Breast Procedures

Reduction

Large breasts are often heavy and may droop over time. Bilateral reduction mammoplasty provides substantial decrease in breast size as well as lifting the breast tissue. Although the procedure can be done at any time, the best, long-term, esthetic result occurs when the potential patient is at a happy stable weight and finished having children.

Lift

A woman’s breast may droop with time and after breast feeding. If the potential patient is happy with her overall breast volume, but looking for rejuvenation of breast shape then a mastopexy (breast lift) is required. The resulting scars are similar to those of a reduction mammoplasty, however only a minimal amount of breast tissue is removed.

Augmentation

Breast enlargement requires the placement of silicone or saline filled implants. These implants are placed through small incisions either around the areola or at the lower breast fold. Determining the size and type of implant requires careful preoperative planning with the patient.

Reconstruction

The treatment of breast cancer requires either mastectomy or lumpectomy. Radiation is often required as well. The goal of breast reconstruction is to recreate symmetric, naturally appearing breasts. In select patients breast reconstruction can be performed at the same time as tumor excision. This is called immediate reconstruction. Most patients have reconstruction after their cancer surgery (delayed reconstruction). Whether performed immediately or delayed, there are usually many options available for reconstruction, each requiring extensive preoperative discussion.