BREAST

Breast Augmentation


Breast Augmentation is the surgical placement of breast implants to increase the fullness and projection of breasts or to improve symmetry of breasts. Clinically referred to as augmentation mammoplasty..

Indication
  • Naturally small breast
  • Loss of breast volume following pregnancy or due to weight loss
  • Moderately disproportionate breasts in size and shape
Facts About Breast Augmentation
  • Breast augmentation can correct sagging of breasts Minimally. Excess sagging needs a breast lift in conjunction with breast augmentation.
  • Permanent breast enhancement can be achieved by surgery only.
  • Breast augmentation does not interfere with a woman’s ability to breast-feed.
Understanding Breast Implants
  • Implants are made of medical grade biocompatible textured silicone gel / cohesive gel or smooth silicone shells filled with sterile saline solution.
  • Implant placement, type and size are determined based on your breast anatomy, body type, desired increase in the size as well as the surgeon’s judgment.
  • The procedure is done under general anesthesia.
  • Implants do not impair breast health
  • Pregnancy, weight loss and menopause may influence the appearance of augmented breasts.
  • Regular examinations for breast health and to evaluate the condition of implants are recommended.
  • A mammogram is recommended as a baseline for future comparisons
Progress and Healing
  • Initial wound healing may include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites and breast tissue overall.
  • Discomfort can be controlled with medication.
  • A bra support is recommended.
  • It is important to cleanse the incision sites and apply an ointment as recommended.
  • A return to light normal activity is possible after one week.
  • Initial wound healing may take 8 to 10 days the time when sutures will be removed.
  • You will be ready to return to work after 10 to 14 days, if you feel comfortable and so long as you do not engage in heavy lifting or heavy exercise.
  • Intimate contact with breasts may resume when healing is more fully completed, usually within 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling resolves.

Breast Lift


Breast lift, technically called Mastopexy is surgery to uplift and improve the shape of the female breast.

Indication
  • Sagging or pendulous breast
  • Flat and elongated breast
  • Nipple below the breast crease when unsupported
  • Nipple and areola pointing downwards
  • Stretched skin and enlarged areola
  • Young women in whom one breast is lower than the other
Breast lift does not affect pregnancy but the changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Same is true with significant weight loss.
Surgical Procedure
  • The operation is done under general anesthesia.
  • The appropriate technique for your case will be determined according to
    • Breast shape and size
    • The size and position of the areola
    • The degree of breast sagging
    • Skin quality and skin elasticity
  • The most common incision pattern is the one with three incisions
    • Around the areola
    • Vertically down from areola to the breast crease
    • Horizontally along the breast crease
  • The breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve the contour and firmness.
  • The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural and more youthful height.
  • Alternate techniques may eliminate the vertical scar.
Progress and Healing
  • Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at incision sites which can be controlled by medication
  • It is important to cleanse the incision sites and apply anti-microbial ointment
  • A return to normal activity is possible usually within 10 to 12 days
  • Initial wound healing may take 5 to 10 days the time when sutures will be removed
  • Return to work by two weeks after the operation is easily possible

Breast Reduction


Breast reduction surgery can be a tremendously life enhancing option for women with overly large breasts. This procedure gives smaller firmer breasts, along with most importantly relief from physical and emotional discomforts, a new sense of freedom in exercise and physical activity, ability to wear greater variety of clothing styles.

Breast reduction procedure tops the list for highest patient satisfaction amongst all cosmetic surgical procedures.

This is also called reduction mammoplasty, where excess of breast tissue and skin is removed, to make the breasts proportional to the rest of the body. The areola (nipple area) is also repositioned and reduced.

Indication
  • Neck, shoulder or back pain because of the weight the breasts
  • Heavy sagging breasts with low nipple and areolae
  • Breasts too large for the body proportion
  • Skin irritation on the undersurface of the breasts
  • Bra strap indentations on shoulders
  • Breast size restricting physical activity
  • Self-consciousness about large breasts
  • One breast much larger than the other
Caution
Recommended to wait for reduction till breast development is complete. Shape and size of breasts may be affected by child birth and breast feeding
Surgical Procedure
  • Procedure chosen as per the anatomy, surgeon’s choice, and desired result.
  • The most preferred method is a two-part incision. One part is made around the areola and the other runs vertically from the lower edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast
  • Excess breast tissue fat and skin are removed; the nipple areolae are shifted to a higher position.
  • Areola size is reduced
  • Skin above the nipple is brought down together from both sides to reshape the breast.
  • Nipple and areola are moved upward remaining attached to their underlying tissue to give the best chance for nipple sensation.
  • Drainage tubes are placed below the skin to prevent accumulation of fluids.
  • Gauze dressings and elastic bandage is the standard dressing.
Progress and Healing
  • Bruising swelling within first week is expected
  • Drains are removed after 48 hours, the time good enough for a discharge from the hospital
  • Shape of the breasts will look unnatural for a few weeks after the surgery,
  • Swelling and bruising settle in a few weeks
  • Exercise and mild physical activities can resume after 3 weeks.
  • Nipple sensations return after few weeks, sometimes may take few months to return
  • Incision lines fade few months down the line.