Plastic Cosmetic Surgery

Breast

Breast evoques maternal and attractive essentials.

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Breast

Breast surgery
Two different circumstances most frequently create an interest in surgical breast enlargement, often called "breast augmentation." (please also visit www.cosmeticsurgery123.com) The first involves congenital underdevelopment of or an imbalance in the amount of naturally existing breast tissue relative to the other body measurements such as hip circumference and height. In this instance, there may be problems with breast asymmetry or shape deformities. The second situation is caused by a natural loss of breast volume, which follows a large weight loss or the childbearing years. The breast often takes on a collapsed or deflated appearance and clothing no longer fits as nicely through the chest. Surgical augmentation of the breast is accomplished by using an artificial implant that is placed beneath the breast tissues. The implant varies in size according to the wishes of the patient. The implant itself contains a jacket and a "filler" of a saline (salt-water) solution identical to that used intravenously in hospitals. While the once popular silicone gel is no longer used as filler, silicone in its more solid "rubberlike" form is still used to create the implant's jacket, which maintains the volume of the saline filler. In recent years, some patients have raised concerns about the potential for implanted silicone to cause diseases. To date, however, these claims have not been substantiated by carefully performed scientific studies that have examined the health of thousands of previously augmented patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently allow saline implants, wrapped in a silicone jacket, for breast augmentation. During your consultation for breast augmentation, the cosmetic surgeon and you, the patient will use simulation to decide the amount of breast augmentation that best meets your personal needs. During the actual surgery, the implant is placed under the existing breast tissue or under the chest muscle, depending on the patient's pre-existing breast shape and size. The procedure will be done under general anesthesia. Scars are an unavoidable result of the incisions required to place breast implants, but they generally are small and can be placed inconspicuously. In some cases, the implants can be placed with the aid of a lighted rod called an endoscope, which permits even smaller incisions and scars. Incision placement is influenced by such factors as apparel preferences and implant placement. The surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Some discomfort arises from the stretching of the breast tissues, but it largely resolves within two to three days and is well controlled with medications. Sutures are removed seven to 10 days postoperatively. Patients generally return to work within one week, but should avoid strenuous activities over the three to four weeks required for bruising and swelling to resolve. Postoperative complications include blood accumulation or infection adjacent to the implant. Both problems occur infrequently, but can necessitate a second operation or temporary removal of the implant. Because implants are a medical device, they can fail at any point after implantation. This is uncommon, but it would require implant replacement surgery because leaking would cause the involved breast to shrink to the preoperative size. Some patients develop a firm layer of scar tissue around their implants, which can make the breast hard to the touch or painful. Called "capsular contracture," this can cause the breast contour to be asymmetrical and may require secondary procedures for improvement. Nipple sensation can be increased or decreased by the procedure. Although this is almost always temporary, it can be permanent. Most patients are able to breast-feed following augmentation. Breast implants do cause some interference with the ability of mammography to detect early breast cancers. This is an important consideration that patients should discuss with your doctor, particularly patients with a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer. All augmented patients need to inform their radiologists of their implants so the screening technique can be favorably modified. Despite these limitations, approximately two million women are estimated to have undergone breast enlargement surgery. The overwhelming majorities are satisfied with the results.

Breast Lift
Breast sagging (ptosis) is a common problem following pregnancies, weight loss or aging. Sagging occurs when breast skin stretches and breast tissue and fat degenerate over time. This results in a less youthful appearance of the breasts. Breast sagging can be corrected with a breast lift (mastopexy). If the breast sagging is minimal and the breasts are small, ptosis can be corrected with augmentation mammoplasty. This method causes fewer scars on the breast than mastopexy. The mastopexy procedure may be performed under either local anesthesia with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The operation takes about two hours, and patients often return home the same day. During mastopexy, your plastic surgeon repositions the nipple and areola to a higher position and removes excess skin from beneath the breast. Closing the remaining skin lifts the breast mound to a higher position and re-contours the breast to give it a more projected and youthful appearance. If there is inadequate breast tissue to fill the skin and achieve the desired size, a saline-filled breast implant may be placed beneath the breast at the same time, achieving both the desired size, shape and projection. Patients may resume limited activities the day after surgery and normal activities in three to four weeks. Pain usually can be controlled with oral pain medication. Sutures are removed one to two weeks after surgery. When there is marked sagging, the incisions required and resulting scars are similar to those resulting from a breast reduction. In cases of less sagging, mastopexy can often be accomplished with smaller scars. Potential complications of mastopexy include bleeding, infection and healing problems. Patients may experience some decrease in sensation in the nipple. In addition, some patients may notice minor irregularities in the size and shape of the breasts, and in the position of the areola and nipple. Occasionally, infection or healing problems can cause scars to widen and a portion of the nipple and areola to be lost. On rare occasions, scars may become thick and red and require revision. Following mastopexy, patients may be able to breast-feed because the nipple usually is not separated from the milk glands. If an implant is used, however, problems with the implant can occur (see section on augmentation mammoplasty). Following the surgery and healing period, the breast will have a more attractive and youthful appearance. With time, however, there may be further sagging that could necessitate a revisional procedure.

After your surgery
A surgical dressing is usually placed to protect the incisions. Some swelling, bruising and minor discomfort may be experienced for several days after the surgery. Discomfort can be easily controlled with pain medication. Depending on the type of breast surgery performed, you may be required to wear supportive bra. Although light activities can be resumed within a few days following the surgical procedure, routine physical activity and exercising should be avoided for one to two weeks. Your plastic surgeon will advise you as to when you may resume normal activity. Remember, healing is a gradual process and that it may be several weeks before you will begin to see the new you. After healing, your breast surgery should add pleasing dimensions to your overall proportion and symmetry.

Potential Risks
There are inherent complications with breast augmentation as there are with any surgery. These risks include: Deflation, Infection, Hematoma, Delayed wound healing, Capsular contracture, Shifting of the implant, Changes in feeling in the nipple and breast, Making breast tumors harder to find on X-Rays, Calcium deposits in the tissue around the implant, Additional surgeries, etc.

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