Breast Augmentation

There are three directions for altering breast size, shape, and position. Whether too large, too small or too saggy, the breast is a major driving force in how a woman feels about herself. Those whose breasts are made larger or smaller reside amongst the happiest of plastic surgery recipients.

As a result, breast augmentation has been one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgical procedures for many years. There are as many breast shapes, sizes, and arrangements as there are women to wear them. Breast augmentation can give a woman with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, and better proportioned appearance with the placement of saline or the new silicone breast implants.

Breast enlargement is the single most effective form of surgical personality enhancement, a veritable pat on the back for feeling good about oneself. The relatively short post-operative downtime is readily surpassed by the exhilaration, enthusiasm and confidence gained. As a rule, women derive a tremendous long-lasting psychological boost from breast enlargement. This includes those who have never developed breasts proportionate to their height and weight, and those who lost such after pregnancy and breast-feeding. The positive effect of such enhancement makes a woman feel good about herself and often extends to her family as a whole.

Our extended pre-operative consultation allows every woman to express her unique thoughts and desires for breast enlargement, providing the opportunity to customize an approach with her specific goals in mind. The breast implants or prostheses utilized are silicone shells filled with either saline (salt water) or the new more viscous silicone gel. Each offers its own advantages, and we will help you decide which is better for you. During surgery, the breast implants are usually placed beneath the pectoralis chest muscle to virtually ensure soft breasts without capsular contracture. They can also be positioned directly underneath the breast tissue itself. Most patients ar up and about in a few days and return to work within a week. Sutures or stitches are removed in a week, and post operative pain, and swelling usually diminish rapidly thereafter. Surgical scar lines fade dramatically over several months.

Breast Reduction

There is perhaps no more aggravating anatomic condition for a woman than large, heavy breasts. This encumbrance is associated with neck, back and shoulder pain, ill-fitting clothing, and interference with athletic endeavors and acts of daily living. At times socially embarrassing, significantly enlarged breasts become a self-conscious issue. Correction centers on removal of wedges of breast tissue and rewrapping the breast into a smaller, rounder and more compact structure, raising the nipple while bringing the breast closer and higher. Often, this jump-starts a weight-loss program. Surgery lasts between 1 1/2 and 3 hours, often as an outpatient, and is usually followed by a one-week recovery period prior to returning to work.

Breast reduction brings not only weight relief but often leads to a better appearance both in and out of clothing. The classic neck, back and shoulder pain associated with heavy breasts should be readily relieved after surgery. The effects are immediate and the recovery period relatively short. There are newer breast reduction procedures which further reduce incision lines (see below). This procedures is not limited to any age group but spans the full range from teenager to grandmother.

The new vertical breast reduction is a technique that reduces the amount of surgical scars and eliminates the need for drains. It is ideally suited for breast uplift or mastopexy as well. This shapes the breast and nipples to a more perky uplifted position, often without the need for breast implants. This quick procedure can readily be performed in an outpatient setting.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

For those whose breasts have stretched out without excess weight, there are re-suspension procedures available. The mastopexy is designed to uplift the breast, reducing its loose skin envelope while increasing breast volume and redirecting nipple/areola position. There are several different mastopexy procedures available to address the many ways breasts may sag. The euphoria, bonding and pleasure mother and baby mutually enjoy with breast-feeding often is later paid for with breasts that lack substance and volume. This aesthetically unacceptable trade-off need not be permanent. Ptotic, droopy or "washed-out" breasts can benefit from repackaging, often utilizing small implants for support.

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