For many people, their natural body is something to be embraced in all its forms! However, for some people, enhancing their natural body is their preferred course of action - and one part of the body that it’s very common for people to want to address is their breasts. Whether it’s the body you were born with, or it changes as you age, there are myriad reasons why so many of us may turn to breast surgery.
Though it’s true that many clients are seeking an augmentation or an uplift, there are a huge range of breast surgery procedures that our surgeons can perform. Some of our clients may wish to address a previous breast enhancement or uplift that they wish to add to or correct; while others may be seeking reductions in either their natural or augmented breast size.
Some clients are seeking treatment for gynecomastia, a condition in which fatty tissue builds up under the breast area in men (or those assigned male at birth). In this guide, MPS will outline each different type of breast surgery that we offer and the advantages of each - so let’s take a look!
Breast Augmentation
What is it:
Breast augmentation is perhaps one of the procedures for which our clinic here at Manchester Plastic Surgery is most well-known. A straightforward procedure, our breast augmentation or implant service involves the implantation of silicone breast implants, typically into each breast. The implant itself is a silicone shell, which is either filled with silicone gel or saline for the fullness. In this procedure, the breast tissue and skin is lifted to create a ‘pocket’ for each implant, either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath your chest wall (pectoral) muscle.
Who is it for:
Typically, those opting for a breast augmentation through implants are seeking to enlarge their breasts by one or two cup sizes, to retain a natural fuller shape, though you can opt for larger implants if you wish! Through consultation with our expert surgeons, you’ll be able to determine what’s right for you and your figure.
Breast Uplift (Mastopexy)
What is it:
A breast uplift is often an option for clients who may have initially opted for a breast enhancement or augmentation, as a highly effective way of restoring fullness and volume to the breast - without the need for implants! A mastopexy involves an incision on the breast, after which excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast, with stitches around the areola, for a higher, fuller shape.
Who is it for:
A breast uplift allows patients to enjoy a higher, fuller shape without the need for implants. However, it must be noted that a breast uplift isn’t suitable for everyone: the procedure works best on smaller breasts which are sagging, as larger breasts will benefit but may not retain the results as long! It’s also a good idea to postpone an uplift if you are hoping to carry children, simply as pregnancy may cause the results to fade prematurely.
Breast Reduction
What is it:
A breast reduction surgery is as simple as it sounds: the procedure of reducing breast volume and fullness in a reduction surgery. A breast reduction involves the removal of fat, glandular tissue, and skin, making your breasts smaller, lighter and firmer. Our surgeons can also reduce the size of the areola (the darker skin surrounding the nipple) to achieve our goal: giving you smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of your body.
Who is it for:
A breast reduction is suitable for anyone feeling as though their day-to-day life is impacted by the large size of their breasts. However, it’s important to note that this procedure works through the removal of natural breast tissue, which means this service is not suitable for those seeking to reduce their breast size through the removal of breast implants (clients looking for this service should see our Breast Implant Removal page).
Gynecomastia Treatment
What is it:
Gynecomastia treatment is suitable for men or those assigned male at birth who experience a build-up of fatty tissue in their breast region. Sometimes nicknamed ‘man boobs’, this incredibly common issue affects between 40-60% of men and is easily treatable with a simple procedure. During this procedure of male breast reduction, the process involves liposuction, gland excision, reduction mammoplasty, or a combination of these surgical techniques, leaving you with smoother, more defined pecs.
Who is it for:
Male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery is suitable for all those experiencing an unwanted build-up of fatty tissue beneath the chest or breast regions. There may be some mild scarring, but our expert surgeons will take every care to ensure that these are as unnoticeable as possible.
Breast Implant Removal and/ or Breast Implant Replacement
What is it:
Just as it sounds, breast implant removal is suitable for those wishing to remove their existing breast implants due to age, size, shape, or another issue. Breast implant removal can be due to wanting implants replaced, which can accompany the removal procedure, or simply if you decide that you no longer want your implants.
Your implants will be removed, and our experts will make incisions in the same site as your implant insertion so that we minimise scarring as far as possible. If you then wish to have your breast implants replaced at the same time, this involves removing the original breast implant and any scar tissue, clearing the breast pocket and inserting the new implant.
Where necessary, we use a breast implant removal technique called ‘en bloc removal’ which involves removing the implant and the capsule as one.
Who is it for:
The removal of breast implants is for anyone who wishes to have their implants removed, regardless of implant size or frame. It is of course important to note that lifestyle changes can impact your recovery, so it’s important to follow medical guidance.
Breast Asymmetry Correction
What is it:
Finally, our experts can tackle the common issue of breast asymmetry. This common treatment can create an even chest contour by reducing the size of your larger breast or increasing the size of your smaller breast. In some instances, our expert surgeons might wish to solve the problem with a breast uplift (mastopexy) procedure on one or both of your breasts, although the most common is the breast asymmetry surgery.
Who is it for:
Breast asymmetry can be a problem for many people, which is why our expert surgeons can assist anyone experiencing the issue. As with all our cosmetic surgery treatments, your dedicated surgeon will discuss your personal health history with you to ensure that you can proceed with the corrective surgery and begin to feel like yourself again.
Breast Surgery with MPS
We hope this complete guide to the different types of breast surgery available has allowed you to make a decision on the best cosmetic surgery journey for you, when it comes to feeling happy with your breasts. If you’re interested in pursuing breast surgery with MPS, please don’t hesitate to contact our teams who can offer you more information on our booking, consultation and surgical process.
