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Breast surgery
Breast augmentation
Breast reduction
Breast lift (Mastopexy)
Inverted nipple surgery
Breast augmentation
Breast augmentation surgery is intended to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. It enhances breast size, corrects a reduction in volume after pregnancy or balances a size difference between the two breasts. During this operation breast is enlarged by placing a saltwater-filled silicone implant behind it.
During the initial consultation, a thorough evaluation of the skin tone and breasts determines the most appropriate surgical technique for breast augmentation. Surgeon makes recommendations on how the implant should be inserted and positioned based on the breast’s anatomy.
The surgical incision may be made in the crease under the breast (inframammary) or around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). After the incision is made, the surgeon creates a pocket for the implant directly behind the breast tissue or behind the chest muscle.
The implant is centered behind the nipple and areola. It is available in a round or teardrop shape with a smooth or textured surface.
Occasionally, a breast lift (mastopexy) is also required to reshape and reposition a sagging breast. Breast augmentation usually is performed under the general anesthesia.
Breast augmentation surgery requires about two hours. After the procedure, patients are advised regarding wound care, bra selection, suture removal and follow-up. Physical activity is limited for several weeks after the surgery. Scars remain firm and pink for about six weeks and then fade over in about several months.
Athough breast augmentation is a relatively straightforward procedure, there are certain risks. As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding may produce swelling and bruising. Infections are rare. However, if it occurs next to the implant, it might be necessary to remove the implant to resolve the infection. In some breasts, develops firmness because scar tissue forms around the implant. This is called a "capsular contracture" and it may require the second surgery to correct it. Sensation change around the nipple can occur, but in most cases it is temporary. Occasionally, the breasts will have slightly different shapes. In most cases, these problems can be treated with acceptable results.
Since the implants are made of plastic, they can rupture and their contents leak. When a saline-filled implant ruptures, it deflates and the body harmlessly absorbs the saline. An implant rupture is very unusual and it can be easily corrected by replacing it.
Finally, there is no scientific evidence that breast implants affect breastfeeding, fertility or pregnancy. While most of the women undergoing breast augmentation do not experience complications, it is important to discuss the risks thoroughly with the surgeon.
You are at increased risk for complications if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc. You'll want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with your physician. Back
Breast reduction
During this surgery excess skin and breast tissues are removed and the breasts reshaped to be smaller and more attractive.
The breast reduction procedure is performed at the hospital with general anesthesia. When only a small amount of tissue has to be removed, the procedure can be performed under the local anesthesia with intravenous sedation as an outpatient procedure.
The surgeon makes incisions so that scars form around the areola, vertically below the areola, and in the crease beneath the breast. The incisions are designed so the scars will not be visible while wearing normal clothing.
The surgeon then repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position on the breast, and removes excess breast tissue and skin. A drain may be left in place at the time of surgery and removed several days later. The patient can get go home the next day after surgery in most of the cases. Sutures are removed within the first two weeks following the surgery.
Complications of breast reduction can include postoperative bleeding, infection and healing problems. These complications may result in more obvious scars.
Although every attempt is made to obtain symmetry and a natural shape, there may be some irregularities in the final size and shape of the breasts or in the positioning of the areola and nipple. Because separating the nipple from the breast tissue during the procedure disturbs the surface nerves of the nipple, patients may experience a decrease in sensation which basically returns back. In rare cases patients also may experience a permanent inability to breast-feed after having the surgery. Back
Breast lift (Mastopexy)
Breast sagging is a common problem following pregnancies, weight loss or aging. Sagging occurs when breast skin stretches, and breast tissue and fat degenerate over time. This results in a less youthful appearance of the breasts. Breast sagging can be corrected with a breast lift (mastopexy).
During mastopexy, surgeons reposition the nipple and areola to a higher position and remove excess skin from beneath the breast. Closing the remaining skin lifts the breast mound to a higher position and reshapes the breast to give it a more projected and youthful appearance.
If there is inadequate breast tissue to fill the skin and achieve the desired size, a saline-filled breast implant may be placed beneath the breast at the same time, achieving the desired size, shape and projection.
The mastopexy procedure may be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The operation takes about two hours, and patients often return home the same day.
Patients may resume limited activities the day after surgery and normal activities in three to four weeks. Pain usually can be controlled with oral pain medication. Sutures are removed one to two weeks after the surgery.
When there is marked sagging, the incisions required and resulting scars are similar to those resulting from a breast reduction. In cases of less breast sagging, mastopexy can often be accomplished with smaller scars.
Potential complications of mastopexy include bleeding, infection and healing problems. Patients may experience some decrease in sensation in the nipple. In addition, some patients may notice minor irregularities in the size and shape of the breasts, and in the position of the areola and nipple.
Following mastopexy, patients may be able to breast-feed because the nipple usually is not separated from the milk glands. If the implant is used, problems with the implant may occur.
Following the surgery and healing period, the breast will have a more attractive and youthful appearance. With time, however, there may be further sagging that could require another procedure. Back
Inverted nipple surgery
Inversion of the nipple is caused by a short milk duct system running from the chest wall to the nipple. Thanks to the various techniques of plastic surgery, women with inverted nipples no longer have to live with this condition. Regardless of the procedure chosen, inverted nipple surgery restores breast nipple to a beautiful and natural, projecting appearance. Back
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