Breast procedures are some of the most popular plastic surgeries performed in the United States.

This comes as no surprise. The size and shape of a person’s breasts can deeply impact their quality of life and self-esteem. Not only that, but breast surgeries are usually done as outpatient surgeries, meaning you can home the same day and generally have minimal discomfort.

Let’s take a look at two of the most common procedures–breast augmentations and breast reductions–and discover who they benefit and what you can expect from each.

Breast Augmentations
A breast augmentation increases the size and volume of the breasts. It involves the surgeon placing breast implants under breast tissue and/or chest muscles.

Your surgeon will place either a saline or silicone gel implant during the procedure. Dr. Kashan places his implants using a highly sterile, “no-touch” technique to prevent the risk of infection and capsular contracture.

Who Can Get Breast Augmentations?

Generally speaking, anyone who’s in good physical and mental health is a good candidate for a breast augmentation. The procedure is not recommended for active smokers or for uncontrolled diabetics, as this increases the risk of wound healing issues and infections. It is also avoided in women who are actively breastfeeding or pregnant.

Breast Augmentations: The Benefits
Breast augmentations offer a variety of benefits. For some people who have naturally smaller breasts, a breast augmentation serves as a confidence booster. It can create your desired silhouette, with increased cleavage and breast volume. Many women who have undergone the procedure have reported increased self-esteem post-op.

Breast augmentation procedures can also benefit people who require reconstructive surgery after certain events. A good example of this is people who have undergone mastectomies (breast removal) for breast cancer. A breast augmentation can restore the breast closer to its previous shape and size–and effectively restore the patient’s confidence.

What To Expect
A breast augmentation is usually an outpatient procedure. Patients rarely need to stay overnight for recovery.

Dr. Kashan will discuss options for anesthesia. Dr. Kashan and his anesthesiologist use a combination of general and local anesthesia. The anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia allowing the patient to sleep comfortably throughout the entire surgery. Meanwhile, Dr. Kashan provides the local anesthesia. During his time at The Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Kashan developed an intramuscular injection of anesthetic to numb the surgical area. This injection has proven to provide up to 72 hours of pain relief, allowing you to be up and moving with minimal discomfort right after surgery.

During a breast augmentation, a surgeon will make a single incision in one of three places. It will go either in the crease under your breast (inframammary), under your arm (axillary) or around your nipple (periareolar). Dr. Kashan preferentially favors the inframammary incision since it is so well hidden, has the lowest rate of capsular contracture and decreases chances of mal-position of the implants.

Once the incision is made, Dr. Kashan separates the breast tissue from the muscles and connective chest tissues. This creates a precise pocket in which to place the implant. This specific space again prevents mal-position of the implant.

If you’re getting saline implants, the implant is filled after insertion into the breast. Silicone implants are pre-filled. Dr. Kashan will then place the implant and close the incision with absorbable stitches.

Post-op, you can expect to feel some soreness and experience swelling. You might also notice bruising, but this will fade. It might be helpful to wear a compression bra in the first few weeks of healing. Your surgeon might prescribe pain medication, too.

You’ll need to take things easy the first two weeks after your surgery. Make sure not to lift heavy items or engage in strenuous activity. Your breasts will probably be sensitive to physical contact and sudden movements, so take good care not to exacerbate any pain.

Expect your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Kashan within one week to ensure excellent healing and to talk about your after-care. Don’t forget to follow up at your routine appointments after surgery where you’ll check in with Dr. Kashan to guide you along your journey and take your post-operative photos.

Questions Regarding Breast Augmentations
Can you breastfeed after having breast implants placed? The answer is yes! Some women even report that their babies have an easier time with latching onto the nipple as they have better nippple projection.

Can I get a mammogram after a breast augmentation? The answer is also yes! Having implants does not impede the ability of the mammogram to screen for breast cancer or irregularities in your breast tissue. You should always continue with your regularly scheduled mammogram screenings based on your age and family history.

Breast Reductions
A breast reduction is exactly what it sounds like–a procedure to minimize the size of the breasts. It involves removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin in and around the breasts. The surgery is popular among patients whose breast size interferes with daily activities or causes pain to the back and neck.

Who Can Get A Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction candidates should be in good physical and mental health, be non-smokers and not pregnant or breastfeeding. If you plan on having children after your surgery, talk to your surgeon. Depending on the style of your reduction, there is a small chance it may impact the ability to breastfeed. Communicate your goals with Dr. Kashan to ensure you’re getting the procedure that’s right for you.

The Benefits Of A Breast Reduction
Breast reductions offer relief to people who suffer from chronic neck, back or shoulder pain related to large breasts. The procedure can also help patients better fit into clothing and bras, improve self-esteem and make strenuous physical activity–something that’s often painful and inconvenient for people with very large breasts–a lot easier.

What To Expect
A screening mammogram is always recommended prior to your breast reduction.
Breast reductions are an outpatient procedure and usually occur under general anesthesia. Dr. Kashan will make an incision and remove excess tissue, fat and skin. Then, he’ll reshape the breast and reposition your nipple and areola (that’s the darker skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple).

For the first couple of days after the surgery, you’ll likely feel some tenderness and swelling in your breasts. Again, a compression bra can help soothe discomfort and keep your breasts in an ideal position while healing. Dr. Kashan will prescribe you pain medications and antibiotics to ward off infection.

Dr. Kashan will see you in the office within a week of surgery for your first post-operative appointment. Don’t forget to follow up for your routine appointments after surgery where you’ll check in with Dr. Kashan to guide you along your journey and take your post-operative photos.

Interested in exploring your breast operation options? Get in touch. We perform both breast augmentations and reductions to help each of our clients look and feel their most confident.