Breast Surgery

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and/or alter the shape of a woman's breasts through the use of an artificial implant. Women may choose to have this operation either as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery, to balance different sized breasts, or to enhance the contours of the body. Whatever the specific purpose, women who undergo breast augmentation can expect larger, firmer, and more visually satisfying breasts.

The Surgery

The surgery begins with an incision, made either in the crease of the breast, the armpit, or the perimeter of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). The placement of the incision will vary according to body type and the specifics of each procedure. The surgeon enters through the incision and creates a pocket; either underneath the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle. The implant is placed in either location, centered directly behind the nipple. Finally, the original incision is sutured.

Breast Lift

Over time, the natural aging process can cause a woman's breasts to sag and lose their shape. A breast lift, or mastoplexy, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and cosmetically alters a woman's breasts. After the procedure, women can expect firmer, more shapely and youthful looking breasts.

The Surgery

In the most common procedure, the surgeon makes an anchor shaped incision along the natural contour of the breast. Working through this incision, the surgeon sculpts the excess skin and tissue and repositions the nipple to give the breast a new and youthful appearance. To finish the firming and shaping, the skin is pulled snugly around the new nipple and the surgeon stitches the incisions. A mastoplexy can be performed using either a local or general anesthesia and is usually done on an outpatient basis.

Alternative Procedures

A "doughnut mastoplexy" can also be performed, which requires less tissue removal and involves a much quicker recovery time. In this procedure, the surgeon executes circular incisions around the areola, and a doughnut shaped area of skin is removed.

Breast Reconstruction

For many women diagnosed with breast cancer, mastectomy, or breast removal, is an unfortunate and inescapable option. Women who have undergone this surgery can choose to have breast reconstruction. This procedure recreates the size and shape of the patient's natural breast and can renew a woman's sense of beauty and femininity.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is designed for women who experience medical problems due to uncomfortable breasts. Problems may include back and neck pain, skin irritation, skeletal deformities, and breathing problems. Although the procedure is typically used to alleviate medical problems, it can also help women who feel self-conscious about the size of their breasts.

The Surgery

The most common procedure involves the surgeon making an anchor-shaped incision around the dark area of the nipple (areola). This incision is then extended downward, following the natural curve of the crease beneath the breast. The surgeon removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin, and adjusts the nipple to its new position. The skin from each side is pulled down and around the areola, thereby reshaping the breast. The surgeon then stitches the incision, always aiming for the least amount of scarring. In certain cases, the vertical part of the scar can be eliminated. It should be noted that smoking prior to or following surgery increases the visibility of scarring. Stitches are usually removed in one to three week's time. A breast reduction is performed in a hospital, usually requiring a two to three day stay. The procedure itself takes between two and four hours and is done under a general anesthetic.

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