Breast Procedures

The main goal of breast augmentation is to increase the size of the breasts, either by using implants or by transferring fat from another area of the body to the breasts. Breast augmentation procedures are often used to correct asymmetry (when one breast is larger than the other). Augmentation can also be performed along with a breast lift. The two procedures are often used by women to counter the volume loss and sagging that can result from pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Your goals, body shape and health history will determine the implant type, size and placement methods. In most augmentation procedures, an incision is made near the breast fold, in the natural underarm fold, or where the areola and regular breast skin meet. Implants may be placed over or under the pectoral muscles. Scarring is usually minimal. Initial recovery for this outpatient procedure is usually one to two weeks, with most patients returning to basic daily activities within that time frame. The final results are usually evident within six weeks post-surgery.

A breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to decrease the size of large, heavy breasts and can help to alleviate associated discomfort, such as neck and back pain, skin irritation and difficulties with physical activity. The procedure involves removing excess breast tissue, fat and skin to achieve a breast size that is in proportion to the body.

During a breast reduction, incisions are commonly made around the areola (the dark area around your nipples), from the areola down to the crease under your breast and across the lower crease of your breast. The extra fat, skin and breast tissue are removed while the nipple and areola are moved to a higher position. In most cases, the areola is made smaller. The surgeon closes the incisions to reshape the breast. Often, liposuction is combined with breast reduction to improve the shape of the breast and armpit areas.

After the procedure, your surgeon will wrap a gauze bandage around your breasts and chest, or you will wear a surgical bra. Drainage tubes may be attached to your breasts. These tubes will be removed within a few days, but you may have to wear the supportive bra for a few months to help with comfort and healing. Pain and swelling or bruising around the incision areas should decrease over the next few weeks. Any loss of sensation in your breast skin and nipples will also return over time. Individual recovery time varies but can last from three to six months.

Breast implant exchange, also known as breast implant revision surgery, is a procedure in which individuals replace their original breast implants with new ones. Reasons for a replacement can be medical, aesthetic or a combination of both. For example, silicone gel and saline breast implants are intended to be long-lasting devices but are not designed to last a lifetime and can degrade over time. Some implants require replacement when their integrity is compromised or when a complication called capsular contracture develops. Additional reasons include implant rupture or deflation, complications or implant shifting or malposition.

Some women opt to change the size and/or type of their implants to address changes caused by weight fluctuations, pregnancy or a desire for improved symmetry. Repositioning or replacing the implant can restore the breast’s natural appearance. Other women wish to switch from saline to silicone, silicone to saline, or textured to smooth implants. Whatever an individual’s reasons for choosing a breast implant exchange, Montefiore Einstein Aesthetics will deliver the desired results.

Your recovery may be very similar to your original breast implant procedure, but it can vary depending on the type of new implant you receive. Your initial recovery period can last a few weeks, during which your normal day-to-day activities may be restricted. After six weeks, most swelling decreases, and you can begin to see the final results.

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, can help women regain a youthful shape by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to support a new breast contour. This procedure aims to correct sagging or drooping breasts by removing and tightening excess skin so that the breasts project naturally forward and sit higher on the chest.

Breast lifts should not be confused with breast augmentation, a procedure that increases the size of the breasts. Depending on your aesthetic goals, you may have both procedures performed together. However, many find that the improved contour achieved with a breast lift renders additional volume from implants unnecessary.

During the procedure, incisions are made around the areola. They can extend vertically, down to the breast’s crease and/or horizontally along the crease. The extra skin is trimmed away, and the underlying tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness. The nipples and areolas can be repositioned to a more youthful height. The skin surrounding the areola is then brought down and together to reshape the breast. Implants may be used for extra support and placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or deeper—under the chest wall muscle. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks but should avoid exercise for six to eight weeks. Scars are a normal result of the process, but they will heal and fade with extra care.