Breast Procedures

In today’s world, physical appearance is often the key to social acceptance. A woman may become self-conscious because she thinks her breasts do not meet society’s standards. Plastic surgery procedures available for the breast can help a woman have the breasts she desires. If a woman thinks her breasts are too small or too large, or she may just want to lift them up a little, plastic surgery may be appropriate. More importantly, if a woman has undergone a full breast removal, breast reconstruction by a board-certified plastic surgeon may be very beneficial.

Dr. Smith and the staff of Parkwest Plastic Surgery are highly trained and experienced in several types of breast surgeries, including breast augmentation (implants), mastopexy (breast lift), breast reduction, and breast reconstruction.

Breast Augmentation (Breast Enlargement/Implants)
A candidate for breast augmentation may be a woman who:

• Thinks her breasts are too small in relation to the rest of her body
• Has had significant weight loss which changed the shape and size of her breasts
• Has sagging breasts after childbirth
• Has one breast significantly smaller than the other

The procedure involves making an incision in one of three locations in the breast and inserting the implant into the breast. Implants are made of saline or silicone. Silicone implants have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use on 21 years of age or older, and are able to offer this option to patients who qualify for the clinical trial.

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)
A woman whose breasts sag due to childbirth, nursing or general aging may be a candidate for a surgical procedure known as a mastopexy or breast lift. The procedure raises and reshapes the present breast giving a more youthful and firmer appearance. This procedure may be done in addition to augmentation or it may be done alone.

Both procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, but do require rest and recuperation for several days afterward.

Breast Reduction
A candidate for breast reduction may be a woman with:

• Excessive breast weight and size causing neck and back pain
• Excessive breast weight and size causing skeletal deformities and breathing problems

Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess fat, tissue and skin from the breasts, making them smaller and lighter. Such reductions can make breasts more proportional to the rest of the body. In most cases, breasts must be fully developed before surgery is performed; but in extreme cases where the breasts are causing physical discomfort, the procedure may be performed earlier.

The surgery is usually performed in an outpatient surgery facility. Sutures are usually removed within two weeks.