Cosmetic Breast Surgery

If the size or shape of your breasts affects your self-image, you might consider getting breast augmentation or a breast lift at Olmsted Medical Center (OMC). Our team—led by a board-certified plastic surgeon—can help you explore options for enhancing your appearance and boosting your confidence.

Breast Augmentation

During breast augmentation, a surgeon inserts an implant made of safe, non-toxic silicone gel or saline to make the breast larger. Silicone implants tend to look and feel more natural, but saline implants require a smaller incision and are less expensive. The plastic surgery team will help you choose the right type of implant for you.

A surgeon sometimes places implants as part of breast reconstruction following a mastectomy.

View a short, animated video about breast augmentation.

Before & After Photos

See photos that show how OMC patients look after cosmetic breast procedures.

Your Decision

Consider breast augmentation only for your own reasons—not because of someone else’s comments on your appearance.

After Surgery

No research has shown a link between implants and diseases in women. But after surgery, you can expect:

• Greater difficulty getting accurate mammogram results
• More breast firmness than usual due to scar tissue
• Nipple sensitivity
• Permanent, but inconspicuous, scars
• Possible changes in how your breasts look after weight loss, pregnancy, or menopause

Breast implants aren’t permanent, and you may need to eventually replace them. See your surgeon regularly for evaluations and follow-up care.

Breast Lift

Help your body look younger with a breast lift, or mastopexy. This procedure raises the breasts and nipples, removes excess skin, and, if necessary, shrinks the areolas. For details about the procedure, view animated videos describing a breast lift with implants or without implants.

Would a Breast Lift Benefit Me?

You may consider a breast lift at any age if your:

• Breasts are asymmetrical
• Breasts lack substance or firmness
• Nipples point down

Insurance may cover a breast lift that treats asymmetry. Ask us for help determining available coverage.

After Surgery

Following surgery, you’re not likely to notice any difference in nipple sensation. The procedure shouldn’t affect your ability to breastfeed. Incision lines won’t disappear but will fade with time.

Breast lifts aren’t permanent, however, and you might want to get the procedure again as you age.

Breast Reduction

If you’re a man or woman looking to decrease breast size, consider breast reduction surgery.