Plastic Surgeons

Introduction
Over the years, factors such as pregnancy, nursing, and the force of gravity take their toll on a woman’s breasts. As the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts often lose their shape and firmness and begin to sag. Breastlift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts–at least, for a time.

Mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume–for example, after pregnancy–breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

The Surgery
The incision outlines the area from which breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved to the higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downwards from the nipple area, and along the lower crease of the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy,” in which circular incisions are made around the areola, and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed.

For a breast lift in Encino California contact board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Saul Berger.

Breast augmentation (or augmentation mammaplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Some of the reasons women seek breast enlargement surgery are to change the size or shape of their breasts, to bring balance when a breast that is smaller than the other, and to correct a loss of volume or fullness after weight loss or pregnancy.

Some women benefit from having a mastopexy (breast lift) along with the augmentation when the breasts are sagging.

The Procedure
Breast augmentation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and usually takes less than 2 hours. The incisions are small and usually located underneath the breast just above the crease or around the lower edge of the areola to keep scars as inconspicuous as possible. After the incision has been made, the surgeon creates a pocket into which the implant is inserted; either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the muscle.

About the Implants
Most women receive saline-filled implants which are filled with sterile saltwater. The implants may also be filled with silicone gel, although the use of these implants is limited to patients who fill certain requirements. Your surgeon can provide you with information on the latest implant research. Dr. Gross offers cohesive breast implants.

Recovery
Upon leaving the operating room you will be wearing a supportive, elastic bra. Initial discomfort will be controlled with oral medication. Within a day or two you should be up and around and can resume light activities. After several weeks most of the swelling will be gone, exercise can be resumed and you will start to see your final results.

Results
Most women who have breast enlargement surgery are very pleased with the results and find that their new figure is more proportioned and gives them a greater sense of self-confidence.

Risks
The risks associated with breast enlargement surgery are not great. However, it should be noted that a small percentage of women may experience capsular contracture (a hardening of the scar tissue that forms around the implant which may require a surgical revision.) It is also important to keep in mind that most implants have to be replaced at some point within a woman’s lifetime as they are not life-long devices.

Pasadena plastic surgeon John Gross offers breast augmentation using saline breast implants and silicone breast implants.

Los Angeles Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Haiavy offers a wide range of choices of augmentation methods based on your needs, lifestyle, and anatomy. Dr. Haiavy uses safe, FDA-approved saline and silicone implants of various textures and shapes for beautiful contour and natural, comfortable results.

We are one of the first cosmetic surgery centers in the United States to perform breast augmentation through the belly button. This unique procedure virtually eliminates the three biggest concerns any patient or physician has about the breast augmentation procedure:
* No visible scars-because there is no cut made to the breast, nipple, or underarm
* Reduced loss of sensation-because nerves are usually less disturbed and no cut is made to the sensitive nipple area
* Reduced risk of infection-because the procedure is performed through one small incision away from the breast area

Over 3000 of these special procedures have been performed at our center. Dr. Haiavy offers this unique procedure as well as your choice of other methods following personal consultation with you.

Breast lift Atlanta, also known as mastopexy, is an effective way to lift and reshape breasts that have lost volume and elasticity. A popular procedure at our Georgia office, breast lift Atlanta can help you look and feel more confident in your clothes and significantly improve self-image.

Patients wishing to increase breast volume may also consider having breast implant surgery at our Atlanta area office in conjunction with breast lift Atlanta to further enhance results.

Usually performed under general anesthesia, the breast lift Atlanta procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. The goal for our Georgia office staff for all breast lift Atlanta procedures is to lift and reshape the breast to obtain a more youthful, yet natural looking appearance. This is achieved by removing excess, sagging skin and repositioning the nipples. Dr. R. Morgan Davoudi will discuss several different surgical approaches and, after a thorough examination and consultation, he will recommend the breast lift Atlanta technique that will work best for you.

Breast lift Atlanta usually takes one and half to three and half hours. The most common breast lift Atlanta procedure involves an anchor shaped incision across the base of the breast as well as incisions around the areolas and an incision between the areola and the base of the breast. The incision outlines the area from which the breast skin will be removed and defines the new location for the nipple. The nipple and areola are moved to a higher position with the removal of excess skin. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down to reshape the breast. Maximal correction of the breast shape is possible but at the cost of more scarring.

If you are considering a breast lift in Southern California including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Long Beach from a Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon continue reading …

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What is a breast reduction?
Also known as reduction mammaplasty, this is an operation intended to reduce the size of a woman’s breasts and improve their shape and position. Frequently, the areola (dark skin around the nipple) is also made smaller. Functional symptoms (medical disorders) caused by excessive breast weight may be relieved or improved by this operation.

What is a breast lift?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is designed to improve the shape and position of the breasts without reducing their size. It is used for breasts which sag but are not large. Sagging of the breasts may occur with normal development for some women or as part of aging. Pregnancy, breastfeeding and weight loss are other conditions which increase breast ptosis (sagging). Some patients will have a better shape to their breast if an implant is used at the time of mastopexy. This procedure is not covered by insurance.

Where are the incisions?
There are a variety of techniques for these operations. Most commonly there is an incision around the areola, another between the areola and breast crease, and the third within the crease under the breast. This is an “anchor –shape” or inverted “T” incision. Occasionally, especially with mastopexy, these incisions may be modified and more limited. Some operations may require only the incision around the areola.

Will insurance pay for my surgery?
Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). When the excessive size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operations. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty and breast pain. Other problems that are less likely to be covered by insurance include: skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.

Considering body contouing in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles? Patients who have had Bariatric surgery can truly feel proud of their accomplishments. About 6 to 12 months after undergoing a Gastric Bypass or the Lap Band procedure they can look at themselves with pride as their efforts have paid off with better health and appearance. Often however, at this stage patients complain about changes to their bodies associated with the dramatic weight loss, particularly in the abdominal area, breasts, thighs, arms and face. Not to worry, as each of these areas can be corrected with specialized plastic surgery designed to restore your self confidence and body image. Dr. Lent has, what has been estimated to be, one of the countries most extensive experience with patients who have undergone Bariatric surgery and need subsequent restorative surgery.

The most common area of complaint is the lower abdomen where excess skin commonly builds up leading to chronic rashes, foul odor and hygiene problems. Often this problem is accompanied by a hernia, a hole in the muscle, in the area of the incision. Both of these problems can be solved with a reconstructive procedure, commonly called an Abdominoplasty, which removes the offending redundant skin and repairs the hernia at the same time. Often this procedure is covered by health insurance.

The next most common area of concern for patients following Bariatric surgery is the breasts. Patients may complain of changes that leave them with a loss of size or shape for which Breast Augmentation or a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) might be the answer. Patients often complain of still being too large leading to back, neck and shoulder pain for which a Breast Reduction would be the best solution and may be covered by your health insurance.

Other areas where excess skin is a concern, such as the upper arms and thighs, can be treated with an Arm Reduction (Brachioplasty) or a Thigh Lift. Even the face can be affected for which a Facelift, Eyelid procedure (Blepharoplasty) or Laser Resurfacing just might do the trick.

Don’t despair, for no matter what area of the body you are seeking to correct after the weight loss from Bariatric surgery, Dr. Lent has the extensive experience to correct the problem. “My goal is for my patients to be able to look in the mirror and feel the confidence associated with a new, improved body image.”

This Beverly Hills double board certified plastic surgeon specializes in body lifts and body contouring for patients in the Los Angeles area.

What is it?
A breast lift, or mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to raise and reshape your sagging breasts. A mastopexy can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. If your breasts are small or have lost volume-for example after pregnancy-breast implants inserted in conjunction with mastopexy can increase both their firmness and their size.

No two patients are the same, thus Dr. Adams will individualize your breast lift for you and your body. There is no one procedure that is best for all patients.

How is it done?
A mastopexy usually takes 2 to 3 hours. Dr. Adams uses several different techniques for breast lift and will choose the one best suited for you. If you have small breasts and minimal sagging, you may be a candidate for the modified surgery that requires a less extensive incision (short-scar). One such surgery is the “doughnut” or periareolar mastopexy, in which circular incisions are made around the areola. Dr Adams in Dallas also uses new techniques with specialized mesh to suspend the breast giving longer lasting results.

If you’re having an implant inserted along with your breast lift, it will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue, or deeper, under the muscle of the chest wall if you lack the appropriate amount of breast tissue to give your breasts a more natural appearance. Dr. Adams will discuss with you the best surgery following your examination and what your expectations are.

What can I expect after the surgery?
Recovery Time:
Recovery is not typically difficult. You will be tired and slightly sore for 1-3 days following your surgery. After surgery, you’ll wear a surgical bra. Your breasts will be slightly bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for a day or two, but the pain should not be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with medications prescribed by Dr. Adams.

Dr. Adams usually does not use drains for this procedure. You may return to work in 3 days with limitations on physical activity. You will not be permitted to do any housework, lifting over 10 pounds or aerobic workouts that increase your heart rate above 100 beats per minute for 3 weeks.

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance. A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation).

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift:
* Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
* Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
* Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
* Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.

General Procedure
The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated. When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy” in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. Recent innovations in breast lift techniques include minimal incision techniques and nipple sensation reducing procedures.

If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovery Process
Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.

Nursing, pregnancy, and the force of gravity can take a toll on the shape and firmness of the breasts. Sagging is the result. Mastopexy can help to restore the breasts to a more normal shape. Although mastopexy can be performed on breasts of any size, the best results occur with average size and small breasts. Sometimes, with heavier breasts, the results may not last as long. Also, if you are planning to have more children, it is probably a good idea to postpone your breast lift. Pregnancy may stretch your breasts again and reverse some of the results of the procedure. Sometimes, mastopexy is performed along with breast implants.

The Procedure
Mastopexy is a same day procedure performed in an outpatient facility, usually under general anesthesia. Usually, an anchor-shaped incision is made above and around the areola. The incision outlines the area where the breast skin will be removed and defines the new, higher position of the areola and nipple. The excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola moved up. The skin around the areola is brought down and pulled together to reshape the breast. Stitches are generally located around the areola, in a single line which extends from the areola down to the center of the crease of under the breast, and in the crease under the breast. Sometimes, in smaller breasts, only a circular incision is made around the areola and skin removed through this site.

After the surgery, you will wear an elastic bandage or surgical bra over dressings. There may be some swelling or bruising, but any discomfort rarely lasts more than a day or two. Most patients resume most normal activities within days after the procedure and fully resume their regular schedule within a month. Although the incisions are located as inconspicuously as possible, there will be some scarring. However, this will gradually fade and become barely noticeable over time.