What Is Breast Reshaping?
Breast reshaping is not a single procedure. It’s a term that describes a group of surgical approaches used to change the shape, volume, position, or overall contour of the breasts.
Some people seek breast reshaping after changes that occur with pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight fluctuation. Others may wish to address long-standing concerns about breast shape that have been present since development. In some cases, previous breast surgery may have produced a result that a person wishes to revisit.
The procedures that fall under breast reshaping include, but are not limited to:
- Breast lift (mastopexy)
- Breast reduction
- Breast augmentation
- Breast lift with implants
- Breast implant replacement or revision
- Breast asymmetry correction
The most appropriate approach can only be determined following a thorough consultation and clinical assessment.
Why Do People Seek Breast Reshaping?
It depends on personal circumstances. The consultation is the appropriate starting point for anyone considering surgery.
Common reasons people come to discuss breast reshaping with Dr Kumar include:
- Changes to breast shape or position following pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Volume changes related to significant weight fluctuation
- Noticeable differences between the two breasts in size, shape, or position
- Breast tissue that has descended or changed in position over time
- Existing implants that are no longer meeting a person’s expectations or have developed a clinical concern
- Long-standing concerns about breast shape that a person wishes to explore surgically
This list is not exhaustive. Dr Kumar assesses each patient individually and does not make recommendations without a thorough clinical evaluation.
Are you ready to book in with Dr Kumar?
Surgical Procedures That May Be Discussed
The procedure, or combination of procedures, recommended will depend on your individual anatomy and what you are hoping to address. Below is an overview of the surgical options that may be relevant.
| Procedure | Overview |
|---|---|
| Implant exchange | Addresses breast position and skin laxity by repositioning the breast tissue and nipple-areola complex. May be appropriate where breast descent has occurred without significant volume change. |
| Breast reduction | Reduces breast volume and reshapes the breast by removing excess tissue and skin. May also address the position of the nipple-areola complex. |
| Breast augmentation | Increases breast volume using implants. May be considered where volume loss has occurred or where a person wishes to discuss a change in breast size. |
| Breast lift with implants | Combines the reshaping effect of a lift with volume adjustment via implants. May be appropriate where both position and volume changes need to be addressed simultaneously. |
| Breast implant replacement | For patients with existing implants who wish to reassess size, profile, or address a clinical concern. May also involve management of the surrounding tissue. |
| Breast asymmetry correction | Addresses noticeable differences between the two breasts using one or a combination of the above techniques, tailored to the individual’s anatomy. |
These procedures may be performed individually or in combination. What is appropriate for your situation can only be determined following a detailed clinical assessment.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
A thorough consultation is where surgical planning begins. No recommendation is made without a detailed individual assessment.
During your consultation with Dr Kumar, the following may be evaluated:
- Breast shape, volume, and position – including the position of the nipple-areola complex and the degree of any descent
- Skin quality and breast tissue – which influences the techniques available
- Symmetry – to understand differences between the two sides and how these may be addressed
- Previous surgical history – including any prior breast procedures, which may influence the options available
- General health and fitness for surgery – including relevant medical history and medications
- Your personal goals – an honest discussion of what you are hoping to achieve and what is surgically appropriate
Dr Kumar will outline the findings from the assessment, explain which procedures may be relevant to your situation, and discuss the potential risks and considerations associated with each approach.
Suitability for Breast Reshaping Surgery
Suitability for any breast reshaping procedure can only be determined following a clinical consultation. There is no universal checklist, each situation is individual.
That said, factors commonly discussed during a suitability assessment include:
| Clinical Considerations | Personal Considerations |
|---|---|
| Overall breast shape, volume, and degree of descent | Personal goals and what you wish to address |
| Skin quality and tissue characteristics | Completion of planned pregnancies (where relevant) |
| Existing implants or previous breast surgery history | Stability of body weight |
| General health and fitness for a surgical procedure | Comfort with a recovery period and associated activity restrictions |
| Symmetry and whether both sides need to be addressed | Understanding of realistic surgical outcomes |
Risks and Considerations
All surgical procedures carry potential risks and complications. These vary depending on the procedure performed, the individual patient’s anatomy and health, and any prior surgical history.
Possible risks that may be relevant include:
- Bleeding and infection
- Changes in nipple or breast sensation
- Scarring (the type and extent of which depends on the procedure)
- Asymmetry, or the possibility of further procedures
- For procedures involving implants: capsular contracture, implant displacement, and implant rupture
Risks specific to your situation will be discussed in detail during your consultation so that you can make a fully informed decision.
