Breast
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation to improve the shape and size of the breast is one of the most common procedures chosen by patients in the field of plastic surgery. Specifically, volume enhancement of the breast can greatly improve the body proportions, especially when the breast becomes deflated after pregnancy or weight loss. Breast augmentation is also used to correct volume and shape asymmetries between each breast or to offer the appearance of breast lift in those cases with minor sagging. The surgical approach varies but most often includes a small incision around the arm pit (axilla), areola or inframammary fold. The implants, which consist of silicone shells that are filled with silicone gel or saline fluid, can be placed above or below the pectoralis muscle (chest muscle). In general, this is a 1 hour procedure and is often combined with a breast lift procedure (mastopexy).
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Changes in the breast following pregnancy and with age, often lead to a deflated and sagging appearance. This is due in part to the loss of supportive tissue over time and with the distortion of the entire breast during pregnancy and breast feeding. A Mastopexy returns the breast tissue, including the nipple and areola to its desired position. Newer techniques used in this procedure limit the length of the incisions and can restore a breast’s youthful shape. Mastopexy is often combined with breast augmentation offering a lift concurrent with volume enhancement.
Breast reduction
Large, heavy breasts can be physically and emotionally limiting to a patient. Common complaints include back pain, decreased exercise tolerance and poor posture. The psychological effects, especially in the teenage years, have harmful effects on a patient’s self confidence and self image. Surgical reduction provides relief of these symptoms by removing surplus breast skin and tissue and rebuilding a youthful breast shape. New techniques limit the length of the scar and allow for reduction in the size of the areola.
