a discussion of goals, and implant sizing. Dr. Antimarino discusses in detail the procedure, including post-operative downtime and scars. Most patients are back to work within a week unless it is a more physical job in which the patient may require up to 3 weeks.
- A breast lift, or mastopexy, is used for correcting sagging to the breast. There are 4 different types of breast lifts used depending on the degree of breast sagging. This can also be combined with an augmentation to improve volume based on a patient’s preference.
- Fat grafting is sometimes an option to improve the shape after an augmentation or augmentation/lift, but the procedure may need to be done more than once, depending upon how much fat stays post-graft. The patient will also need to have enough fatty tissue to be used for donor sites. The amount of fat that can be accepted in one area during one treatment may also be limited. This option can be costly for the patient.
Breast shape depends upon the natural shape of the breast before surgery and how much tissue the patient has remaining after aging, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Adding volume to the breasts can enhance their shape but will not change their position on the chest wall.
