There is a sizable amount of women who are unhappy with the size of their breasts. These women typically desire to have firmer, larger, and more shapely breasts. The best way to achieve this result for these women is through the breast augmentation procedure. The options for breast augmentation incision placement include in the armpit, in the fold of the breast, and around the nipple. These approaches can all be discussed with a plastic surgeon and the right incision can be selected for each individual. After this is discussed a surgeon will likely explain that a breast implant can be placed either underneath the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle. Usually, a placement under the muscle is the preferred approach, but these option can be discussed with the surgeon. The operating time for a breast augmentation is approximately an hour.

Mastopexy is an alternative to a breast augmentation in which the breasts are simply lifted through surgery. The course of pregnancy, nursing, and most certainly the force of gravity will have a negative effect on a woman's breasts. The slow, gradual loss of skin elasticity will cause the breasts to droop and lose their shape. The goals of a breast lift procedure are to reposition the nipples to the appropriate location while reshaping the sagging breasts. If a patient so chooses, it is also possible for the areola to be reduced in size during a mastopexy procedure. This procedure will likely take a surgeon around three hours from start to finish. A breast lift procedure will not correct the problem of drooping breasts permanently, but it will create an improvement in the situation for a longer period of time.

The last common breast contouring procedure performed by plastic surgeons is the breast reduction procedure. With the reduction mammoplasty procedure, overly large breasts can be reduced in size while being reshaped to improve their appearance. Many women with large breasts suffer from back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and even pain in the breasts. All of these pains can be alleviated through a reduction mammoplasty. Any excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue will be removed in order to reduce the size of the breast. The nipple will then be adjusted to a new position that will be appropriate for the new size of the breasts. The breast reduction procedure typically takes between three and for hours to complete.

As it is with any procedure, all breast contouring procedures come with side effects and risks. These will include things such as infection, and bruising. Complications are rare, but can be serious. Staying in contact with your plastic surgeon after surgery is both mandatory and encouraged. Usually a patient will be asked to visit their doctor the next day, after one week, at one month, and at six months.