Breast Surgery Procedures

Breast Augmentation

Am I a candidate?
Breast augmentation is ideal for patients looking to enhance the size, shape, or symmetry of their breasts. It is often chosen by those who feel their breasts are too small, have experienced changes due to pregnancy or weight loss, or want to correct asymmetry between the breasts. Good candidates should be in good physical health, have fully developed breasts, and hold realistic expectations about the outcomes. Non-smokers are preferred, as smoking can increase the risk of complications and hinder the healing process.

What can I expect?
During a breast augmentation, we typically use silicone implants, or sometimes fat transfer, to achieve the desired breast size and shape. Incisions are typically placed in the inframammary fold (under the breast). The implants are positioned either above or below the chest muscle, depending on your anatomy, desired results and detailed consultation with your surgeon. Recovery typically involves mild swelling, soreness, and a feeling of tightness, which improves over a few weeks. Most patients can return to work in about 1-2 weeks, but heavy lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Results are long-lasting, providing enhanced volume and improved breast contour, though aging and changes in body weight may affect the appearance over time.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Am I a candidate?
A breast lift is an excellent choice for those experiencing sagging or drooping breasts, often as a result of aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. It is ideal for patients who are satisfied with their breast volume but want a more lifted and youthful breast shape. Good skin elasticity and overall health are important for optimal results. It’s also crucial that candidates have realistic expectations and understand that a breast lift does not significantly change breast size or fullness but focuses on repositioning the breasts for a more youthful appearance.

What can I expect?
A breast lift involves removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to lift and reshape the breast. The nipples and areolas may also be repositioned for a more natural look. Incisions vary depending on the extent of correction needed and may be placed around the areola, vertically down to the breast crease, and sometimes along the inframammary fold. Recovery involves swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort, with most patients returning to work in about 1-2 weeks. Results are visible immediately but continue to improve over the next few months as the tissues settle. While the aging process will continue, the results can last many years, providing a more youthful breast contour. Depending on your aesthetic goals and anatomy, an augmentation with breast implants may be considered at the same time as this procedure. The simultaneous lift and increase in breast volume corrects both the involutional and gravitational effects of the aging breast.

Breast Reduction

Am I a candidate?
Breast reduction is ideal for individuals who experience physical discomfort due to overly large breasts, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain, or skin irritation beneath the breasts. It is also beneficial for those who find it difficult to engage in physical activities or experience self-consciousness due to their breast size. Good candidates are typically in good health, have realistic expectations, and are non-smokers, as smoking can impair healing. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a more proportionate breast size and improved quality of life.

What can I expect?
During a breast reduction, we remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin, reshaping the remaining tissue for a smaller, more proportionate appearance. Incisions may vary but often include a keyhole pattern or an anchor shape, allowing for significant reshaping and repositioning of the nipples. Recovery involves swelling, soreness, and bruising, with most patients able to resume light activities within 1-2 weeks. Full recovery and a return to more strenuous activities take about 4-6 weeks. Results are long-lasting and offer relief from physical discomfort, with a more balanced breast size that aligns with the patient’s overall body proportions.

Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)

Am I a candidate?
Gynecomastia surgery is suitable for men with enlarged breast tissue due to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, or certain medications. Candidates often experience discomfort, self-consciousness, or difficulty wearing fitted clothing due to excess breast tissue. Ideal patients are those in good physical health, with stable weight and no underlying conditions contributing to breast tissue enlargement. A thorough medical workup is essential prior to undergoing surgical correction, as underlying endocrine, metabolic and drug-related causes need to be addressed appropriately first. Non-smokers with realistic expectations are preferred, as smoking can affect healing and outcomes.

What can I expect?
Gynecomastia surgery involves removing excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin through liposuction, excision, or a combination of both, depending on the severity of the condition. Incisions are typically placed around the edge of the areola or in the natural chest contours to minimize visible scarring. Recovery includes swelling, bruising, and some temporary tightness in the chest, with most patients returning to work within 1-2 weeks. Exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for about 4-6 weeks. Results are typically permanent, providing a flatter, firmer chest contour, though maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is important for long-term success.