Reshaping the Breasts

Reshaping the breasts refers to the full range of procedures aimed at modifying the shape, volume, or position of the breasts according to a person's wishes and needs. This is a common, legitimate concern naturally linked to an individual's physical history (pregnancy, weight changes, ageing, genetics). Each morphology, age, and life plan (desire for pregnancy, breastfeeding, sporting activity) is unique. Solutions must therefore be personalised and will be discussed during a consultation with Pr Ignacio Garrido.

Several factors can explain the desire or need to reshape the breasts:

• Age-related changes: loss of skin elasticity, breast ptosis (sagging) related to gravity and decreased tone.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: changes to breast volume and shape following weight and glandular tissue fluctuations.
• Weight fluctuations: weight gain or loss that alters the size and symmetry of the breasts.
• Constitutional factors: small breasts seeking more volume, marked asymmetry, or hypertrophied breasts causing functional discomfort.
• Scars or sequelae from previous surgery (reconstruction, infections) that may alter appearance.

These phenomena are normal and evolving. The assessment takes into account the condition of the skin, the amount of breast tissue, chest morphology, and personal expectations.

Possible Solutions

Depending on the cause and the patient's wishes, several options may be considered. A broad distinction is made between aesthetic medicine (or non-invasive/minimally invasive treatments primarily targeting skin quality) and aesthetic breast surgery.

Aesthetic Medicine and Complementary Treatments

• Improvement of skin quality: techniques such as radiofrequency, focused ultrasound, or certain peels can sometimes increase tone and texture of the décolleté skin. These procedures do not significantly increase breast volume but can improve overall appearance.
• Gentle fat grafting (maintenance micro-graft sessions): where fat has already been added surgically, small complementary injections can refine the result; these procedures remain limited in volume and should be planned as part of a comprehensive approach.
• Non-invasive advice: appropriate bra fitting, nutritional follow-up, and management of pain or postural issues when necessary.

Aesthetic Surgery (Main Procedures)

• Breast augmentation with implants: implant placement to increase breast volume. Choice of size, shape, and positioning adapted to morphology; procedure performed under anaesthesia, with scars according to the chosen approach.
• Breast fat grafting (autologous fat transfer): fat harvested from another body area to naturally increase volume. Suited to moderate volumes and sometimes combined with other procedures.
• Mastopexy (breast lift): correction of ptosis to lift and firm the breast. Can be combined with augmentation or reduction depending on the case.
• Breast reduction: reduction of breast volume in cases of troublesome hypertrophy, with breast reshaping to improve comfort and body proportion.

For each surgical option, the following aspects are addressed at the consultation: type of anaesthesia, hospitalisation duration, placement and size of scars, possible risks and complications, recovery, and possible need for follow-up or revision.

The Care Process

• Initial consultation: clinical assessment of the breasts (shape, skin, volume, symmetry), discussion of expectations and history (pregnancies, future plans, medical history). Photographs and measurements may be taken.
• Personalised plan: choice of the appropriate procedure(s), explanation of the steps, advantages and limitations, and presentation of alternatives.
• Safe management: information on anaesthesia, post-operative follow-up, precautions, and expected timeline (discontinuation of certain medications, pre-operative consultations, expected time off work if necessary).
• Progressive approach: where possible, procedures can be planned in stages to assess results and adjust the plan.

Expected Results and Follow-up

• Realistic goals: improvement of harmony, shape, or volume while respecting overall morphology. The goal is a natural result adapted to the expressed expectations.
• Individual variability: the longevity of results depends on personal factors (ageing, weight changes, pregnancy). No result can be guaranteed in advance.
• Follow-up: regular post-operative check-ups to monitor healing, possible complications, and patient satisfaction. Some procedures require follow-up over time (implant monitoring, imaging when necessary).

Frequently Asked Questions

Are results immediate? Some shape and volume changes are visible quickly, but the final appearance may evolve over several weeks to months (swelling, tissue settling, scar maturation).

Is there a non-surgical alternative for increasing breast volume? Non-surgical alternatives are limited in terms of lasting volume increase; however, non-invasive treatments can improve skin quality and comfort.

Can I breastfeed after breast surgery? This depends on the procedure performed; the possibility of breastfeeding should be discussed during the consultation, especially for patients wishing for a future pregnancy.