Breast Surgery Provides Effective Cosmetic Enhancement

Breast augmentation improves the size and appearance of the breasts. Women choose breast augmentation because they feel their breasts are too small, there is a discrepancy between the size of the breasts, or for further reconstruction following other breast surgery.

For women who are physically healthy as well as realistic in their goals, breast augmentation can provide an effective cosmetic enhancement. Breast implants are filled with either saline or silicone. Because of the current restrictions established for silicone implants by the Federal Drug Administration, we are using silicone implants only for women who are participating in controlled studies.

Recent studies from major national and foreign institutions demonstrate no association between auto-immune disease or breast cancer and silicone breast implants. Further studies in progress will provide us with more information on this subject. During your consultation, we will review all of the medical issues associated with the breast augmentation procedure. We are currently using saline implants with great success.

There are three possible locations for the incision: under the breast, around or within the areola, (the pigmented tissue surrounding the nipple), or within the armpit. The implants are placed either under the breast tissue or under the pectoralis major muscle and breast tissue. Incision sites and implant placement depends on a variety of factors, one of which is patient preference.

Surgery is performed with the patient fully asleep under general anesthesia. The procedure takes approximately two hours to perform. Sutures are removed in one week. Regular exercise may be resumed after four weeks.

Some patients require neither a breast augmentation nor reduction. They have lost the elasticity of the skin of the breast either after pregnancy or weight loss. For these patients a breast lift is performed.

A breast lift, or mastopexy, is an operation to remove excess skin that has been stretched during pregnancy or weight fluctuation. The amount of skin removed is related to the degree of drooping of the breasts. Breast implants may by used at the same time when the breasts have lost substance due to pregnancy.

Although there is some scarring with this procedure, women are pleased with the restructured shape and size of their breasts as well as with the way they appear in clothing and swimwear. The patient undergoes general anesthesia with the surgery lasting three to four hours.

Breast reduction serves various purposes for different people. Enlarged, pendulous breasts cause a variety of problems. The medical term for this problem is mammary hyperplasia. The weight of the breasts pulls down on the bra straps which in turn produces indentation of the shoulder skin and discomfort. Along with shoulder and back pain, the surface under the breast may rub against the chest skin producing an irritating rash. Some women even experience difficulty with breathing because of enlarged breasts. Upon the removal of glandular tissue, fat and skin, a lighter, more attractive breast can be created. The lessened pressure on the chest alleviates overall discomfort and improves respiration.

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The operation takes about three to four hours to perform. Sutures are removed within one week. Depending upon the size of the breasts, the surgery is performed either at one of the associated hospitals or at a cosmetic surgery center. Those patients who choose the cosmetic surgery center are then transferred to an aftercare facility for one night.