Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed. Patients have the option of having saline filled breast implants or silicone filled breast implants for breast augmentation. Which type of breast implants to choose for breast augmentation is an individual decision but your personal plastic surgeon can help you decide which may be best for you. Breast implants may be placed beneath the gland, called subglandular, or beneath the muscle, called submuscular. Most patients benefit from a combination of the two utilizing a technique called dual plane augmentation. There are also several approaches used to surgically place the breast implants such as inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary, and transumbilical. A consultation for breast augmentation with your personal plastic surgeon can help determine the best option and size for you.
Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction, also known as Reduction Mammaplasty is the only effective treatment for neck and back pain that is related to large, heavy breasts (hypermastia). The increase in number of breast reductions may be attributed to patient and primary physician awareness. Breast reduction accomplishes two goals. First, it reduces the volume of the breast. Second, it raises the nipple areolar complex (NAC) to a level that fits the patient’s anatomy. Many techniques have been developed over the years. The Vertical scar technique popularized by Dr. Elizabeth Hall-Findlay is primarily utilized in Dr. Newman’s practice to avoid the transverse incision along the inframammary fold. This results in a more natural breast shape and isn’t as susceptible to the bottomed out effect typically seen with more traditional techniques. Patients typically report improvement in neck and back pain within days of the surgery.
Breast Lift
Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, utilizes incisions similar to the vertical scar breast reduction and is performed to raise the NAC to a level that fits the patient’s anatomy. Mastopexy is sometimes combined with other breast procedures. Combining mastopexy with augmentation, for instance, significantly increases the risk of post operative complications.
Breast Reconstruction
Breast reconstruction after mastectomy was previously considered to be an act of vanity by patients seeking it. Now, breast reconstruction is considered standard of care. In fact, some states are lobbying to legislate mandatory plastic surgery consultations before mastectomy can be performed. Most insurances cover this type of surgery. There are several options for breast reconstruction from tissue expansion to flap reconstruction. The most popular and most common is with a tissue expander and permanent implant beneath the muscle and skin. Breast reconstruction can also be accomplished using local tissue from the abdomen or back. Lastly, a free flap can be performed when indicated. Which technique is best for you can be determined during your consultation.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is common among men and frequently is a sensitive topic. Typically, males gain breast tissue during the teenage years that resolves by early adulthood. Unfortunately, the breast tissue does not always involute. Men also commonly develop breast tissue later in life as testosterone levels diminish. Occasionally hormones, medications, and behavioral factors can lead to gynecomastia and should be addressed accordingly. Once surgical intervention is desired and indicated, which technique is necessary is decided on an individual basis. Most patients seeking gynecomastia surgery can have Vaser lipoelection, but sometimes may require removal of breast tissue and skin by traditional surgical incisions.
