BREAST PROCEDURES

Palm Beach Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery
Detailed procedures made simple

Breast Enlargement

The FDA has recently approved the use of silicone filled implants (in addition to previously approved saline implants) for breast enhancement. Breast implants are designed to increase breast volume only, and incisions can be placed either around the nipple areola or underneath where the breast meets the chest. Generally speaking, saline implants are best placed under the muscle, while silicone implants can be placed either above or below the muscle. For either type however, it is important to determine how much breast droop (ptosis) if any present, as this may be an indication for an additional breast lifting procedure. We recommend several pre-op visits, bringing a wireless bra and plain tee shirt for implant type and "sizing".

Breast Lift

Breast lifting is indicated for breast skin and nipple sagging, the degree of which will determine the extent and type of breast lift procedures. Often, in addition to the breast lift, breast implants may be suggested to provide greater upper breast fullness, or just to create a larger breast size depending on patient’s preference.

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction combines both removal of excess breast gland/ fat volume, as well as lifting of sagging skin and repositioning nipples. Neck, shoulder and back pain may be lessened in some patients after breast reduction surgery. Breast feeding is usually unaffected after either breast lift and or reduction.

Acellular Dermal Implants

Occasionally, either reconstructive and/or cosmetic breast surgeries may need revisions. Capsular scar tissue contracture around the implants, breast misshapes, and or contour irregularities may all be improved with a variety of FDA approved dermal implant substitutes. These products are placed inside the breasts and provide further structure and softening of breast irregularities.

Breast Reconstruction after Cancer:

Whether it is by silicone/saline implants and/or the body’s own tissue ("tummy-tuck" flap or back flap etc.), the goal of reconstructive breast surgery is to provide as natural an appearing breast replacement as possible, although the results are highly variable. Often, the non-affected breast may also be included with the reconstructed breast (i.e. reduction/lift and or enhancement) to provide further symmetry. Additional cancer treatments such as radiation therapy usually are completed prior to reconstruction, which then may determine the most appropriate and safe reconstructive option. Breast reconstruction also can be considered after "lumpectomy" procedures, or when multiple breast biopsies have caused significant breast volume reduction.