Your Complete Guide to Breast Surgery: Finding the Right Procedure for You

Updated October 2025

Summary

Breast surgery isn't just about "going bigger"; it's about achieving your specific goals. Want more volume? Consider augmentation with implants or your own fat. Need a perkier position? You'll likely want a lift, sometimes combined with volume enhancement. Looking to be smaller and more comfortable? Reduction addresses both size and symptoms. Already have implants but want changes? Revision or removal can reset your situation. 

Premium options, such as Motiva implants and the Preservé technique, offer enhanced approaches to traditional procedures, providing a similar surgery with an elevated experience. Reconstruction restores shape after medical treatment, while gynecomastia surgery addresses male chest concerns. The key is matching the right approach to your unique anatomy and goals.

What are the Different Types of Breast Surgery?

When people think about breast surgery, they often imagine it's just about "going bigger." But the reality is much more nuanced. Whether you're looking to enhance what you have, restore what you've lost, or address discomfort, there's likely a surgical approach that fits your specific needs.

Let's break down the landscape of breast surgery in a way that actually makes sense.

Breast Surgery Options That Add Volume and Fullness

Breast Augmentation is probably what you're picturing, using implants (saline or silicone) to increase breast size and add that coveted upper-pole fullness. It's ideal if you're naturally smaller or if pregnancy and weight changes have left you feeling deflated.

But implants aren't your only option for adding volume. Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation uses your own fat (harvested via liposuction from areas like your abdomen or flanks) to create a more subtle, natural increase, think one cup size rather than a dramatic change. The bonus? You're also contouring other areas of your body in the process.

If you're particular about the feel and technology of your implants, Motiva Implants represent a specific family of silicone implants designed for enhanced softness, shape stability, and safety features. Meanwhile, Preservé™ Breast Enhancement focuses on the surgical technique itself, a less-invasive, tissue-preserving approach that prioritizes gentle handling and precise pocket creation.

Breast Surgery Options That Lift and Reshape

Sometimes size isn't the issue; position is. A Breast Lift (mastopexy) addresses sagging by removing excess skin and repositioning your nipple-areola complex to a perkier, more youthful position. It doesn't add volume, just reshapes what you have.

Many women find they want both lift and volume, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss. That's where Breast Lift with Implants comes in, combining the repositioning benefits of a lift with the fullness of augmentation in one surgical plan.

For those who want the lift but prefer a more natural volume boost, Breast Lift with Fat Transfer offers a middle ground. You get the repositioning benefits of a lift plus a modest, natural bump in size using your own fat.

Breast Surgery Options That Reduce Size and Weight

Breast Reduction isn't just about aesthetics; it's often medically motivated. If you're dealing with neck and back pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, rashes under your breasts, or limitations in physical activities, reduction can be life-changing. This procedure removes both breast tissue and excess skin, leaving you smaller, lighter, and lifted.

Breast Surgery Options That Address Previous Surgery

If you already have implants but aren't happy with the results, Breast Revision can address issues like size changes, capsular contracture, implant malposition, or asymmetry. Sometimes this is a simple adjustment; other times it requires a more complex reconstruction of the implant pocket.

Breast Implant Removal (also called explant surgery) is increasingly common as women's preferences change or complications arise. This can be done with or without capsule removal and often includes a lift to improve the final breast contour.

Breast Surgery with Specialized Approaches and Medical Situations

Here's where things get interesting: some "procedures" are actually about how the surgery is performed rather than what's being done.

Preservé™ Breast Enhancement is a less invasive breast enhancement technique designed to preserve natural breast tissue and functionality, including nipple sensation and chest muscles, while delivering elegant, lasting shape. Think of it as the "gentle approach" to implant placement. Surgeons using this method focus on tissue preservation, creating precise pockets with minimal trauma, and respecting your natural anatomy. The result? Often, there is less swelling, more predictable sizing, and a quick recovery. You're still getting breast augmentation, just with a more refined, tissue-friendly technique.

Motiva Implants work similarly; they're not a different procedure but a specific brand of implants with unique characteristics. These silicone implants feature advanced shell technology and gel consistency designed for a softer, more natural feel and enhanced shape retention. When your surgeon uses Motiva implants, you're getting the same augmentation surgery with what many consider a premium implant option.

So while these aren't separate surgeries per se, they represent elevated approaches to traditional procedures, kind of like choosing between a standard car and one with premium features. The destination is the same, but the experience getting there can be quite different.

Breast Reconstruction serves those who need to restore breast shape after mastectomy or lumpectomy, typically following cancer treatment. This can involve implants, your own tissue (flaps), or a combination approach, often staged over multiple surgeries.

Gynecomastia Surgery addresses the male chest, reducing excess glandular tissue and fat that creates an unwanted fullness or "puffy" appearance around the areolas.

How to Choose Which Breast Surgery Option is for you?

Step 1: Define Your Primary Goal

Are you looking to go bigger, get perkier, become smaller, or fix something that's not working? Start here; it narrows your options significantly.

Step 2: Assess Your Anatomy

Your current breast shape, nipple position, and skin elasticity will determine whether you need a lift component. Your chest width and existing tissue will guide implant selection if you're going that route.

Step 3: Consider Your Trade-offs

Every surgical choice involves compromises. Scars versus position. Maintenance requirements versus fullness. One comprehensive surgery versus staged refinements. Understanding these trade-offs helps you make decisions you'll be happy with long-term.

A Better Way to Communicate Your Goals

Here's an insider tip: Instead of focusing on cup sizes (which vary wildly between brands), bring 2-3 photos that show the shape you're after. Point out specific features, upper-pole fullness, cleavage spacing, and side profile. This visual communication leads to much more accurate results and fewer revision surgeries.

Comparison Guide of Different Types of Breast Surgeries

Your Goal	Best Procedure Options	Volume Change	Lift Effect
More fullness only	Augmentation, Fat Transfer	Small to Large	Minimal
Perkier position	Breast Lift	None	Strong
Fuller AND perkier	Lift + Implants	Medium to Large	Strong
Smaller/lighter	Reduction	Decrease	Strong
Fix prior implants	Revision or Removal	Varies	Varies
Natural, subtle change	Fat Transfer	Small	Minimal
Post-cancer restoration	Reconstruction	Varies	Varies
Male chest contouring	Gynecomastia Surgery	Decrease	N/A

Recovery and Maintenance After Breast Surgery

Most people return to desk work within 1-2 weeks after augmentation and 2-3 weeks after lift or reduction procedures. Your surgeon will provide personalized activity restrictions based on your specific procedure and healing progress.

If you choose implants, remember they're not "set and forget"; expect periodic follow-ups and imaging as recommended by your surgeon. This ongoing care helps ensure your long-term satisfaction and health.

The Bottom Line

The best breast surgery decision is an informed one made with expert guidance. At Aesthetx in San Jose, our team of board-certified plastic surgeons brings extensive knowledge and experience in various cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. We are located in Marin County, Menlo Park, and Los Gatos.

Meet with our board-certified surgeons and board-eligible specialists for a personalized consultation. We will evaluate your goals, explain procedure options in clear detail, and set realistic expectations for results. Whether this is your first breast surgery or a revision, our Silicon Valley team will create a plan that fits your vision, lifestyle, and long-term satisfaction.

Your journey to feeling confident and comfortable in your body starts with an honest conversation about what's possible. Let's have that conversation.