Dr. Brian K. Reedy Discusses the Great Cleavage Debate

READING, Pa., Nov. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When women want to enhance their breasts through an augmentation procedure, many think that attractive cleavage is an inherent result. Dr. Brian K. Reedy, a Reading plastic surgeon who specializes in breast augmentation, says the appearance of cleavage is a more complicated issue.

"An attractive décolletage does not result from size alone," says Dr. Reedy. "Cleavage is created through the relationship of several anatomical factors, including the distance between the two breasts and the width of a woman's chest. To a certain degree, surgical techniques can also influence on how much cleavage results from an augmentation."

If appealing cleavage is among a woman's goals for her breast augmentation, it is important to discuss this with her plastic surgeon when the surgical plan is being developed. A skilled plastic surgeon with years of experience in breast augmentation can discuss how anatomical factors and surgical techniques affect the creation of cleavage; this will give each woman a realistic expectation of what can be accomplished through the breast augmentation procedure.

Here are several factors that influence the creation of cleavage:

• Distance between the breasts. The distance between the breasts—the intermammary distance—is the most critical factor in determining what type of cleavage is established with breast augmentation. Generally, cleavage will result if the breasts are relatively close to one another prior to surgery. Trying to artificially reduce the space between the breasts by placing implants close to another can create unnatural-looking breasts.
  
  
• Width of the chest. If a woman has a broad frame, she may not be able to achieve the type of décolletage she envisions due to the constraints of her anatomy. Cleavage is difficult to create on a wide, flat chest wall no matter how skilled the surgeon, especially if coupled with breasts that sit wide on the frame as well.
  
• Implant size. Although the size of the breasts is increased during breast augmentation, this factor alone will not create cleavage. If the breasts naturally sit wide apart, implants will add fullness, but will not increase cleavage. Conversely, if the breasts are close to one another, attractive cleavage can be a result of implants. While larger implants do increase the chances for good cleavage, they are not appropriate for every woman's frame.
  
  
• Placement of the implant. Implants can be placed either above the pectoralis muscles of the chest (subglandular) or below them (submuscular). While the subglandular placement can increase the chance that cleavage will be created, there is an increased risk of visible implant rippling with this approach, especially if a woman has thin tissue.
  

If anatomy doesn't allow cleavage to result from a breast augmentation, it can be created through wearing the appropriate type of brassiere. Generally speaking, a push-up bra with padding at both the bottom and sides can guide the breasts toward one another and accent the decollétage. A fitting with a bra specialist can help a woman with augmented breasts chose the most flattering style. Practicing good posture also lifts the breasts, enhancing their appearance.

Through open, honest communication with a plastic surgeon, a satisfactory result from a breast augmentation can be achieved for most any woman, even if anatomy prevents the type of cleavage originally envisioned.

About Berks Plastic Surgery: Berks Plastic Surgery serves the Allentown, Reading, Harrisburg, and Philadelphia areas of Pennsylvania, providing plastic surgery and dermatology services. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian K. Reedy and plastic surgeon Dr. John G. Fernandez perform a full complement of aesthetic surgeries and cosmetic treatments. Reach Berks Plastic Surgery at 610.320.0200 or berksplasticsurgery.com.

Media Contact: Dr. Brian K. Reedy, 610.320.0200.

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SOURCE Berks Plastic Surgery