Breast plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures
Breast surgery
- Breast reconstruction
- Breast reduction
- Breast augmentation
- Mastopexy (breast lift)
- Nipple/areolar complex reconstruction
- Congenital breast deformity
- Gynecomastia correction
Breast augmentation (Augmentation Mammoplasty) – is a procedure used to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breasts. There are a number of reasons why women seek augmentation:
- If a woman feels her breasts are too small
- If one breast is different from the other
- If there is sagging of the breast tissue after pregnancy
- Following surgical removal of the breast for breast cancer
Breast implants can be filled with saline or silicone. It is best for the patient and surgeon to decide together on the exact type of implant to be used.
The decision to have breast augmentation is a highly personal one and should not be undertaken until you consult with a qualified plastic surgeon. Breast enhancement surgery can help you look and feel better about yourself.
Are breast implants safe? – Currently available implants are very safe. No connection has been found to any chronic conditions.
Can I get mammograms following implants? – Mammograms can be performed after surgery using specialized techniques, which allow for excellent visualization of the breasts.
Does breast augmentation affect the risk of breast cancer? – Before surgery, patients are screened for breast cancer. Having implants does not increase a patient's risk of developing breast cancer.
Does surgery affect nipple sensitivity? – The majority of patients experience no change in breast sensation following surgery.
How is the surgery done? – The surgery is performed by placing an implant beneath the breast tissue on the chest. There are several incisions which can be used. Incisions can be made in the lower part of the skin of the breast, around the areola, or in the armpit. Your surgeon can discuss with you the advantages of each incision. The implants can be placed either above or below the pectoralis muscle on the chest wall. There may be specific anatomic reasons or conditions where one approach is superior to another. Again, speak to your surgeon about each approach. The procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete. Patients go home the same day.
What type of anesthesia is given? – Breast augmentation is most commonly performed using general anesthesia, so patients can sleep through the operation. Some patients may also be candidates for sedation and local anesthesia.
What can I expect after surgery? – Although patients go home following surgery, most feel tired for the next 24 to 48 hours. Any pain is usually controlled by the medications prescribed. Stitches are removed at 7-10 days. Patients can normally return to work in a few days, although exercise and strenuous activity may not be allowed for several weeks.
Breast lift or mastopexy – is a procedure designed to lift and reshape the breast. Often, after pregnancy or weight loss, or just due to the effects of gravity, the breast and nipple can sag. The breast lift procedure is specifically designed to correct this problem by removing excess skin and elevating the nipple and areolar complex. The incisions are hidden under the breast. The lift can be combined with placement of an implant to improve overall breast volume. The choice of incisions, implant, and size are decided following consultation with the surgeon.
How does a breast lift differ from an augmentation? – Patients who have a large amount of skin laxity in the breast cannot undergo placement of an implant alone (augmentation). Sometimes, these patients also require removal of the extra skin and elevation of the nipple. A breast lift usually involves removal of the extra skin and placement of the nipple in a more desirable position.
What size will I be following a lift? – The specific size is determined following examination by the surgeon. An ideal size is recommended based on the patient's wishes and specific anatomic nuances.
How is the procedure performed? – This is usually an outpatient procedure. The incisions are around the areola and may extend farther under the breast, depending on how much excess skin is present. Pain is normally a minor complaint and is well controlled with medication.
When can I resume normal activities? – Routine everyday activities can be resumed after 4-7 days. Exercise and heavy lifting are to be avoided for 4 weeks.
