Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation, technically known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to enhance or make bigger, the size and shape of a woman's breasts. Breast implants are medical devices with a solid silicone outter shell. The implant shell may be filled with either saline solution (sterile salt water) or elastic silicone gel. Both saline and silicone gel breast implants are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Approval means that an implant has been rigorously researched and tested, and reviewed by an independent panel of physicians for safety. Breast augmentation surgery is performed as a same day surgery under anesthesia. The breast implants can be surgically placed either above or below the chest muscles. The surgical incisons (scars) can be in one of four common positions. Either under the breast in the breast crease, about the nipple, under the arm or uncommonly through the belly button. The most commonly use approach is through an incision under the breast in the breast crease.
Breast Lift
Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts--at least, for a time. (No surgery can permanently delay the effects of gravity.) Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. Breast lift if often commonly performed along with a breast augmentation (breast implant). In some cases the breast needs to be both lifted, tightened, re-shaped and made bigger (enhanced). The incisions associated with a breast lift are permanent, as is all breast surgery. They are commonly located around the nipple and often also up the center of the breast mound (lollipop scar).
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction, technically known as reduction mammaplasty, is designed for women with very large, pendulous breasts who may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight, from back and neck pain and skin irritation, to skeletal deformities and breathing problems. Breast reduction surgery is performed as a same day surgery under anesthesia. Breast tissue is proportionatey removed from the different areas of the breast in order to reshape and recontour the breast. In the past breast reduction surgery was partially covered as a medical procedure by health insurance carriers. Today it has been more difficult to have this procedure covered and health insurance carriers commonly consider this surgery cosmetic surgery.
Breast Reconstruction
Reconstruction of a breast that has been removed due to cancer or other disease is one of the most rewarding surgical procedures available today. New medical techniques and devices have made it possible for surgeons to create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. Please review the section on this website under RECONSTRUTIVE SURGERY for a complete review of breast reconstruction.
What you should know prior to having your breast removed... Know your options.
Breast Implant Revision
Breast implant removal or revision is a surgical procedure that removes or replaces breast implants placed during breast augmentation. The procedure may be indicated for medical reasons or it may be the patient’s personal choice. There are many possible reasons a woman may choose to undergo revision breast augmentation or breast implant removal.
