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Breast Surgery

Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)

Many women choose to have their breasts enlarged in order to satisfy their own desire for a fuller bustline. Your breasts may not have developed to a size that meets your expectations, or one breast may be significantly smaller than the other. You may have been happy with your breasts in the past but feel that they look different now. Often, after weight loss, childbirth or as a result of aging, the breasts lose volume and their shape changes. breast augmentation can enhance your breast size and shape, and give you the more proportional figure that you always wanted.

• Am I a good candidate for breast augmentation?
• How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for this surgery?
• Your Surgical Experience
• Results of Breast Augmentation
• Understanding Risks
• How Long will the Results Last?
• Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

Am I a good candidate for Breast Augmentation?

• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
• Clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline.
• You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top.
• Your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness after having children.
• Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts.
• One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for this surgery?

During consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size and anything else related to the appearance of your breasts that you feel is important. This will help Dr. Robinson to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

How will Dr. Robinson evaluate me for Breast Augmentation surgery?
He will examine your breasts and take photographs for your medical records. He will consider such factors as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality and thickness of your skin, the placement of your nipples and areolas (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipples). If your breasts are sagging, a breast lift may be recommended in addition to an augmentation.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries (including breast biopsies), and medications that you currently take. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about the results of any mammograms. It is important for you to provide complete information.

There is no scientific evidence that breast augmentation increases the risk of breast cancer. The presence of breast implants, however, makes it more technically difficult to take and read mammograms. This may be a special consideration for women who are at higher risk for breast cancer because of their family history or other reasons. Placement of the implant underneath the pectoralis muscle may interfere less with mammographic examinations, but other factors may also need to be considered with regard to implant placement. Your plastic surgeon will discuss this with you.

If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to tell Dr. Robinson. He may recommend that you stabilize your weight prior to undergoing surgery to avoid shrinking or drooping of your breast, thereby misplacing the implant after the surgery.

If you think that you may want to become pregnant in the future, you should mention this as well. Pregnancy can alter breast size in unpredictable ways and could affect the long-term results of your breast augmentation. There is no evidence that breast implants affect pregnancy or your ability to breastfeed, but if you have questions about these matters, you should ask.

Your Surgical Experience

Dr. Robinson and Arlington Plastic Surgeons’ goal is to make your surgical experience as safe, easy and comfortable for you as possible.

How should I prepare for surgery?
In some instances (and always after 35 years old), Dr. Robinson will recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast augmentation, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Dr. Chili will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Breast augmentation is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.

What will the day of surgery be like?
Your breast augmentation surgery may be performed in a hospital, freestanding ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite.

The night before surgery you can take your medications (except those cancelled as above) and eat until midnight. This will ensure an empty stomach in the morning. An hour before surgery you will take your pre-operative medications with a sip of water, but NO FOOD. Wear something warm, like jogging pants and a shirt or jacket that can be buttoned or zipped, so your arms do not have to be raised after surgery.

The medications are administered for your comfort during the procedure. Frequently, general anesthesia is used for patients undergoing breast augmentation, although in some instances local anesthesia and IV sedation may be desirable.

When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be monitored closely. Your breasts may be wrapped in gauze, a surgical bra or an elastic strap.

You will go home after a few hours, unless you and Dr. Robinson have determined otherwise. When you go home you will be drunk but able to walk. That is why you need a friend.

How will I look and feel initially?
A day or two after surgery, you should be up and about. Any dressings will be removed within several days, and you may be instructed to wear a support bra. Dr. Robinson encourages his patients to shower the day following surgery. Stitches are absorbable and do no require removal. Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will disappear quickly. Minor residual swelling will resolve within a month.

When can I resume my normal activities?
After breast augmentation surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a few days to a week, depending on your job. Vigorous activities, especially arm movement, may be restricted for two to three weeks. Sexual activity should be avoided for at least the first week following surgery. After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next month.

How is Breast Augmentation performed?
Individual factors and personal preferences will help you and your plastic surgeon to determine your appropriate breast size, the location of incisions, whether the implants will be placed on top of or underneath the chest muscle and if silicone or saline implants will be used.

An incision can be made either underneath the breast, just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola or within the armpit. The implant is placed in a pocket either directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle, which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall.

What type of implants will be used?
In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration decided that silicone gel-filled implants would not be generally available for cosmetic breast enlargement. After years of testing and investigation, the safety of silicone breast implants was confirmed, and silicone implants are once again available. In Europe they were never taken off the market.

In the future, it is possible that additional types of filler materials, such as more cohesive gel (“gummy bear implants”) may become available. Dr. Chili will be able to provide you with the latest information.

Results of Breast Augmentation

Understanding Risks

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Robinson or his staff members.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include reactions to anesthesia, blood accumulation that may need to be drained surgically, and infection. Although rare, an infection that does not subside with appropriate treatment may require temporary removal of the implant. Changes in nipple or breast sensation may result from breast augmentation surgery, although they are usually temporary.

How long do implants last?
Breast implants are not lifetime devices and cannot be expected to last forever. When a saline implant breaks, its contents are harmlessly absorbed by the body within days. A definite change in the size of the breast is clearly noticed. Leakage can occur as a result of trauma to the chest, but more commonly it occurs spontaneously due to internal abrasion (wearing out) of the silicone shell; this happens after about 10 - 12 years. Surgery is required to replace the implant. Silicone implants last about 14 - 15 years before the shell leaks, and then the implants must be replaced. The manufacturers have warranties to cover leakage up to 10 years, but like your finest shoes, implants do not last forever.

Preoperative mammograms should be conducted starting at age 35 or in the face of a family breast cancer history. After augmentation, they should be done on a regular basis at age 35, 40, biannually until 50, then annually for life. As with mammograms of the unaugmented breast, sometimes additional views of your breasts are required. Your physician, in some instances, may recommend other types of examinations such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI are used more frequently after augmentation). While it is slightly possible that the presence of breast implants could delay or hinder the early detection of breast cancer, monthly breast self-examination is highly recommend for ALL women.

How Long will the Results Last?

Except in the event of implant deflation requiring surgical replacement with a new implant, the results of your breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast "lift" to restore their more youthful contour.

Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

You will return to our office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated. Dr. Robinson will encourage you to schedule routine mammographic evaluations at the frequency recommended for your age group.

Please remember that the relationship with us does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon.

Click here for more information about Breast Implants

Breast Reduction

Women who undergo breast reduction surgery frequently are seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Breast reduction usually can solve these problems as well as improve the size and shape of your breasts. Following breast reduction, your breasts will be more proportional to the rest of your body, and clothes will fit you better.

• Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?
• Your Personal Consultation
• How breast reduction is Performed
• Your Surgical Experience
• Results of breast reduction
• Understanding Risks
• How Long will the Results Last?
• Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

• Breasts that are too large in proportion to your body frame
• Heavy, pendulous breasts with nipples and areolas that point downward
• Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
• Skin irritation beneath your breasts
• Indentations in your shoulders from tight bra straps
• Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of your breasts
• Dissatisfaction or self-consciousness about the largeness of your breasts
• One breast is much larger than the other

Breast reduction can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Childbirth and breastfeeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast reduction before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. If you plan to breastfeed in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast size as well as anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for breast reduction surgery?
Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements and photographs for your medical records. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, the placement of the nipples and areolas, and expected future changes in weight will be carefully evaluated.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, smoking (which can contribute to tissue death), drug allergies, previous surgeries (including breast biopsies), and supplements, vitamins and medications that you currently take. You will be asked whether you have a family history of breast cancer and about the results of any mammograms. It is important you provide complete information.

You should tell your plastic surgeon if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, particularly if you have noticed that your breasts become smaller with weight loss. Your surgeon may recommend that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Insurance coverage is sometimes available for breast reduction surgery. Many factors determine your eligibility, including the specific terms of your insurance policy, history of dieting, and the amount of breast tissue to be removed. A letter of predetermination may be required by your insurance company prior to surgery. Dr. Robinson requires payment before the surgery. If there is any insurance coverage for the non cosmetic aspects of the surgery, this will be be assigned to you. We will discuss these matters with you.

How Breast Reduction is Performed

Where are the incisions placed?
The most common method of reducing the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola to move the nipple upwards. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision follows the natural curve of the breast crease.

After the surgeon has removed excess breast tissue, fat and skin, the nipple and areola are shifted to a higher position. The areola, which in large breasts usually has been stretched, also is reduced in size. Skin that was formerly located above the nipple is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour under the arms.

Usually, the nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this allows for the preservation of sensation. The ability to breast-feed may also be preserved by this method, although this generally not the case.

What are some variations to the common breast reduction technique?
There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast reduction. The size and shape of your breasts, as well as the desired amount of reduction, diabetes and smoking are factors that will help your plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.

In a few instances, it may be possible to avoid the vertical incision that runs from the bottom edge of the areola to the breast crease or the horizontal incision underneath the breast.

Rarely, if your breasts are extremely large, the nipples and areolas may need to be completely detached before they are shifted to a higher level. In such a case, you will decide to sacrifice sensation and the ability to breastfeed in order to achieve your desired breast size.

Your Surgical Experience

How should I prepare for surgery?
In some instances (and always after 35 years old), your plastic surgeon may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast reduction, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination.; the surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. We will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Breast reduction surgery may be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. If you are to stay in the hospital or surgical facility, it will most likely be for only one night. Whether you are released the day of surgery or the following day, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the next day or two.

What will the day of surgery be like?
Your breast reduction surgery may be performed in a hospital, ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.

Usually, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Rarely, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or your previous bra to avoid skin irritation from adhesive tape.

Any surgical drains will be removed two to five days after surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed. You will be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminishes. Generally, stitches are absorbable so there is no removal.

You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This usually is temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months, or even more than a year before sensation returns to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery.

When can I resume my normal activities?
After breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a couple of weeks, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but this is normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor. Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one week; after that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next six weeks.

Results of Breast Reduction

The incisions from your breast reduction surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible, more so in some individuals than others. Fortunately, the incisions for breast reduction are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.

Breast reduction often makes a dramatic change in your appearance. Most women are ecstatic the week after surgery. But for some, it may take some time to adjust to your new body image. In fact, the level of patient satisfaction resulting from breast reduction is among the highest of any plastic surgery procedure.

Understanding Breast Reduction Risks

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in our office.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Following reduction, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. If desired, minor adjustments can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or breasts may occur rarely. Revisionary surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly. In the unlikely event of injury to or loss of the nipple and areola, they usually can be satisfactorily reconstructed using skin grafts.

Smoking, diabetes, weight over 200 pounds, heart, lung or immune system disease makes all surgery, including breast reduction, more troublesome. Diet pills, aspirin, vitamin E and large doses of ginger, garlic, ginkgo and food supplements can cause bleeding or stoppage of the heart during anesthesia. You should disclose the use of these supplements to your surgeon before any surgery, not just breast reduction.

How Long will the Results Last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your breast size should remain fairly constant. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually alter the size and shape of virtually every woman's breasts. If, after a period of years, you become dissatisfied with the appearance of your breasts, you may choose to undergo a breast "lifting" procedure to restore their more youthful contour.

Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

Once the immediate postoperative follow-up is complete, many surgeons encourage their patients to come back for periodic checkups to observe and discuss the long-term results of surgery.

Please remember that your relationship with your surgeon does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon.

Click here for more information about Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast Lift

Loss of skin elasticity, gravity and other factors such as weight loss, pregnancy and breastfeeding ultimately affect the shape and firmness of your breasts. Patients who are generally satisfied with the size of their breasts can have a breast lift to raise and firm them, resulting in a more youthful breast contour. Some patients may be unhappy that they have lost a significant amount of breast volume over time. In such cases, implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift can increase breast size, and at the same time, enhance the shape and position of the breasts.

• Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?
  
• Your Personal Consultation
  
• How a Breast Lift Is Performed
  
• Your Surgical Experience
  
• Results of a Breast Lift
  
• Understanding Risks
  
• How Long will the Results Last?
• Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon

Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?

• Breasts that are pendulous, but of satisfactory size
• Breasts that lack substance or firmness
• Nipples and areolas that point downward, especially if they are positioned below the breast crease

Sometimes these conditions may be inherited traits. In certain cases, the breasts may have developed differently so that one breast is firm and well positioned while the other is not. There may be differences in the size of your breasts as well as their shape. Breasts that are large and heavy can be lifted, but the results may not be as long-lasting as when the procedure is done on smaller breasts.

A breast lift can be performed at any age, but plastic surgeons usually recommend waiting until breast development has stopped. Pregnancy and breast-feeding may have significant and unpredictable effects on the size and shape of your breasts. Nevertheless, many women decide to undergo breast lift surgery before having children and feel that they can address any subsequent changes later. Since the milk ducts and nipples are left intact, breast lift surgery usually will not affect your ability to breastfeed; however, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about your desired breast shape and size. Your plastic surgeon will discuss with you how your nipples and areolas will be repositioned. You should mention anything else about your breasts that you would like to see improved. This will help us to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for breast lift surgery ?
Your plastic surgeon will examine your breasts, taking measurements and photographs for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated.

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, smoking (which can contribute to tissue death), heart, lung and diseases that interfere with healing, drug allergies, previous surgeries (including facial surgery), supplements, vitamins and medications that you currently take. You will be asked whether you have a family history of heart, lung, and blood clotting or pulmonary embolus. It is important you provide complete information.

You should tell your plastic surgeon if you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, particularly if you have noticed that your breasts sag or become smaller with weight loss. Your surgeon may recommend that you stabilize your weight before having surgery.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of surgery?
Breast lift surgery , as an aesthetic (cosmetic) procedure, generally is not covered by insurance. Dr. Robinson requires payment before the surgery. If there is any insurance coverage for the non cosmetic aspects of the surgery, this will be assigned to you. We will discuss these matters with you.

How a Breast Lift Is Performed
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to lift your breasts.

Where are the incisions placed?
A common method of lifting the breasts involves three incisions. One incision is made around the areola. Another runs vertically from the bottom edge of the areola to the crease underneath the breast. The third incision is horizontal beneath the breast and follows the natural curve of the breast crease. Incisions following the breast's natural contour define the area of excision and the new location for the nipple and areola.

Skin from the pigmented area is removed, and the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. Skin formerly located above the areola is down to the areola and brought together beneath it to reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas remain attached to underlying mounds of tissue, and this usually allows for the preservation of sensation and the ability to breastfeed.

What are some variations to the common breast lifting technique?
There are many variations to the design of the incisions for breast lift surgery . The size and shape of your breasts, size of your areolas, and extent of sagging are factors that will help your plastic surgeon determine the best technique for you.

There are a variety of incisions, and each has its trade-offs. This must be discussed with your surgeon.
If you are a good candidate for a modified technique, the two of you can decide upon what is acceptable to you. Often, women have flatness on the upper chest and drooping of the nipple. An implant can supply fullness of the upper chest, avoiding the scars on the front of the breast. If this is an option that you wish to consider, you need to review the information with your surgeon about breast augmentation.

Your Surgical Experience
The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.

How should I prepare for surgery?
In some instances (and always after 35 years old), your plastic surgeon may recommend a baseline mammogram before surgery and another mammographic examination some months after surgery. This will help to detect any future changes in your breast tissue. Following breast lift, you will still be able to perform breast self-examination; the surgery will not increase your risk of developing breast cancer.

Preoperative mammograms should be conducted starting at age 35 or in the face of a family breast cancer history. After surgery, they should be done on a regular basis at age 35, 40, biannually until 50, then annually for life. As with mammograms of any breast, sometimes additional views will be required. Your physician, in some instances, may recommend other types of examinations, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Monthly breast self-exam is highly recommend for ALL women.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. We will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.

Breast lift surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night.

What will the day of surgery be like?
Your Breast lift surgery may be performed in a hospital, freestanding ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite.

Usually, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Rarely, small drain tubes will have been placed in your breasts to help avoid the accumulation of fluids. Gauze dressings will be placed on your breasts and covered with an elastic bandage or your previous bra to avoid skin irritation from adhesive tape.

You will go home after a few hours, unless you or your plastic surgeon feels that you need to stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight. Additional fees will be incurred for an overnight stay at the hospital.

How will I look and feel, initially?
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. After several days, you should be able to move about more comfortably. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.

Any surgical drains will be removed within a few days of surgery, at which time your dressings may also be changed or removed. You may be instructed to wear a support bra for a few weeks, until the swelling and discoloration of your breasts diminish. Generally, stitches are absorbable and do not have to be removed.

You may notice that you feel less sensation in the nipple and areola areas. This is usually temporary. It may, however, take weeks, months or even more than a year before sensation returns to normal. Your breasts may also require some time to assume a more natural shape. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. This color will diminish over several months following surgery.

When can I resume my normal activities?
After Breast lift surgery , it is often possible to return to work within a week or so, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after several weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but this is normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor. Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one or two weeks. After that, care must be taken to be extremely gentle with your breasts for at least the next several weeks.

Results of a Breast Lift

The incisions from your Breast lift surgery will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. They will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your breast lift are in locations easily concealed by clothing, even low-cut necklines.

You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after surgery.

Understanding Risks
I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how can I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?

Fortunately, significant complications from breast lifts are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of women undergo successful Breast lift surgery , experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and the risks.

The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and your plastic surgeon, or with a staff member in our office.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include undesired scarring, bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Following a breast lift, sometimes the breasts may not be perfectly symmetrical or the nipple height may vary slightly. Minor adjustments often can be made at a later time. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin may occur rarely. Revision surgery may sometimes be helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly.

Smoking, diabetes, weight over 200 pounds, and heart, lung or immune system diseases make all surgery, including breast reduction, more troublesome. Diet pills, aspirin, vitamin E and large doses of ginger, garlic, ginkgo, and food supplements can cause bleeding or stoppage of the heart during anesthesia. You should disclose the use of these supplements to your surgeon before any surgery, not just breast lift.

How long will the results last?

Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
Once the immediate postoperative follow-up is complete, many surgeons encourage their patients to come back for periodic checkups to observe and discuss the long-term results of surgery.

Please remember that the relationship with us does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact your surgeon.

Click here for more information about Breast Lifts

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