Breast plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures
Below is a list of all the surgical procedures that we do. Click on the links to
learn more about each one.
Facial |
Body contouring |
Reconstructive |
Other procedures
Breast surgery
Cosmetic breast surgery: Is it for you? |
Cosmetic breast surgery: What to expect
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
The most commonly used implants are saline filled. These can be either round
or anatomic. A wide variety of sizes and shapes of implants are available. The
patient and surgeon decide together on the exact type of implant to be used. At
this time, silicon gel filled implants are only available from the manufacturer
for clinical studies.
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.
Breast augmentation: What to expect
