The 5 S's of Aesthetic Breast Surgery

What are the most important things to consider when undergoing aesthetic breast surgery? There are five key things to keep in mind when undergoing breast surgery in order to have a good result. The "5 S's" of breast surgery was originally described and popularized by Dr. Foad Nahai, and has been a good guide for patients and surgeons alike.
1. Shape: Shape is arguably the most important factor in breast aesthetics. There should be adequate volume above and below the nipple, with slightly more volume below. The nipple and areola should be centered on the point of maximal breast projection and the breast itself should be well positioned on the chest and proportionate to the rest of the body.
2. Size: Preference of size can vary between different patients, cultures and influenced by societal trends and social media. Again, being proportionate to your body is key as it complements the overall body figure. Sometimes there is a limit of how big breast can be augmented, and that depends on individual patient factors like skin quality and stretch.
3. Symmetry: Most women have minor asymmetries that are not always obvious before surgery. As the saying goes, “breasts are sisters not twins.” After augmentation, minor asymmetries can become more noticeable. Certain things can be done during surgery to address and adjust for this, especially for bigger asymmetries. For example, using different size implants, fat transfer and other techniques can be used to balance both sides.
4. Scars: Scars are inevitable with any kind of surgery. Depending on the type of breast surgery, the pattern of the scar will vary. Patients who are having a breast augmentation without a lift will have different scars than patients who are having large breast reductions. The overall goal is to minimize the amount of scars and make it as inconspicuous as possible. This is done with proper technique during surgery but also scar management after surgery. Sometimes, making a better shape of a breast requires making a longer scar. Often times, having a better breast shape is worth the tradeoff of a longer scar.
5. Safety: Safety refers not only to the patient, but also to the blood supply to the nipple and areola. Knowledge of breast and previous breast surgeries is crucial for safe and optimal outcomes.
#breastimplantsafety #plasticsurgeons #nyc #breastimplantsurgery #aesthetics #aesthetic