Breast Surgery Options: Augmentation, Reduction and Reconstruction

Understanding Breast Surgery

Breast surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to alter the size, shape, or appearance of the breasts. Whether a woman seeks enhancement, relief from physical discomfort, or restoration after cancer treatment, breast surgery can be life-changing. The three primary types of breast surgery are breast augmentation, breast reduction, and breast reconstruction.

Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Mumbai, offers all three types of breast surgery at leading hospitals including SevenHills Hospital, HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, NH SRCC, MRR Hospital, Surya Hospital, and Sushrusha Hospital. His comprehensive training ensures that patients receive safe, personalised care tailored to their individual needs.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure to increase the size and improve the shape of the breasts. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries worldwide.

Methods of Augmentation

• Silicone implants – Pre-filled with cohesive silicone gel, these implants provide a natural look and feel. They are the most popular choice in India and globally.
• Saline implants – Filled with sterile saltwater after placement. They offer a uniform shape and are adjustable in volume.
• Fat transfer (autologous fat grafting) – Fat is harvested from another area of the body via liposuction and injected into the breasts. This option provides a modest, natural-looking increase in size without implants.

Who Is a Candidate?

Women who may benefit from breast augmentation include those who:

• Desire larger or more proportionate breasts
• Have naturally small breasts or breast asymmetry
• Have experienced volume loss after pregnancy or weight loss
• Are in good health, are non-smokers, and have realistic expectations

Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi carefully discusses implant options, placement (above or below the pectoral muscle), and incision choices during the consultation to ensure each patient's goals are met.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size that is proportionate to the body. Unlike augmentation, breast reduction is often medically necessary rather than purely cosmetic.

Symptoms of Excessively Large Breasts

Women with overly large breasts frequently experience:

• Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Shoulder grooving from bra straps
• Skin irritation and rashes beneath the breasts
• Difficulty exercising and participating in physical activities
• Postural problems
• Self-consciousness and emotional distress

The Procedure

Breast reduction involves removing excess tissue through carefully planned incisions, reshaping the remaining breast tissue, and repositioning the nipple-areola complex to a more youthful position. Dr. Somvanshi uses techniques that minimise scarring while achieving significant volume reduction and an aesthetically pleasing breast shape. Recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks, with most patients experiencing immediate relief from their physical symptoms.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction restores the shape, size, and appearance of the breast after mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast due to cancer) or severe trauma. This is a profoundly important procedure that helps women regain their sense of wholeness and confidence after breast cancer treatment.

Reconstruction Options

• Implant-based reconstruction – Involves tissue expanders followed by permanent implants. This is a staged approach that gradually recreates the breast mound.
• Autologous (flap) reconstruction – Uses the patient's own tissue from the abdomen (TRAM or DIEP flap), back (latissimus dorsi flap), or thigh to create a new breast. This technique produces a natural-looking and feeling breast.
• Nipple and areola reconstruction – Performed as a final stage to recreate the nipple-areola complex, completing the reconstructive process.

Breast reconstruction can be performed immediately at the time of mastectomy or as a delayed procedure months or years later. Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi works closely with oncologists and breast surgeons to plan the optimal reconstructive approach for each patient.

Recovery Expectations

Recovery varies by procedure type:

• Breast augmentation – Most patients return to work within 1-2 weeks. Full activity resumes at 4-6 weeks.
• Breast reduction – Similar to augmentation, with an emphasis on avoiding heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
• Breast reconstruction – Recovery is longer, especially for flap-based procedures, typically requiring 6-8 weeks before resuming normal activities.

Consult Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi

Whether you are considering breast augmentation for cosmetic enhancement, breast reduction for physical relief, or breast reconstruction after cancer, a thorough consultation is the essential first step. Dr. Prasanna Somvanshi provides compassionate, expert care for all breast surgery needs in Mumbai. Contact his clinic today to schedule your appointment and discuss the best approach for your situation.