Breast reduction has become a common procedure, but according to experts, caution is warranted in patients with a higher BMI because of a higher incidence of surgical complications, such as delayed wound healing.

As part of ongoing innovations in surgical technique, one surgeon has developed a novel procedure to simplify and improve mastopexy results, especially with concurrent augmentation.

For patients considering breast augmentation surgery, the idea of having an incision around their nipple might have them worried about the potential for loss of breast sensation. However, according to recent research, an inframammary approach more often results in loss of sensation compared with the periareolar incision, according to one expert.

It didn't take long for silicone gel breast implants to pick up where they left off when the FDA approved their use again in 2006. Nonetheless, they can present different challenges from saline implants, and require some specialized surgical techniques for ultimate success.

Smooth operator: Fat transfer replenishes breast tissue volume to avoid post breast augmentation rippling May 1, 2008 By: ILYA PETROU, M.D.

Post breast augmentation rippling occurs more often than most cosmetic surgeons would like to admit. To prevent this unwanted adverse event, one surgeon expert maintains that approach — both patient and surgical — is crucial to achieve aesthetic success of breast augmentation procedures.

Despite the length of time breast implants have been on the market, capsular contracture continues to be the most common complication seen in both Aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery.

Interest in the use of lipoinfiltration (otherwise known as fat grafting) to improve contour, size and symmetry deficiencies of the breast is increasing. Fat grafting is being used in the post-mastectomy patient, after breast conserving surgery and for primary augmentation. Despite promising results, this procedure has sparked an important debate on patient safety.

More than 2 million women in the U.S. have breast implants, and it is projected that approximately 360,000 women will undergo a breast augmentation procedure this year alone. According to a recent study, the results of such procedures significantly increase the self-esteem and enhance the sexuality of the female patient. However, patients should be made aware that a breast procedure is not a panacea for lack of self-esteem or sexuality and healthcare professionals must become savvy to the psychological issues that may confront the prospective breast augmentation surgery patient.

French researchers have developed a titanium-coated silicone gel breast implant that may reduce capsular contracture in breast augmentation patients.