Breast
Surgical Procedures
Breast Implant Removal/Exchange
There are a number of personal, cosmetic, or medical reasons to consider revisional implant surgery, such as implant rupture, capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant), or dissatisfaction with size or shape. Breast implant removal or exchange is a surgical procedure to either remove or replace breast implants.
Often times during the surgery, a simultaneous capsulectomy is performed to remove scar tissue surrounding the implant that may contributing to firmness or discomfort. If an exchange is performed, the implants are replaced with new ones, which may differ in size if so desired.
In some cases, a breast lift (mastopexy) may be recommended to achieve optimal aesthetic results. Previously made scars can be used but occasionally additional scars may be necessary for optimal results.
Breast Reduction
Reduction mammaplasty, or breast reduction surgery, is a procedure to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a smaller, more proportionate breast size. It is often sought to alleviate physical discomfort such as back, neck, or shoulder pain, skin irritation, or difficulty with physical activities caused by overly large breasts.
Typical incisions are around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and horizontally along the inframammary fold.
Recovery may include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, with return to upper body exercise by one month.
Risks include scarring, changes in nipple sensation, asymmetry, or delayed healing.
Many patients report significant relief from physical discomfort and improved quality of life following the surgery.
Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
A mastopexy, or breast lift, is a surgical procedure designed to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. It aims to improve the breast contour and position, often addressing issues caused by aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, or gravity.
During the procedure, incisions are typically made around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and along the breast crease. The nipple and areola will be lifted higher on the breast and the breast itself reshaped or reduced for a more proportionate appearance.
Mastopexy does not significantly change breast size but can be combined with augmentation or reduction for desired results.
Recovery involves swelling, bruising, and limited physical activity for a few weeks. Risks include scarring, changes in nipple sensation, or delayed healing.
Breast Augmentation
There are many reasons a woman may want to alter her breast size, including restoration of volume after pregnancy or weight loss.
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the size, shape, or fullness of the breasts. It is typically achieved using implants (silicone or saline) or fat transfer.
The surgery involves placing implants either above or below the chest muscle through an incision, which is usually made in the crease under the breast.
Recovery typically takes a few weeks, during which patients may experience swelling, soreness, and limited physical activity.
As with any surgery, breast augmentation carries risks that may necessitate future breast surgeries, including infection, implant rupture, or capsular contracture, a condition in which excess scar tissue forms around the implant.