• Print page
• E-mail page

• Text size:

  +−

OMC Plastic Surgery

Breast Procedures

Plastic surgery is an option for people to reshape their lives. Whether it’s a reconstructive or cosmetic procedure, our team has the unique privilege of empowering our patients’ bodies, minds and spirits.

At Olmsted Medical Center, our team specializes in a variety of procedures designed to improve nearly every aspect of the body. Each procedure is described, along with expected results, which vary by patient. You also can view animations and video explanations, provided via understand.com. These are noted where available. If you need more information, please contact us.

Breast Reconstruction (following breast removal):  Creates a soft, natural looking breast for a woman who has undergone breast removal.

Reduction Mammoplasty (breast reduction): Reduces the size of large, disproportionate, pendulous breasts, which can create physical pain.

Male breast reduction:  Reduces male breast size (gynecomastia).

Breast Augmentation:  Placement of breast implants (gel or saline) to increase fullness and projection of breast; or to improve symmetry of breast.

Mastopexy (breast lift): Uplifts and improves the shape of the breast. Can also be done in conjunction with breast augmentation.

 

Breast Reconstruction

Mastectomy or breast removal -- total or partial -- is often followed by breast reconstruction. Multiple options are available for your breast reconstruction. Timing should also be a consideration. This process can start at the time of your mastectomy or done at a later date. During your consultation, these options will be discussed with your surgeon.

About the Procedures
You and the surgeon discuss your condition, health, age, personal anatomy, and your goals and expectations. It’s best to have a frank exchange and understand that reconstruction is intended to improve your condition, appearance and well-being.

To make room for the implant, one approach is to create excess skin by inserting a balloon expander. The surgeon will gradually add fluid to the balloon over time to stretch the skin and force it to grow. When the balloon is large enough, it will be removed and replaced by the implant.

A second technique is to remove a portion of skin from elsewhere on the body to form a flap of tissue with which to reconstruct the breast. This may come from the back, abdomen or buttocks. The flap consists of tissue, fat, and muscle with its blood supply. In one approach, this material is tunneled under the skin from the back, for example, to form the pocket for the insert or to form the breast mound itself. Another technique removes the flap material from its original location and transplants it at the breast site. This requires microvascular surgery. The flap technique without an implant is complex and takes longer to heal, but it is totally natural. Additional procedures may be needed to adjust the breast after healing or to ensure breasts are more symmetrical.

Breast reconstruction is performed in a hospital and recovery there will last two to five days followed by two weeks of recovery at home. Recovery time is less if flaps are not involved. Physical and sexual activity should be avoided for three to six weeks. Scars will fade with time, but never totally disappear. Sensation of some kind may return, but it will not be the sensation of the natural breast. The appearance of your reconstructed breast will not be identical to your other breast, but in most cases the differences will be noticeable only to you.

You can review a patient’s experiences and results by clicking here.

 

Micropigmentation

Micropigmentation is used in Plastic Surgery is an integral part of the breast reconstruction procedure, where it is used in areola reconstruction. It is sometimes referred to as “tattooing.”

 

Female Breast Reduction

Women seeking breast reduction may be experiencing back, neck or shoulder pain because of the size of their breasts. Their breasts may be too large in proportion to their body or may hang heavily, pointing downward causing bra strap indentations. Skin beneath the breasts may be irritated due to their size. Overly large breasts also may restrict physical activity or cause self-consciousness.

Breast reduction can be performed at any age once the breasts are fully developed. Some women opt for the procedure before childbirth, others wait. Women who intend to breast feed should discuss this with the plastic surgeon. Breast reduction should be performed only after women have completely discussed their concerns and expectations from the procedure. Women should also share their medical history during the consultation, including any breast biopsies or previous procedures, any plans for future weight loss, as well as discussing any current medications.

About the Procedure
The procedure is conducted under anesthesia. Three incisions are usually used in breast reduction: one around the areola, one under the contour of the breast and one vertical incision. The nipple and areola usually remain attached to underlying tissue and moved upward as the breast is reshaped. This helps to preserve sensation and the ability to breast feed, though that cannot be guaranteed. After excess tissue, fat and skin is removed, the breast is reshaped using small stitches that will fade somewhat over time. Some may be hidden by skin pigment and the curve of the breast itself. Liposuction may be used to remove some of the fat leading to the arm, so the contours are consistent. All individuals are different and may require alternate techniques. In some cases, the vertical or horizontal incision might be unnecessary.

Concerns
In rare cases, if breasts and areolas are unusually large, the nipple area may have to be removed completely and moved. In those cases, the woman would have decided to agree to the loss of sensation and breast feeding. As with any surgery, there is the risk of excessive bleeding, infection and complication. In some cases adjustments may need to be made in a later procedure. Candidates should fully discuss any concerns and understand the risks as well as the benefits before undergoing breast reduction.

 

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction)

Gynecomastia is the clinical term for male breast overdevelopment. It can happen because of certain drugs or medical problems, but in most cases there is no known cause. It is not uncommon, affecting 40-60 percent of men. Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia should be considered only after a complete physical exam excludes other possible reasons and more appropriate solutions. Men who are overweight or those who drink alcohol excessively or smoke marijuana are not good candidates for the procedure because their practices are often the cause of the problem and would contribute to it returning if surgery were performed. After weight loss, one should wait at least a year before considering corrective surgery to ensure the body has stabilized.

About the Procedure
The surgeon will usually order an x-ray to check the status of the breast and chest area, check for any other problems and help in determining techniques to be used. Smokers will be asked to refrain from smoking for at least six weeks before and some time afterwards to aid in healing. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, but for extreme cases is done under general anesthesia in the hospital.

In most cases, the surgeon makes a small incision near the edge of the areola or in the underarm area and removes glandular tissue with a scalpel if that’s the cause of the problem. This is sometimes done by or in conjunction with liposuction. If larger amounts of tissue and skin need to be removed, more conspicuous scars may result. If the main cause is fat, then it is removed through liposuction. A tube attached to a vacuum pump is inserted in the incision and the fat is suctioned out. If large amounts of fat or tissue are removed, some skin may also be removed to adjust the contour of the breast. The incisions are closed with stitches, but a small drain may be inserted to eliminate excess fluids. The chest is wrapped with bandages to keep the skin in place.

After surgery, expect swelling and discomfort. Medication will help with pain and an elastic pressure garment may be used to help reduce swelling. It may be three or more months before the results of the procedure are apparent. Non-physical work can be resumed in about two days, but sexual activity should be avoided for a week, and any physical activity that could impact the chest should be avoided for six weeks.

Considerations
Along with the risks of all surgery, breast reduction may leave noticeable scars or permanent pigmentation change. Sometimes breasts will not be symmetrical and a second procedure will be required to make them more balanced or remove more tissue. Some numbness or loss of sensation may be experienced for up to a year.

 

Breast Enhancement

The size and shape of a woman’s breasts may affect how she views herself. She may consider her breast size too small in proportion to her body or her breasts may have changed in size after pregnancies. Breast size can also have an impact on a woman’s self-esteem. Breast augmentation, in which implants are surgically placed in each breast, is considered cosmetic surgery. The implants procedure may also be performed as part of reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy.

About the Procedure
Breast augmentation is a highly personal decision and one that should be made by the individual for her own reasons, and not those of others. The procedure usually involves one of three incisions, below the breast, below the nipple and at the underarm. The implant, of medical grade silicon containing sterile saline solution or silicone gel, is inserted either directly behind the breast tissue, or behind the muscle closest to the breast. The gel or saline used in the implants is safe and non-toxic. The implants and technique selected will be based on what is most appropriate for you.  Swelling will reduce over several weeks. Incision lines will be permanent, but inconspicuous.

Careful review of medical research by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine has shown no adverse impact on women’s health from breast implants. No link has been found between implants and auto-immune disease or other diseases in women.

Considerations

• Breast implants are not intended to be permanent and may need to be replaced later in life. Weight loss, pregnancies or menopause may alter the appearance of the breasts and prompt a subsequent procedure.
• Breast augmentation requires maintenance and regular evaluations by your doctor.
• The procedure may impact sensitivity of the nipple area. Scar tissue that normally develops can contract to make your breasts feel more firm than usual. This usually can be surgically corrected, though not permanently.
• Breast augmentation makes normal mammograms technically more difficult. Persons with implants must fully inform anyone conducting a mammogram so results will be accurate.

Before bilateral augmentation mammoplasty

After bilateral augmentation mammoplasty

 

Mastopexy (Breast Life)

Breast Lift

Breast Lift with Implants

Time has an effect on a woman’s figure, as does breast feeding. Many women would like their breast to be higher, more firm, and more youthful in appearance. A breast lift can help achieve a younger look by raising the breasts and repositioning the nipples, as well as decreasing the size of the areolas.

About the Procedure
A surgeon usually makes three incisions, one around the areola, another vertical incision directly below and a third that follows the lower crease of the breast. The excess skin is removed, the areola reduced if necessary, the nipple is raised and skin on the upper part of the breast is lowered.  Sensation of the nipple is usually not affected. There are a number of surgical options depending on the condition and size of the breast. The surgeon can discuss these options with you.

Recovery takes several weeks. The first week may include some discomfort requiring medication and, in some cases, surgical drains to prevent fluids from building up in the breast. You may be able to return to work in a week. Bruising and swelling will diminish after several weeks. After one year, the incision lines will fade and your breasts will take a more natural shape.

Characteristics treatable with a breast lift:

• Breasts are pendulous, but appropriate in size
• Breasts that lack substance or firmness
• Nipples pointing down, especially those positioned below the breast crease
• Inherited traits, such as asymmetrical breasts

A breast lift can be performed at any age, and while some women prefer to wait until they are through with their pregnancies, the procedure will not affect breast feeding because it does not alter the milk ducts.

Considerations

• As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved and your surgeon will discuss these with you.
• In most cases, insurance companies will not pay for a breast lift unless it is to correct an asymmetric condition. The office will help you determine what coverage may be available.
• Breast lifts are not always permanent, since age can continue to have an effect. To maintain the appearance over many years, a second procedure may be needed.
• The incision lines fade with time, but they do not completely disappear.