Breast Augmentation

Women seek breast augmentation for a number of reasons—to enhance the body contour, to correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy or to balance a difference in breast size. Breast augmentation, is a surgical procedure to enhance the size and shape of a woman’s breast. By inserting an implant behind each breast, surgeons are able to increase a woman’s bust line by one or more bra cup sizes. Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

A small incision is made in the crease under the breast or around the nipple so the surgeon can insert the implant. The implant is usually placed under the muscle. This procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia and lasts 1-2 hours. Recovery time varies with each individual but a woman may expect to return to non-strenuous work in about one week. Heavy exercise should be avoided for one month.

One of the most important choices when deciding about breast implant surgery is whether to use a saline or silicone implant. Saline implants have an exterior shell made of solid silicone and are filled with a saline solution, similar to that of the salt-water solution administered for intravenous fluids. A silicone implant has the same outer solid silicone shell; however, instead of being saline filled they are filled with a silicone gel. There are many important differences between silicone and saline; in general, silicone implants have a more natural look and feel while saline implants are less expensive and can be placed through a smaller incision. Both are FDA approved for the use of breast augmentation.

Breast Lift

A breast lift or mastopexy is a surgery designed to lift and reshape sagging breasts. This sagging is often referred to as ptosis. Different types of breast lifts, each with varying incision placement, are available, depending on the degree of ptosis. Some types of breast lifts can be used to correct asymmetry of the breast. Often an implant is used in conjunction with a lift to add increased upper breast fullness, which often lasts much longer than a mastopexy alone. Recovery time varies with each individual, but you may expect to return to non-strenuous work in about one week.
Heavy exercise should be avoided for one month.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery is appropriate for women whose breasts are large enough to cause such symptoms as back pain, neck pain and skin irritation. Breast reduction surgery removes breast tissue and skin, making the breasts lighter and firmer. The surgery also repositions the nipple to a higher more youthful position, similar to a breast lift. A breast reduction can improve asymmetry of the breast as well, since one breast can be reduced more or less that the other. This surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure in our surgical center. Recovery time varies with each individual but you may expect to return to non-strenuous work in about one week. Heavy exercise should be avoided for one month. This surgery may be covered by health insurance plans since it is considered a correction of a medical condition.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction is often available to women that have lost one or both their breasts to cancer or other diseases. Like so many things in plastic surgery, there are several options available in order to reconstruct. One of these options is to use your body’s own tissue to reconstruct the breast; another is to use implants. Each has its own list of advantages. We will guide you with a solution customized to meet your needs.

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most requested cosmetic surgical procedures. It sculpts the body by removing fat from targeted areas. Common areas for liposuction are the hips, waist, thighs, buttocks and neck. You can return to work within five days. A light compression garment is worn for 2 to 3 weeks.

Abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty, commonly called a tummy tuck, is often performed after pregnancy or a large weight loss. In these situations, the muscles and skin have been stretched and will not return to a normal position; sit-ups and exercise will not correct the problem. A tummy tuck not only removes excess fat and skin, it also tightens the abdominal wall muscles. This not only creates a flatter stomach when viewed from the side, but also a narrower waistline when viewed from the front. Scars are usually placed below the waistline and just inside the belly button. Surgery lasts 2 to 3 hours and most often is performed on an outpatient basis. Although some individuals return to work more quickly, plan on returning to non-strenuous work in 2 weeks or 6 to 8 weeks for more strenuous work.

Post-Bariatric Surgery Procedures

Post bariatric plastic surgery combines reconstructive and cosmetic techniques to tighten, lift and contour sagging areas after significant weight loss. The patient may choose to treat the arms, breasts, abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, neck, face or other areas.