Aesthetic Breast Surgery

Abstract

The characteristics and appearance of the ideal breast are subjective in many aspects and vary between different societies and cultures. Size, position, contour, symmetry, and proportionality of both the breast shape and the nipple and areola complex (NAC) are important elements in the aesthetic evaluation. However, in addition to the visual impact, sensitivity, mobility, and texture must also be preserved. Breast aesthetic surgery seeks to improve the characteristics of the breast, trying to associate the ideal appearance with the satisfaction of the patient. Despite being considered by some as a surgery of the ends (in terms of satisfiyng the patients and medical-claims), reductive mammoplasty, mastopexy and augmentation mammoplasty present several limitations related to the different techniques, to the patient’s individuality, patient’s expectations and to the material used. Knowing how these elements interrelate can help improve the end result and also reduce the risk of complications. Thus, this chapter brings information on review of the main techniques of breast aesthetic surgery in relation to their indications, planning, surgical technique, complications, and limits.