Breast Augmentation, Lift, And Reduction Options
Breast augmentation is now the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States even surpassing liposuction. Breast augmentation can give women with small or unevenly sized breasts a fuller, firmer, and better-proportioned look. The procedure may be combined with other techniques such as a breast lift for a more satisfying result.
Breast implants may be divided into two main types, saline (salt water) and silicone. The primary advantage of silicone is a more natural “feel”. Most breast implants are placed under the muscle although sometimes there are advantages to placing the implant over the muscle.
At the Bailey Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Centre`, we are unique in that Dr. Bailey’s training enables him to place the implants through an armpit incision using a small endoscopic camera, through a “belly button” incision (saline implants), through the outer rim of the areola (periareolar) and also via the crease underneath the breast (inframammary). The surgery typically lasts 1 hour or less and can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
Breast-Implant Revision Surgery
Women who opt for breast augmentation (breast enlargement) with implants may not be happy with the results for a number of reasons: The implants' shape, size and/or placement may be problematic, or postsurgical complications, such as leaking, wrinkling, implant displacement, capsular contracture or symmastia, may have occurred. Although considered safe, revision surgery to correct problems with breast implants may be more complicated, cost more and take longer to recover from than the initial surgery.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
A women’s breasts may droop as a result of the natural effects of many things including aging, heredity, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight loss. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is performed to return a youthful shape to breasts that have lost volume and firmness. Breast lifts rejuvenate the breasts by trimming the excess skin and tightening the supporting tissues to achieve an uplifted youthful contour. After a mastopexy, the breasts are higher on the chest wall and firmer to touch. The lift also repositions the areola and reduces its size in order to create a better proportion with the lifted breast.
A mastopexy can also be combined with an implant to provide the patient with a fuller “perkier” more youthful appearance. The procedure lasts from 2 to 3 hours and can be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation.
Breast Reduction
Large breasts can negatively impact a woman both physically and emotionally, causing symptoms such as chronic back pain, rashes, poor posture, low self-esteem, and restricted activity. Many women seek treatment to reduce the painful effects of their large breasts, while also improving self-confidence and overall quality of life.
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, breast reduction surgery reduces the size of large, disproportionate breasts by removing excess fat tissue and skin while at the same time repositioning the areola higher on the breast.
The results of a breast reduction are visible right away and will continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. Scars will continue to fade over time, becoming less and less noticeable.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects nearly half of all men, resulting in localized fat and/or glandular tissue in the breasts. For most cases of gynecomastia, the cause is unknown, but this condition may be linked to certain medications or diseases. Many men are embarrassed by this condition and seek treatment to achieve a smooth, contoured chest through male breast reduction.
Male breast reduction may be performed using liposuction, surgery or a combination of the two, depending on the amount and type of tissue found in the breasts. If the breasts consist of mostly fatty tissue, liposuction may be used to suction out fat from an incision in the nipple or underarm areas. For breasts with an excessive amount of glandular tissue, excision surgery may be performed, which requires cutting away the excess fat, skin and tissue through a larger incision. Dr. Bailey will determine which technique is best for you based on your individual goals for surgery.
After breast reduction surgery, patients will usually be able to return home the very same day. Post-operative symptoms may include swelling and discomfort, which can be managed through pain medication and compression garments worn for the first few days after surgery. Patients will be able to return to work once they feel well enough but should avoid sexual activity and strenuous exercise for a week or two while the chest heals. For most patients, breast reduction surgery produces a flatter, more well-defined chest that can last for many years, as long as patients maintain a stable weight.
