BREAST AUGMENTATION

Consultation Women who desire to increase the size of the breast to create a more feminine shape choose breast implant surgery.  Age, pregnancy and dramatic weight loss can all affect the appearance of the breasts.  The resulting look of the breast can one’s self image or sense of femininity.  A breast augmentation can be performed many different ways-- with different size implants, different shaped implants, different incisions, etc. Since everyone has an individual goal and unique appearance, the doctors are most concerned about each patient reaching her goals safely as well as achieving the best result possible. The doctors and patient consultants will work with you for as long as it takes to ensure that you choose the right size implant. For example, they can have you try putting different size implants in your clothes in order to give you an idea of what you’ll look like after the procedure. They will assist you in any way possible!

Inherent to the overall success of the outcome is a consultation in which you discuss your goals and expectations with the doctors. We can educate you about what is or is not possible. For example, an extremely frequent finding before surgery is that of subtle asymmetry that can affect the surgical result or that the planned surgery may address and improve. Thus the consultation with the doctor is vital to the success of the surgery.

Surgical Procedure A breast augmentation, commonly known as an augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in order to place a breast implant under the breast tissue thereby increasing the size of the breasts. It takes about 1-2 hours and is done as an outpatient under general anesthesia.  The sutures are dissolvable.   You will be wrapped in an ACE bandage until the first postoperative appointment which is typically scheduled for the next day after your surgery.  The nurse will remove the ACE wrap and place you in a soft, supportive postsurgical bra that we recommend you wear for two weeks.  It is also recommended that you take one week to recover, however, this may vary depending on your lifestyle.

 

BREAST LIFT

Consultation Breast lift is a wonderful procedure that can dramatically rejuvenate a sagging or aging breast.  We, here at the Institute, have a tremendous experience with the vertical incision lift, also known as “lollipop” technique.  This will leave the breast with a tighter, more “perky” shape.  This technique also results in scarring than the traditional “anchor” technique. The breast lift procedure is often combined with an implant to enhance the overall size of the breasts, but this depends on the ultimate goal of each individual.  These options would be thoroughly discussed at your consultation.

Surgical Procedure The procedure takes approximately 2 hours and is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.  Sutures are dissolvable and you will be placed in a supportive bra that we recommend you wear for 3-6 months. We generally recommend you take one week to recover, however, this may vary depending on your lifestyle. 

 

BREAST REDUCTION

Consultation Women with very large, heavy breasts may suffer from medical or emotional conditions. In addition to suffering from back or neck pain, these women may become extremely self-conscious or even develop body image issues. In addition, breasts that are too large can represent formidable obstacles that can hinder an active lifestyle.  If this is the situation you find yourself, then a breast reduction may permit you freedom from that uncomfortable weight; following a breast reduction, you likely will feel more confident and able to do many more if not all the activities you enjoy. As with any breast procedure, your doctor will attempt to customize their technique to meet your specific goals.  With the breast reduction procedure, excess breast tissue and skin are removed.  The lollipop incision is once again used.  This will leave the breast smaller with a tighter, more “perky” appearance.

Surgical Procedure Sutures are dissolvable and you will be placed in a supportive bra that we recommend you wear for 3-6 months.  The procedure takes approximately 2-3 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.  We generally recommend you take one week to recover, however, this may vary depending on your lifestyle.

BREAST REDUCTION / AUGMENTATION / LIFT

Consultation There is another option in breast surgery that our doctors feel may help a patient to obtain her goal.  This is a newer procedure designed to help many of today’s women who are satisfied with the size of their breasts, but just want a more youthful appearance and feel. In other words, we can combine the breast reduction and augmentation and breast lift procedures together for the patient who says she doesn’t want so much to be larger as much as she doesn’t like the “jiggle” or “looseness” of her breast tissue.  This hypothetical patient may be an ideal candidate for this procedure.  The reduction is performed to reduce the “jiggley” tissue, but then is replaced with a breast implant that helps to restore the ultimate shape and firmness to the breast.  The breast lift also is instrumental in the quest to regain youthful shape.  As with any procedure, your surgery will be customized to meet your specific needs.

Surgical Procedure Dr. Harris and Dr. Raphael have tremendous experience with the technique of the vertical incision lift, also known as “lollipop” technique.  Sutures are dissolvable and you will be placed in a supportive bra that we recommend you wear for 3-6 months.  The procedure takes approximately 3 hours and is done as an outpatient under general anesthesia.  Recovery takes about one week.