BREAST LIFT
BREAST ENLARGEMENT
BREAST REDUCTION

What is a breast lift? Is it the same as breast enlargement?
A breast lift is also called mastopexy and is the procedure of choice for women with sagging breasts. Patients are typically satisfied with the size of their breasts and it is the shape they want to correct. This involves resection of skin to bring back the breasts at their normal level in the chest wall and regain their previous “fullness.” An inverted T scar will be seen post-operatively below the nipple and areola which will mostly be hidden in your inframammary crease and will mature and lighten in color in time. Breast enlargement involves addition of an implant to increase the size and volume of a woman’s breasts.
 

What is breast enlargement?
Breast enlargement or augmentation enhances the size and/or shape of the breast with the insertion of silicone implants behind the breast. Women choose to have breast augmentation surgery for a number of reasons. Some women want larger breasts, while others wish to correct a volume reduction occurring after pregnancy. Some women desire to correct an asymmetry in breast size.
You can determine your desired size by fitting trial implants available at your doctor’s office.

Best cosmetic results are achieved with an incision hidden in your armpit and with the implants placed beneath your chest wall muscle, the pectoralis major. Silicone implants are commonly used as they afford a more natural look and feel. The patient will be instructed in breast massage or compression which has to be followed twice a month for at least 1 year. This is for the purpose of reducing the chances of capsular contracture.
 

How is breast reduction done?
Women with large, heavy, pendulous breasts can be miserable. The excess weight can cause neck pain, back pain, skin irritation, bra strap indentations, numbness, or weakness. Breast reduction is also known as reduction mammaplasty. The procedure involves removal of excess skin, fat, and breast tissue. Normal breast sensation, nipple-areola sensation, and milk production are preserved except in the massively oversized breasts. These often require a wider excision with grafting of the nipple-areola complex. The reduction type procedure reduces breast weight, volume and contour while preserving breast sensation and function. After breast reduction, women report tremendous improvement in their symptoms. An inverted T scar will be seen post-operatively below the nipple and areola which will mostly be hidden in your inframammary crease and will fade in time, unless the person is prone to hypertrophic scar or keloid.
 

What can I expect before, during and after these procedures?
As with any surgery, a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation done by your doctor is crucial to the success of your operation. Any history of breast cancer and previous surgeries will be investigated. Any concomitant medical condition, allergies, bleeding problems will be addressed and all medications being taken will be reviewed and recorded. A thorough breast exam will be performed.

These procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia and you may stay in the hospital for 2-3 days. Breast lifts and reductions take more or less 4-5 hours.

Pain and discomfort following the surgery are typically controlled with oral pain medication, and are not severe. Antibiotics will be prescribed. Stitches are removed within seven to ten days after surgery, and within one week most patients can return to work. The surgeon may recommend wearing a support bra or tape for a few weeks after surgery. While most bruising resolves in a week or two, some swelling may persist for four to six weeks or longer, depending on the exact nature of the surgery and the patient.