Is breast reconstruction just a matter of size?

  Breast augmentation is the most common procedure in mammoplasty, so in many people’s eyes, mammoplasty is nothing more than making the breasts bigger. But this is far from the truth! The beauty of the breast is not only a matter of size, but also a matter of prominence, symmetry and harmony with the body.  In the case of breast augmentation, there is a lot to learn about the surgical incision, the implant and the level of placement. The axillary incision is most commonly used, but part of the procedure needs to be performed under blind vision; the areolar incision is suitable for patients who do not need to breastfeed again; patients with sagging breasts are suitable for placing the implant behind the gland; patients with thin glands should place the implant behind the pectoralis major muscle; body type and the patient’s expectations are the key to choosing the size and type of implant. In addition to implants, for patients with a certain amount of glands, breast augmentation with autologous fat injection is also feasible.  Enlarged and sagging breasts are also a very common reason for women to visit the clinic, and the common surgical procedures are breast reduction and breast suspension. Whether reduction or suspension, post-operative scarring and breast appearance is a major concern. For simple breast suspension and mild to moderate breast enlargement, a double circumferential incision around the areola can be chosen, and the postoperative scar is located at the outer edge of the areola, which is very concealed and has good postoperative breast prominence and symmetry. However, for moderate to severe breast enlargement with ptosis, an inverted “T” shaped surgical scar will be left after surgery, and the shape of the breast will be relatively poor. Patients with large breasts may even require total mastectomy and free nipple-areola grafting.  Breast cancer is a very common malignant tumor in women, and the current treatment outcome is good, but the loss of breast after surgery will bring a lot of physical and mental stress to patients. Breast reconstruction can reconstruct a beautiful breast using sufficient skin and muscle tissues from the autologous body to meet the physical and mental needs of the most beautiful women.  In addition, nipple invagination correction and nipple areola reconstruction are also important elements of breast reconstruction. Therefore, breast reconstruction is not only a matter of changing breast volume, but also a comprehensive and complex issue that requires accurate preoperative evaluation and postoperative result prediction.