Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation or enlargement is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States today. The purpose of the surgery is to increase the size and shape of the breasts using saline or silicone gel implants. It is also used to create symmetry between breasts of different sizes or shapes.

The procedure usually takes one and a half to two hours under general anesthesia in an outpatient accredited surgical facility or hospital setting. The implant is usually placed behind the breast muscle after a small incision is made either under the lower portion of the breast near the chest wall, or around the areola (the nipple area) or through an incision in the armpit. Recovery time is one to two weeks, although most patients are back to work within the first week. Having a breast augmentation can greatly improve self-esteem for many women and dramatically improve the way she views her body.

Other breast surgeries include breast reduction to reduce large and sagging breasts, breast lift to correct sagging breasts by removing excess skin, breast reconstruction after mastectomy and surgery to correct birth deformities including non-symmetrical breasts.

Breast reduction

Symptomatic macromastia means excessively large breasts that may cause back or neck pain, shoulder strap grooving, and at times rashes in the inframammary fold. The breast reduction procedure creates smaller, lifted breasts to help alleviate or even eradicate these symptoms.

It is common for insurance companies to cover this procedure if it is considered reconstructive surgery based on the amount of tissue that will be excised. Breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting either on an outpatient basis or overnight stay. Incisions are placed around the areola (pigmented skin around the nipples) and a vertical incision down the lower portion of the breast, as well as a horizontal incision placed within the crease underneath the breast. Some patients qualify for the minimal incision breast reduction. Recovery time is two weeks although light activity is possible usually within a few days postoperatively. Healing will continue for several weeks. Breast reduction is one of the most gratifying surgeries because the patient will feel so much less restricted to perform physical activities.

Male breast reduction

Male breast reduction corrects excess breast tissue in males to create a flatter, more masculine chest. This may be performed by liposuction alone or also with excision of excess glandular tissue. Incisions are hidden at the areola, breast crease or in the underarm area. This procedure is performed by me in an accredited surgical facility or hospital setting on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes one to three hours and the patient has IV sedation or general anesthesia. Patients may need to wear an elastic dressing or compressive garment to aid healing for a couple of weeks. The healing time is five to seven days.

Breast lift

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a procedure to correct sagging breasts with loose skin by removing the excess skin, elevating the breast tissue, and repositioning the nipples to a higher position. This procedure also restores breast firmness. Incisions vary, depending upon the amount of excess skin and lifting that is required. I perform this surgery under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility or hospital setting on an outpatient basis, or if the patient prefers, a 23-hour overnight stay is available. This surgery may be performed with breast augmentation at the same time if greater volume is desired. Patients usually return to work in 7 to 14 days postoperatively, but breast shape may take one to three months to fully settle.