Breast reconstruction is among the most comprehensive forms of cosmetic surgeries, used for medically-corrective and cosmetic reasons. Though the results of breast reconstruction are among the best of reconstructive methods, some people are apprehensive about its invasive nature. This refers to the fact that reconstruction surgery includes skin grafting, the use of flaps and the insertion of implants to yield the desired results. Such people should be aware about alternatives to a breast reconstruction.
Breast Prostheses
These are commonly referred to as ‘falsies’ and are essentially a specialized form of padded bras. These are particularly recommended for women seeking a fuller appearance for their breasts, without having to undertake an expensive surgery. The prostheses are also worn by women who want to experiment with larger-looking breasts before seeking permanent augmentation. They are also used by women who have lost considerable breast tissue due to cancer treatment.
Vacuum Bras
Vacuum bras are among the latest of breast augmentation aids that can increase the breast size by a few cup sizes. The vacuuming device works a bit similar to breast vacuum pumps used for extracting breast milk. However, the suction force is much more. Thus, it stretches the underlying tissue of the breasts, stimulating them into a natural form of breast augmentation. These bras are also marketed as breast-reshaping devices.
These alternatives are definitely cheaper, but they don’t offer the comfort of comprehensive results. In surgical breast reconstruction, the reshaping and augmentation of breasts is wholesome and unarguable. There is no need to wear an uncomforting prosthesis or undertake vacuuming regimens. Breast reconstruction is a one-time surgical procedure that provides lifetime results. Further, the effectiveness of these alternatives is highly debatable and may vary across individuals. However, a properly-executed breast reconstruction guarantees satisfactory results.
Fat Injections
Using fat injections is actually a process of sourcing liquid fat from some other part of the body and then injecting it into the breasts. This is also a surgical procedure, but its degree of invasiveness is a lot lesser than breast reconstruction surgery. Here, implants aren’t used and the breast tissue is not operated upon. The results are quite natural and there is little risk of scarring. This is also a precise form of breast shaping, wherein the fat is redistributed to ensure balanced-looking breasts.
Injectable Fillers
The use of dermal fillers has extended beyond the niche of facial anti-aging treatment. This includes the use of hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane. This dermal filler can be used for breast augmentation and for reshaping to a minimal extent. The use of safe dermal filler material like hyaluronic acid ensures that any adverse reactions are avoided. This treatment is reversible, since hyaluronic acid retains its natural form for a long time within the human tissue and can be extracted.
Though these two injectable treatments offer quick results in a minimally-invasive manner, they cannot be depended upon for comprehensive reconstruction sought in serious cases of breast damage. This is because these treatments are limited to the amount of skin tissue present in the breast. In the case of mastectomies or surgical breast removal, there is a negligible amount of natural breast tissue left. In such cases, a breast reconstruction surgery is the only option.
