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Understanding the Three Primary Characteristics of Breast Aesthetics: Why Location, Shape, and Volume Matter in Plastic Surgery


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Posted February 05, 2025 in Uncategorized

When considering breast enhancement or rejuvenation, it’s crucial to understand that the ideal result is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Heath Charvet, a double board-certified plastic surgeon at Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in New Orleans, Louisiana, takes a personalized approach to each patient, focusing on three primary characteristics of breast aesthetics: location, shape, and volume. By assessing these attributes individually, Dr. Charvet is able to create a tailored plan that ensures optimal, natural-looking results.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why these three key characteristics—location, shape, and volume—are central to breast surgery and how each can be addressed for the best possible outcome.

1. Location: Why Position Matters

Over time, factors like aging, gravity, weight changes, and pregnancy can affect the natural position of the breasts. If the breasts have descended or appear lower than desired, this can significantly impact the overall aesthetic. Fortunately, this is where mastopexy (commonly known as a breast lift) comes in.

A mastopexy works by repositioning the breast tissue and lifting the nipple to a more youthful and centered position. It can also tighten and remove excess skin that may have caused the breasts to sag. In some cases, a lift may be performed alongside a breast augmentation (implants) or fat grafting to improve volume, but for many women, a breast lift alone is enough to restore a more youthful and aesthetically pleasing breast location.

At Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, Dr. Charvet utilizes advanced techniques in mastopexy to ensure that the breasts are lifted in a natural and proportionate manner, enhancing the patient’s overall silhouette without compromising the natural feel or appearance of the breasts.

2. Shape: Creating Natural Contours with Fat Grafting

The shape of the breast is as important as its position and size. After weight loss, aging, or pregnancy, the breasts may lose volume in certain areas or appear deflated, resulting in less appealing contours. While mastopexy can improve shape, fat grafting plays the essential role.

Fat grafting, also known as fat transfer, involves removing excess fat from one part of the body (typically the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into the breast to improve shape, volume, and overall symmetry. This method is particularly beneficial for patients who desire subtle enhancement without implants, or those who want to correct minor contour irregularities after a breast lift or augmentation. It can also improve upper pole fullness, or cleavage, for those that want large volume enhancement with implants, where fat grafting is used as an adjunct to breast implants.

Fat grafting provides a more natural feel to the breasts compared to implants, and it’s an excellent solution for women who are looking for a modest improvement in shape or volume. Dr. Charvet is highly skilled in this technique, winning awards for his work in fat grafting to the breast from the California Society of plastic Surgeons, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. This unprecedented level of knowledge and skill makes Dr. Heath Charvet the perfect surgeon for you, ensuring that fat is harvested and injected in a way that enhances breast shape and maintains a soft, natural feel.

3. Volume: Enhancing Size with Implants

For women looking to increase the size of their breasts, breast implants remain one of the most effective options. Breast augmentation with implants is a popular procedure that can provide volume, restore fullness, and create a more balanced body proportion.

Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a more dramatic transformation, implants come in various sizes and shapes to suit your goals. Dr. Charvet takes great care in helping patients choose the right type of implant (silicone or saline) and the optimal placement (under the muscle or over the muscle or subfascial) to achieve the most natural-looking and harmonious results. He will discuss the benefits of utilizing the internal bra mesh, Galaflex, as well.

While a breast lift addresses the position and shape of the breasts, implants specifically target volume—ideal for patients who feel their breasts are too small or have lost volume due to aging, weight fluctuations, or pregnancy.

Personalized Treatment for Lasting Results

At Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa, Dr. Charvet combines his expertise with a deep understanding of each patient’s unique goals to design a customized surgical plan. The three characteristics of breast aesthetics—location, shape, and volume—are individually addressed to ensure that each woman achieves the ideal result, whether that means a lift, implants, or fat grafting.

By evaluating your body, aesthetic desires, and the current state of your breasts, Dr. Charvet can suggest the right procedures to create a more youthful, balanced, and natural appearance. His commitment to artistry, precision, and patient care makes him one of the top plastic surgeons in New Orleans and Metairie, and he strives to ensure that every patient feels confident and satisfied with their results.

Consultation with Dr. Heath Charvet: The First Step Towards Achieving Your Ideal Breast Aesthetic

If you’re considering breast surgery and are wondering which option is best for you, the first step is scheduling a consultation with Dr. Heath Charvet at Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa in New Orleans. During your consultation, Dr. Charvet will take the time to assess your breasts’ location, shape, and volume, and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals.

Whether you’re looking for a breast lift, augmentation, or a combination of treatments, Dr. Charvet’s expertise will guide you to the right decision for your unique anatomy and aesthetic vision. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and start your journey towards more confident, beautiful breasts!


Contact Magnolia Plastic Surgery & MedSpa
Phone: (504) 571-5908
Website: www.drheathcharvet.com
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana