Breast Procedures

BREAST SURGERY

 (Breast Augmentation , Reduction Mammoplasty, Mastopexy/Lift)

Understanding Breast Surgery

The goal of breast surgery is to improve the size, shape, and appearance of the breasts. Because a woman’s body is primarily determined by genetic influences, she may not be able to achieve the look she desires through diet and exercise alone. Today, surgical techniques allow a woman to alter the size and shape of her breasts through a breast augmentation, breast reduction or breast lift.

Who Is A Candidate for Breast Surgery?

.               Has weight loss or pregnancy changed the size or

                shape of your breasts? 

.               Does the feeling that your breasts are

                too large or too small bother you?            

.               Is one of your breasts noticeably larger than the

                other?

.               Do you feel self-conscious wearing swimsuits or

                form-fitting tops?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you may be a good candidate for breast surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast Reduction

Breast Lift

Before Surgery

An important part of the preoperative consultation with Dr. Coley includes a discussion of the desired breast size and shape and the proposed incisions. Although many different breast contours can be achieved, a decision must be made that coincides with total body size, shape and the existing breast tissue.  For augmentation, there are a variety of implant designs.  Dr. Coley discusses the choice of implants, reasons for the selection, and size changes that are possible.

During the consultation, Dr. Coley reviews the patient’s medical history, performs a focused physical examination and thoroughly discusses the procedure, risks, and benefits for each individual patient.

During Surgery

Breast surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and is performed as an outpatient procedure. Prior to surgery, medication is given to relax the patient and breasts are carefully marked to indicate where incisions are to be made. Every effort is made to reduce the size of scars and to make them as inconspicuous as possible. The patient emerges from surgery wearing a support bra and incisional dressings.

Understanding the Recovery

Discomfort following surgery is generally minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medications. Stitches are removed five to seven days after the surgery. Most patients will wear a support bra for several weeks and must limit activities that interfere with the healing process.  Strenuous exercise must be avoided for several weeks.

Swelling and minor bruising may occur but usually subside in a few weeks.  Incisional tenderness is common for a short period of time during the healing. Scars from the incisions, although permanent, are made as inconspicuous as possible and fade significantly with time. 

Remember that healing is a gradual process and it may be several weeks before patients begin to see the final results of the procedure.  After healing, however, most women are very pleased with the results of breast surgery.