Plastic Surgery, Breast Reconstruction, Lifts and Enlargements

Breast augmentation, or augmentation mammoplasty, is an outpatient procedure done with general anesthetic most commonly.

The preference is to do this in an outpatient setting using a very small incision, generally about one inch long, in the fold of the breast.

For most patients, the only implant currently available is the saline inflatable implant which has been in use for approximately thirty years in one form or another. Some patients may meet criteria for the gel implants, however.

The recovery from the procedure is very rapid. Stitches are out within seven to ten days and resumption of completely normal activity is allowed within three weeks. Lesser activities such as walking and a light workout can be resumed sooner with the limitation being avoiding strenuous use of the chest muscle.

Most patients experience minor discomfort for the first day or two, following which they are able to be out and about without much limitation other than as noted above.

Possible complications with the saline inflatable implant include, but are not limited to, deflation, in which case the sterile salt water would be absorbed by the body and the breast would be smaller, rippling or surface irregularities which are seen in a small percentage of patients with the saline implants, scar formation at the incisional site, or scar formation around the implant itself which would cause firmness.

The approximate price for this surgery is in the range of $4,500 to $5,000 all inclusive.

The aim of the surgery generally is to make for a natural change in one's figure such that a bathing suit, sweater or dress top will fit properly, while the breasts look and feel soft and natural.


Before	After

The procedure of breast reduction for oversized and drooping breasts is a fairly extensive procedure which serves to reduce the size and weight of the breast and can afford rather significant relief from the problems of back pain, neck pain, rashes under the breast and embarrassment which goes along with the inability to wear clothes which are tightly fitting and stylish.

The procedure involves a general anesthetic and is virtually always covered by insurance or Medicare.

The major problem associated with the surgery is that scarring can be rather prominent; however, it is hidden by a bikini generally.

Patients of childbearing age should know that they may not be able to breastfeed following surgery, as the surgery involves moving the nipple in the process of reshaping and diminishing the size of the breast.

Surprisingly, this is not a very painful procedure, and most patients undergoing it express only regret at having waited so long before making their decision to go ahead and have the procedure done.

Time out of work or school generally ranges from 10 to 21 days , depending upon the type of work an individual is required to do. While lifting and use of arms would be limited for up to two to three weeks, the patient at a desk job could conceivably be back to work sooner.

The age of the patients undergoing this procedure generally range from their later teens up well into the 70's.


Before	After

A mastopexy is a procedure that lifts the breasts, generally when the nipple is too low and the breast is flaccid as a result of weight loss or multiple pregnancies, or both.

This procedure is generally not covered by insurance and can entail rather significant scarring. However, the scars are generally well concealed by a bikini.

The healing generally takes about 10-14 days with limitations of activity being required for that period of time.

The procedure is strictly outpatient and can be done either with a general anesthetic or with local anesthetic and sedation, depending upon the preference of the patient or the extent of the problem.