Bigger, Smaller, Perkier: 6 Types of Cosmetic Breast Surgery To Consider

Breast enhancement comes in all shapes and sizes, whether you’re looking to go larger, smaller, perkier, rounder, or something else entirely. With so many cosmetic breast procedures available, how do you know where to start? In this blog post, we cover 6 different types of breast surgery procedures and how they can help you achieve the results you want.

1. Breast Augmentation

The most well-known cosmetic breast surgery is breast augmentation, which uses synthetic implants to enhance the breasts’ size, shape, and symmetry. This procedure offers customized results tailored to your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

• How it helps: Breast implants add volume to naturally small breasts, restore fullness after pregnancy or weight loss, and improve breast symmetry.
• Ideal candidate: Women who want to increase breast size, correct unevenness, and/or enhance their cleavage benefit most from breast augmentation. Patients must be at least 18 for saline implants and 22 for silicone.

2. Breast Lift (With or Without Implants)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, addresses sagging by reshaping and lifting the breasts for a perkier, more youthful appearance. It can be performed on its own or as a combined breast lift and augmentation procedure for a volume increase.

• How it helps: Breast lift surgery corrects drooping, reshapes the breast contour, elevates the nipple-areola complex, and restores firmness.
• Ideal candidate: Women with sagging breasts who want a more lifted appearance, with or without added volume are best suited to breast lift surgery. Many patients have excess, stretched skin and are bothered by downturned nipples or oversized areolae.

3. Breast Reduction (For Women)

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and skin to create a smaller, more proportionate breast size. This procedure not only improves appearance but also alleviates the physical discomfort of overly large breasts.

In many cases, women opt for a breast reduction and lift for best results. This combined procedure addresses skin laxity once the excess volume has been removed and adjusts the breasts’ height on the chest wall for a more comfortable, natural-looking position.

• How it helps: Breast reduction surgery relieves neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts; improves posture; and creates a more balanced figure.
• Ideal candidate: Women with large, heavy breasts who experience physical discomfort or have difficulty finding clothing that fits comfortably are good candidates for breast reduction. Teenagers (16+) may qualify for this procedure if their breast development is complete and there is documented evidence that their breast size impacts their quality of life.

4. Breast Implant Revision

When it comes to breast implant procedures, breast revision surgery is a natural eventuality. Implants are not lifetime devices. Most people exchange their implants every 10 to 15 years, but your decision to replace your implants will depend on the implants’ condition, your health, and how you feel about your appearance over time.

Breast revision surgery can address both functional and cosmetic concerns, such as implant rupture, complications with the original procedure, or changes in your aesthetic preferences. Many women welcome the opportunity to make adjustments to their implants’ size, shape, or fill material, especially if their goals have changed in the last decade or so.

• How it helps: Breast implant revision surgery corrects issues with existing implants or adjusts implant size, type, or position to better suit current goals.
• Ideal candidate: Women looking to update their current breast implants or who are experiencing complications such as implant shifting or capsular contracture are typically excellent candidates for implant revision.

5. Breast Fat Transfer

Breast enlargement procedures don’t always need implants! Fat transfer to the breast (“natural breast augmentation”) uses liposuction to remove unwanted fat from areas like the abdomen or thighs. This fat is then purified and injected into the breasts for a subtle boost in volume (typically about one cup size).

• How it helps: Fat transfer breast augmentation adds volume and improves breast shape using your body’s own fat for a natural look and feel.
• Ideal candidate: Women seeking modest breast enhancement with the added benefit of body contouring are well suited to breast augmentation with fat transfer.

6. Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

Male breast reduction surgery reduces excess breast tissue in men caused by gynecomastia, a common condition that can result in enlarged breasts. Depending on your needs, we can perform either liposuction or skin excision to masculinize your chest appearance. Learn more about this empowering procedure in our related blog post.

• How it helps: Male breast reduction surgery restores a flatter, more masculine chest contour, often leading to increased confidence and self-esteem.
• Ideal candidate: Men struggling with enlarged breast tissue due to hormonal imbalances, weight fluctuations, or genetics are usually good candidates for male breast reduction.

Explore Your Options With Our Experts

If you’re considering any of these breast surgery procedures, the board-certified plastic surgeons at St. Louis Cosmetic Surgery can help you determine the best option for your unique needs. Get started today by requesting a consultation online or calling us at (636) 530-6161.