Breast Augmentation • Breast Lift • Breast Reduction
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is a procedure performed to enlarge the breasts and improve its overall shape.
Breast implants can be inserted through incisions under the breast (inframammary fold), around the areola (peri-areolar), or through the armpit (trans-axillary). The type of implant used, the placement of incision and the size of the implant are influenced by individual physical characteristics and the patient’s preference. These factors will be evaluated during your initial consultation and the information gathered will be used in choosing the optimal implant size and style for you.
Patients have a choice of saline or silicone implants with varying diameters, shapes and profiles. The implants can be placed in a pocket created above or below the pectoralis major muscle.
A saline implant is a silicone shell filled with sterile salt water. Silicone gel implants are filled with an elastic gel. Silicone gel implants are available only to women who are 22 years or older.
Dr. Sian’s preferred technique is the use of a smooth round implant (saline or silicone gel) that is inserted via the inframammary fold and placed in a pocket created beneath the pectoralis muscle. This incision heals very well in most women and is hardly noticeable when fully healed. The placement of the implant underneath the pectoralis muscle minimizes the visibility of the implant edge and its ripples. However, there are situations where a periareolar or transaxillary incision may be used.
More information regarding silicone implants can be obtained from the following web sites:
www.fda.gov/cdrh/breastimplants
www.breastimplantsafety.org.
Breast augmentation surgery usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is done under general anesthesia. Recovery time is approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
Learn more about Breast Augmentation >
Breast Lift / Mastopexy
Breast lift, or mastopexy is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. Factors such as pregnancy, nursing, weight change, aging and gravity produce changes in the appearance of a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and begin to sag. This operation can also reduce the size of the areola (i.e. the darker skin around the nipple). If your breasts are small or have lost volume after pregnancy, breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both firmness and size.
The best candidates for mastopexy are healthy, emotionally stable women who have realistic expectations about what this type of surgery can accomplish. Breasts of any size can be lifted, but the results may not last as long in women with heavy, large breasts. There are a variety of different surgical techniques used for the reshaping and lifting of the female breast. The type of scar associated with this procedure depends on the surgical technique that is used which is customized to each individual patient.
Dr. Sian’s preferred technique is the vertical mastopexy technique which utilizes a lollipop shaped scar. This is a short scar technique that avoids the long horizontal scar underneath the breast. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and surgery time is approximately 2 hours. Recovery time is approximately 3 weeks.
Learn more about Breast Lift >
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is also known as reduction mammoplasty. It is a surgical procedure done to reduce the size of the breast. Women who have large breasts may experience a variety of problems from the weight and size of their breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, and skin irritation. Breast reduction is usually performed for relief of these symptoms but it can also help reshape breasts that are sagging and droopy.
This procedure can affect one’s ability to produce milk and important consideration must be taken for women who plan to get pregnant and would like to breastfeed in the future. The best candidates are those who are mature enough to understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. There are a variety of different surgical techniques used to reduce and reshape the female breast.
Dr. Sian’s preferred technique is the Vertical mammoplasty technique (by Dr. Hall-Findlay). Unlike traditional breast reduction procedures that leave an anchor shaped scar, the Hall-Findlay technique utilizes a “lollipop shaped” scar that eliminates the long horizontal scar underneath the breast.
This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis and surgery time is approximately 2 to 3 hours. Recovery time is approximately 3 to 4 weeks.