When it comes to breast augmentation surgery, the automatic assumption may be that patients who opt for the procedure want to go “bigger”—but that’s a misconception Fort Myers, FL plastic surgeon Ralph R. Garramone, MD says is simply not the truth, nor the trend.
“Breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures with more than 470,000 performed in the United States each year,” he says, adding that, after his 20-plus years in practice, one development he’s seeing of late is a shift where many women are requesting to reduce the size of their original larger, heavier implants. “Depending on the laxity of breast tissue, some will need a mastopexy (breast lift) to tighten the skin and breast tissue to improve the overall look and shape of the breast.”
One of the procedures Dr. Garramone offers these patients is what he calls a hybrid breast augmentation. “The overall results are beautiful when I combine a smaller implant, along with fat transfer,” he says. “The look is seamless and natural and may reduce the need for a mastopexy.”
In addition, a hybrid breast augmentation is also a great alternative for women who want a more natural-looking result from a breast augmentation—and, according to the most recent American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ statistics, that’s a lot of patients, as breast augmentation continues to be the top cosmetic surgical procedure and has been since 2006.
“For women who lack enough body fat or breast tissue to provide adequate coverage over the implant, the hybrid breast augmentation is the ideal procedure,” Dr. Garramone says. “This technique is a win-win for patients who can achieve fuller, natural-looking breasts and also contour one or more areas of their body. The procedure involves liposuction to harvest the fat to inject into the breast. The fat will not only add volume it will soften or hide the edges of the implant for a more natural appearance.”
“The hybrid breast augmentation can also be used to improve or correct asymmetries of the breast or chest. This is a very customized technique that I personalize for each patient.”
