Breast augmentation
Increasing breast volume calls for a number of choices. Firstly be aware of the volume wanted. To help the patient the surgeon has different size bra to simulate mammary increase.
Secondly the choice has to do with the type of implant wanted. It can be filled with silicone or physiological serum (salted water). One must also choose between a smooth or textured surface implant.
The latter lessens the risk of contracture but sometimes "creases'' under the skin. Once the volume and shape of implant is chosen, the decision to take is to place it on or under the pectoral muscle. This choice depends on the patient as well as on her morphology and will greatly influence this third choice.
The results are good with the new generation of prothesis. Dr. Bensouda often cuts around the areola where scars are hardly noticeable.
Surgery can be done as early as 16 years of age, under local anaesthesia, a sedative is needed. It can change a young girl's or women's sexual life into a more harmonious one.
There are no side effects as to pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Breast reduction
The decision to undergo surgery for breast decrease in volume is generally done in cases of breast hypertrophy (very big breasts). Breasts then become a cause of psychological and physical problems. Large or bulky breasts give back pains and affects the person's image. Medical coverage will take into account the cost for breast reduction.
Breast reduction surgery corrects excess breast volume but not without consequences:
- It results in an upside down T scar.
- In most cases the scar will smooth out within a few months. Dr. Bensouda's technique helps keep the sensitivity of the nipple and breast function.
Breast lifting with or without prosthesis (mammary ptosis)
Mammary ptosis is defined as breast dropping and unfolding. The breast is too low and empty in its upper part; ptosis can appear at an early age or can result after an important weight loss. After pregnancy most of the time the breast volume decreases and ptosis occurs.
Ptosis may be isolated or associated to a mammary hypoplasia to be corrected during surgery.
The purpose for surgery is to lift up the nipple as well as remodel the gland to get volume and a harmonious shape. Prosthesis is needed when the breast is empty.
Breast reconstruction
For a patient who was operated on for breast cancer with a mastectomy, the plastic surgeon rebuilds the mammary breast morphology.
Important progress has been made in this field and a number of different techniques give satisfying results.
The choice of the best suited technique depends on the case; the surgeon will give ample explanation to his patient.
Breast reconstruction can be done shortly after the mastectomy (roughly a year after).
The purpose of the surgery is to build volume for the missing breast with an areola in symmetry with the opposite breast.