What Is Breast Surgery?

Breast surgery is a procedure that alters the shape, size, and overall appearance of the breast. These procedures can be broadly categorized into cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Each type of breast surgery has different purposes and caters to different needs.

The most common types of breast surgery include:

  • Mastectomy

  • Gynecomastia

  • Breast augmentation

  • Breast lift

  • Breast reduction

  • Breast reconstruction

Who Might Need Breast Surgery

Breast surgery may be suitable for a diverse group of individuals for reasons spanning from cosmetic enhancements to medical necessities and gender affirmation.

Here are the most common reasons why you might need breast surgery:

Plastic surgeon

  • If you’re looking for more symmetrical breasts you might opt for a procedure such as breast augmentation. Individuals looking to restore breast shape and firmness, especially after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss, might consider a breast lift.

  • If you’re experiencing physical discomfort, you might need a breast reduction procedure. Individuals with overly large breasts (macromastia) often suffer from back, neck, shoulder pain, skin irritation and posture problems.

  • Individuals who have undergone mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts) often seek breast reconstruction to restore the appearance of their breasts. If you’ve had a lumpectomy (removal of a breast lump) or partial mastectomy you might choose reconstructive surgery to address asymmetry or shape changes.

  • If you’re born with congenital abnormalities such as asymmetrical breasts, underdeveloped breasts, or tuberous breast deformity, you may seek surgery to correct these issues.

  • Transgender women may undergo breast augmentation as a part of their gender affirmation process. Transgender men may seek breast reduction or removal (top surgery) to achieve a more masculine chest contour.

Types of Breast Surgeries

Breast surgery encompasses a range of procedures tailored to meet various aesthetic, reconstructive, and health-related needs.

The most common types of breast surgeries include:

1. Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both breasts, partially or completely. It is primarily performed as a treatment for breast cancer or gender affirming surgery.

There are various types of mastectomy procedures, including total mastectomy, double mastectomy, and skin-sparing mastectomy, each differing in the amount of tissue removed and the preservation of the skin and nipple.

Beyond its role in cancer treatment, a mastectomy can also serve as a preventive measure for those at high risk of developing breast cancer. For individuals undergoing gender transition, particularly transgender men, mastectomy may be performed as part of gender affirmation surgery.

In the context of gender transition, particularly for transgender men, mastectomy takes on a specialized form known as chest masculinization surgery. This procedure goes beyond mere tissue removal — it involves a meticulous process of sculpting a chest that aligns with a traditionally masculine appearance.

The surgery includes the removal of breast tissue (subcutaneous mastectomy) and often encompasses the resizing and repositioning of the nipples and areolas to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour.

Surgical options vary, from keyhole surgery — a less invasive approach ideal for smaller chest sizes — to the more extensive double incision surgery.

2. Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is a procedure to address gynecomastia, a condition where males develop enlarged breast tissue. This can be due to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, or certain medications.

The surgery typically involves liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue and may also include the excision of glandular tissue to create a flatter, more traditionally masculine chest contour. The goal is to reduce breast size, enhance chest contours, and address any discomfort or self-consciousness associated with enlarged breasts.

3. Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, involves using implants to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. This procedure can increase fullness, improve symmetry, and restore breast volume lost after weight reduction or pregnancy.

Beyond cosmetic reasons, breast augmentation can also benefit women seeking reconstruction after surgery for breast cancer. This surgery often leads to increased self-esteem and body confidence.

4. Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is designed to reduce the size of large breasts. By removing excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, this surgery alleviates discomfort like back and neck pain, skin irritation, and posture problems.

It also helps in achieving a breast size that is proportionate to the body. Apart from physical relief, breast reduction can also enhance the individual's ability to participate in physical activities and can improve self-image.

5. Breast Lift

A breast lift, or mastopexy, addresses uneven breasts, decreased breast volume and drooping nipples. This procedure involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour.

It refreshes the breast profile, making them appear more youthful and uplifted. A breast lift can be done in conjunction with augmentation or reduction.

6. Breast Implant Revision

Breast implant revision surgery is performed to replace or remove breast implants from a previous breast augmentation procedure. Reasons for revision include cosmetic concerns, complications like implant leakage or capsular contracture, or a desire to change implant size.

This surgery adjusts or improves the appearance of the breasts while maintaining or enhancing the quality of the results from the original surgery.

7. Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Reconstructive breast surgery is a complex procedure aimed at restoring breasts’ appearance after mastectomy or lumpectomy due to breast cancer or other diseases.

This surgery can recreate a breast mound using implants or autologous tissue (tissue from another part of the patient's body). The goal is to restore symmetry between the two breasts and help women regain their body image post-cancer treatment.

breast cancer surgery

Benefits of Breast Surgery

Breast surgery offers many benefits, ranging from improved physical comfort and aesthetics to enhanced psychological well-being and confidence.

Additional benefits of breast surgery include:

  • Breast surgery, such as breast reduction and lifts, offers significant physical comfort and pain relief.

    A breast lift addresses issues associated with sagging breasts, including skin irritation. For transgender men, top surgery removes breast tissue, alleviating the physical and emotional discomfort associated with breasts that don't align with their gender identity.

  • Breast augmentation not only enhances the size and shape of breasts for a more desirable figure and self-esteem boost, but it's also particularly beneficial for transgender women. It helps in developing a more feminine appearance and aligning physical features with gender identity.

    Transgender men benefit from top surgery, which creates a more masculine chest contour, enhancing appearance and confidence in their gender expression. These surgeries also correct physical and symmetry issues, like asymmetrical breasts.

  • Breast surgeries provide a boost in self-esteem and body comfort for women. They are especially beneficial for breast cancer survivors through reconstructive surgery, aiding in emotional healing.

    Gender-affirming breast surgeries significantly reduce gender dysphoria for transgender and non-binary individuals, enhancing mental health and emotional well-being.

  • Breast surgeries, including reduction and lift, make physical activities easier and more comfortable, promoting a healthier lifestyle.

    They are particularly impactful for transgender and non-binary individuals, improving comfort in physical activities by aligning their body with their gender identity.

  • Surgical procedures like augmentation, reduction, and lifts make it easier to find clothes that fit well and look more flattering.

    This is especially true for transgender and non-binary individuals, as these surgeries enable them to wear clothing that aligns more closely with their gender identity, enhancing personal expression and comfort.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After a Breast Surgery Procedure?

The recovery period following breast surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed, with each offering its own timeline for healing and resuming daily activities.

For each type of breast surgery, the recovery typically lasts:

Mastectomy

  • Initial recovery period: Typically, 1-2 weeks before returning to non-strenuous daily activities; assistance may be required during the initial days.

  • Full recovery: Generally, 4-6 weeks for most activities, complete healing and adjustment to changes can take several months.

Breast Augmentation

  • Initial recovery period: 5-7 days for basic activities and you may need assistance initially.

  • Full recovery: 4-6 weeks for most activities, complete settling of implants and final results can take a few months.

Breast Reduction

  • Initial recovery period: Approximately 1-2 weeks for returning to non-strenuous activities.

  • Full recovery: 4-6 weeks for most noticeable swelling and discomfort to subside; several months for complete healing and final results.

Breast Lift

  • Initial recovery period: About 1 week for basic daily activities.

  • Full recovery: 4-6 weeks for most of the healing; several months for scars to mature and final results to stabilize.

Breast Implant Revision

  • Initial recovery period: 5-7 days, similar to initial augmentation.

  • Full recovery: Recovery time can vary based on the extent of the revision, generally 4-6 weeks for most activities; several months for final results.

Reconstructive Breast Surgery

  • Initial recovery period: 1-2 weeks for basic activities; depending on the extent of the surgery.

  • Full recovery: Can vary widely, typically several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the procedure and individual healing.

Schedule a Consultation for Transgender Breast Surgery at Passport Surgical Partners

We understand that considering breast surgery can bring about a mix of hope, anxiety, and countless questions.

At Passport Surgical Partners, we act as intermediaries, connecting you with reputable medical facilities and expert surgeons, ensuring confidence in both your surgery and the recovery process. We will coordinate your surgical procedure, along with your pre-op & post-op care, hotels, drivers, excursions, and local guides.

Once you are medically cleared for travel by your surgeon, it is safe to fly home. However, you may still be navigating through the initial stages of recovery, which might include managing dressings and bruising.

We partner with the best surgeons in Latin America that specialize in:

  • Facial procedures

  • Hair transplant procedures

  • Body procedures

  • Gender affirming surgeries

  • Bariatric surgeries