A breast lift or mastopexy is designed to elevate and reshape the breast providing a youthful appearance. A breast lift is often performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.

For women with large, sagging or uneven breasts, a breast reduction or reduction mammoplasty would be the solution. This procedure would most likely eliminate the pain in her neck and shoulders induced by the weight of her breasts; the restrictions to their physical activities, and solve their difficulties in finding clothes that fit properly.

PROCEDURES

Breast Augmentation:

Transumbilical approach. It is performed on an outpatient basis. This way of performing breast augmentation is through an incision in the navel.
Utilizing this technique, no incisions are made on the breast or into the breast tissue. Through this incision, a slender instrument passes under the abdominal skin to a location behind the pectoralis major muscle. Next, a tissue expander is inserted and filled with air. With this expander, a space is created.

The size of this pocket is verified and the dissection then completed with dull instruments, always inserted through the original incision. Then, an empty saline implant is placed in the pocket and filled with sterile saline.

What are the advantages of Transumbilical breast implants?

• One small, inconspicuous scar
• Minimal breast trauma
• Minimal bleeding
• Quicker recovery

Axillary Approach. This way of performing breast augmentation is through an incision in the armpit. Utilizing this technique, no incisions are made on the breast or in the breast tissue. The incision is about one inch in length and heals in a small non-revealing fold in the armpit.

Through this tiny incision, a space or pocket is made under the pectoralis muscle to accommodate the saline implant.

Sub-mammary/Areolar Approach. Requires an incision under the lower portion of the breast near the chest wall or under the lower portion of the areola (the darker area around your nipple). After the incision is made, a pocket is created beneath the chest wall muscle. The implant is securely positioned in the pocket, and small sutures are used to close the incision.

What is recovery from a breast augmentation surgery like?
Rest is recommended for the first few days following surgery. A post-surgical sports bra is usually worn for several weeks. Most discomfort associated with breast surgery can be controlled with oral medication prescribed by Dr Spera. The sutures Dr. Spera uses for these procedures are dissolvable and require no removal. Most patients are back to work within the first week. Regular physical activity may be resumed in 4-6 weeks.

Are implants safe?
Yes. There is no evidence that breast implants increase the risk
of breast cancer or any other condition. Even though it is not advisable in order to protect your aesthetic result, most women can safely breastfeed after augmentation surgery.

Following your cosmetic breast surgery, you will enjoy a new, more pleasing shape, with more comfortable breasts that are in better proportion to your physique.

Breast lift:
Depending on how much your breasts sag, the procedure may need different incisions: 1. around the areola (minimal ptosis), 2. “lollipop” around the areola and vertically, 3. inverted anchor (around the areola, vertical and horizontal). Working through the incisions, excess skin is removed from the lower portion of the breast. The breast tissue is displaced into a higher position,and the nipple placed in the keyhole incision.

Many patients who request a breast lift also want to have the fullness back. These patients usually decide to have implants as well.

Breast Reduction:
Traditional breast reduction. The most common procedure involves an incision that circles the areola and extends downward following the curve of the crease beneath the breast. Your surgeon removes the excess glandular and fatty tissue. Then the nipple and areola are relocated into their new
position. The skin is then brought together, providing a new shape to your breast. Unless your breasts are very large and pendulous, the nipples will most likely remain attached, avoiding the loss of feeling and the erectile function. All incisions are closed with stitches.

Breast liposuction:
Since the female breast is about 50% fat, a 1-3 cup reduction in size can be obtained using liposuction alone. Liposuction of the breast enables the surgeon to remove fatty tissue, but not glandular tissue. Depending on your breast size, breast liposuction might be an option to consider.

What is recovery from a breast lift or reduction like?

- You should avoid strenuous activity for about 4 weeks. It may be possible to return to work in one or two weeks. Dr. Spera uses re-absorbable sutures. Bruising and swelling may take up to six weeks to disappear, and it may take up to a year or two, for the scars to flatten and fade.

Patients undergoing breast liposuction are encouraged to resume normal activities as soon as they feel up to it. The results of breast reduction surgery are permanent, but breast size may change due to weight gain or pregnancy.

Your new figure:
Getting used to a new figure can be satisfying and even an exciting experience as you and those around you learn to appreciate your new more shapely figure.