Breast Surgery

Breast Reconstruction

Breast reconstruction has no known effect on altering the natural history of breast cancer or interfering with other forms of breast cancer treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation.

Breast reconstruction with tissue expansion is a two-stage process. It first involves the use of a silicone rubber balloon-like tissue expander that is inserted beneath the skin and chest muscle. Saline gradually is injected into the tissue expander to fill it over a period of weeks or months. This process allows the skin on the chest to be stretched over the expander, creating a breast mound. In most cases, once the skin has been stretched enough, the expander is surgically removed and replaced with a permanent breast implant. Some issue expanders are designed to be left in place as a breast implant.

There are legitimate reasons to delay breast reconstruction. Some women may be advised by their surgeon or oncologist to wait until other forms of necessary cancer treatment are completed or disease staging has been accomplished. Other patients may require more complex breast reconstruction procedures. Women who smoke or who have other health conditions such as obesity may be advised to postpone surgery. Individuals with a weakened immune system (currently receiving chemotherapy or drugs to suppress the immune system), conditions that interfere with blood clotting or wound healing, or have reduced blood supply to the breast tissue from prior surgery or radiation therapy treatments may be at greater risk for complications and poor surgical outcome. In any case, being informed of your options concerning breast reconstruction can help you prepare for a mastectomy with a more positive outlook on the future.

The shape and size of your breasts prior to surgery will influence both the recommended placement of the tissue expander and the final shape of your reconstructed breast. Tissue expander breast reconstruction cannot produce an exact replica of the removed breast. Breast symmetry surgery on the opposite breast may be needed to produce similar size. The nipple and darker skin surrounding it, called the areola, may be reconstructed in a subsequent procedure after the breast mound is created through tissue expansion.

Breast Reduction

Over the years I have come across many patients complaining of large breasts. They find that the weight of their breasts causes them back pain, chest discomfort and grooving in their shoulders from their bra straps.

Breast reductive surgery can offer these patients the opportunity to correct this problem. A breast reduction offers the patient a good cosmetic outcome with functional results. The surgery not only offers the patient a better breast proportion for her size, it also reduces the amount of weight the shoulders must carry.

What's the down time? I often hear this question. Surprisingly, many patients report minimal discomfort after surgery and are back to work in seven days. They usually note an immediate effect. They report such things as, "I feel better about my size and can exercise easier". Others comment on the fact that they have to buy smaller wardrobes to replace their now oversized garments.

Overall the surgery is rewarding with a reported 98% satisfaction rating. It is a procedure that I enjoy performing because it gives immediate results in a patient who has been suffering for sometimes years.

The surgery involves essentially three incisions. An incision around the areola or pigmented portion of the nipple. An incision then coursing down to the breast crease (inframammary crease) and an incision along the crease. It is important to understand the location of these incisions fully. General anesthesia is used. Most patients requesting the surgery are very healthy individuals.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Breast lift or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change; aging and gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and begin to sag. Breast lift or mastopexy is a surgery performed by plastic surgeons to raise and reshape sagging breasts. This operation can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin around the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both firmness and size. The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about what this type of surgery can accomplish. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with heavy, large breasts. Mastopexy does leave permanent, noticeable scars on the breasts, and the beasts will be smaller than your current size. There are a variety of different surgical techniques used for the reshaping and lifting of the female breast.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is a procedure that many women find satisfying. Before embarking on having a breast augmentation there are a few things that you should be aware of.

Breast Augmentation Surgery is a very rewarding for the majority of women who choose to undergo the procedure. In 1998 alone according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 130, 000 women in the United states underwent the procedure. This has increased to over 500 percent since 1992. If you are considering the procedure you are not alone.

If you would like a new look with a graceful shape, come visit us. Many women, especially after having children have sagging breasts. An augmentation or what is commonly called a mastopexy can help. We offer a comfortable setting with state of the art equipment and a pleasing staff to serve your needs.

Whether your breasts are small, sag or uneven we can help you. Contact us and make an appointment and visit us. You will be happy you came.

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, you should be aware of possible risks and complications. Although they do not occur often, it would be unfair not to inform you of them.

Gynecomastia (Enlarged Male Breasts) Reduction

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to remove excess fat, glandular tissue and/or skin from overdeveloped or enlarged male breasts. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may need to be reduced. Gynecomastia may result from hormonal changes, heredity, disease, or the use of certain drugs, and can present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts).

There are a variety of different techniques used to treat gynecomastia. Gynecomastia surgery can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including liposuction, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries.