Whether to correct an imbalance in body proportions or restore a feminine shape to a mastectomy patient, the Baton Rouge specialists at Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery focus on each patient’s needs. Breast augmentation is an extremely personal surgery and the exact procedure performed will vary by patient. Our doctors do not employ a “cookie-cutter” approach to breast surgery; rather, they consult with each patient personally to determine what kind of look she wants and what is best for her lifestyle. During the patient consultation, our doctors and staff will discuss all of the implant types, shapes, sizes and textures, as well as implant placement and surgical incision location. A treatment plan is drafted based on any goals determined in this meeting.
Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular procedures in the world because it can help a woman boost their body image, reconstruct breasts, and correct asymmetry. Cosmetic enhancement tends to be the number one reason that a woman undergoes this procedure. Typically they are unhappy with their appearance for one reason or another and want an enhancement to help them look and feel better.
For each patient, the desired result will be different. Some may want minor changes while others may want a more voluptuous change. This is why we spend a significant amount of time during the consultation process discussing your goals. These consultations with the operating physician play an important role in ensuring surgical success.
During this consultation, we will discuss which type of implant and technique is desired by the patient. With technology improving we have more options for our implant size, shape and placement. All implants made today have a silicone shell and filled with either saline or silicone. Both saline and silicone implants are now FDA approved.
One of the most frequently-asked question a prospective breast enhancement patient will ask is, which is the better option, saline or silicone (gel) implants? The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors. Often times silicone breast implants lend the most natural appearance and feel to the breast, particularly for thin women. Saline breast implants are a consideration for women who want flexibility in size, a natural substance in their body (salt water) should the implant rupture, and greater affordability. Our Baton Rouge Breast Augmentation specialists will consult you about all aspects of breast implant types.
Risks of Breast Augmentation
The Baton Rouge Breast Augmentation surgeons at Williamson Cosmetic Center & Perenack Aesthetic Surgery are highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeons who take every precaution to ensure your safety. Risks and possibilities of complication associated with breast augmentation surgery will be gone over in detail with you at your initial consultation.
SALINE OR SILICONE GEL
Silicone gel implants give the breasts a natural shape, appearance, and “feel” after surgery. Silicone is a cohesive gel that “sticks together” in the event of a rupture. This lowers the risk of infection and other associated risks.
Saline implants are a popular choice. Several shapes can be used; round or anatomical. A round implant will make the breast appear round while the anatomical will take on the more natural shape of the breast.
INCISION SITES
There are three places on the body in which an incision can be made for implant insertion. They are at the areola, through the armpit or at the bottom crease of the breast.
IMPLANT PLACEMENT
The placement of breast implants is either sub-glandular or sub-muscular. Placement below the muscle (sub-muscular) can be partial or complete. With partial sub-muscular placement, the bottom third of the implant is not covered by muscle. With both partial and complete placement below the muscle, there are usually fewer instances of complications and mammography tests are easier to perform. When implants are placed over the muscle (sub-glandular), insertion is faster and easier, and there is usually a shorter recovery period.
Other factors including your exercise routine and amount of existing skin tissue could determine which placement is best for you. You should discuss placement options with your surgeon prior to augmentation.
THE BASICS OF BREAST AUGMENTATION SURGERY
The physician will make an incision, position the implant into the desired placement, and then stitch together the skin where the incision was made. There are three variables that can determine the results and success of surgery: type of implant, site of incision and placement of the implant.
RECOVERY
After surgery, you will experience some pain, bruising, and swelling. The extent varies for every patient, but incision and placement site can be contributing factors. There will be scaring from the incision, and some slight bleeding usually happens for the first few days. Heavy exercise should be avoided for several weeks based on your doctor’s recommendation. Return to daily activities or work can usually happen days to weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will guide you through this release to activities.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
As part of the natural aging process, women lose skin elasticity and breasts begin to sag. Other factors can contribute to this process including pregnancy, breastfeeding, and excessive weight loss. When these changes occur, some women become unhappy with the appearance of their breasts and wish to return to their more youthful look. In these cases a breast lift or mastopexy can reduce or eliminate sagging, and, for women seeking enhancement in size, can be performed in conjunction with implants to increase the breasts’ volume. Through the advancements of technology, it has allowed surgeons to perform procedures with less invasive techniques and less scarring.
A breast lift improves a drooping appearance in the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the skin of the breast area, thereby “lifting” the breasts to a firmer position. Our Baton Rouge plastic surgeons custom-tailor breast lift procedures to your own unique needs. Breast lift surgery is an appealing option for those who’d like to improve their self-image and regain that youthful appeal. Breast lift surgery involves tightening and lifting the breasts with a series of incisions. There are a number of options but the most common procedure involves three incisions: one around the areola; a second that extends vertically from the areola to the breast crease; and a third, horizontal incision along the breast crease. Excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola may be repositioned to achieve a natural height. Breast lift procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes less than two hours to complete.
How is a Mastopexy performed?
A breast lift improves a drooping appearance in the breasts by removing extra skin and tightening the skin of the breast area, thereby “lifting” the breasts to a firmer position. Breast lift surgery involves tightening and lifting the breasts with a series of incisions. There are a number of options but the most common procedure involves three incisions: one around the areola; a second that extends vertically from the areola to the breast crease; and a third, horizontal incision along the breast crease. Excess skin is removed and the nipple and areola may be repositioned to achieve a natural height. Breast lift procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The entire procedure usually takes less than two hours to complete.
What is the recovery process of a like?
After surgery, you will experience some pain, bruising, and swelling. The extent varies for every patient, but incision and placement site can be contributing factors. There will be scaring from the incision, and some slight bleeding usually happens for the first few days. Heavy exercise should be avoided for several weeks based on your doctor’s recommendation. Return to daily activities or work can usually happen days to weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will guide you through this release to activities.
Breast Reduction
Aside from cosmetic reasons, many women choose to undergo breast reduction surgery. Some of those reasons include: to help reduce back strain, skin irritation, or breathing problems caused by large breasts. In general, an incision is made from the lower crease of the breast, above the areola, and back down to the crease of the breast. The excess fat, skin, and tissue are removed and the remaining tissue is moved up and takes the form of the new contour of the breast.
A breast reduction can make a dramatic change in one’s appearance and self-image. Many patients find new enjoyment in how they look in their clothes and a renewed interest in exercise and physical activity. Large, sagging breasts may cause a woman to potentially experience various medical problems caused by the excessive weight of the breast tissue. Problems with posture, skeletal deformities, back and neck pain, skin irritations and breathing problems are common with this condition. Bra straps often leave indentations in the shoulder area.
In many cases, insurance will cover the cost of a breast reduction procedure if overly large breasts cause pain and hinder daily life for the patient. Potential patients should contact their insurance company to determine if they qualify before undergoing breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. During the procedure, our Baton Rouge plastic surgeons will remove excess breast tissue in order to reduce the size and reshape the breasts, as well as lift them to a more youthful position.
Recovery from Breast Reduction Surgery
Following surgery, you will be wrapped with gauze and a supportive bra or bandages. The gauze will be removed within a few days following surgery, however, the supportive bra will be required for several weeks while the breasts heal and swelling and bruising subside.
Patients can typically return to work between one and six weeks depending on the type of work and personal recovery. It may take as long as three months before the actual results of surgery are realized.
Are you a candidate for breast reduction?
Ideal candidates for breast reduction are women in good overall health with some or all of the following conditions:
- Breasts that cause emotional and physical problems
- Breasts that are disproportionate in size and shape
- Inability to participate in certain physical activities
- Inability to wear certain types of clothing due to breast size
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
Some men may experience excess breast tissue. This is usually a combination of diet, heredity, and aging. Through this particular surgery, we can remove the excess tissue resulting in a firmer, flatter chest. For best results, it is recommended to combine liposuction and direct excision.
Visit the Gynecomastia Before and After Gallery
HOW IT’S DONE
Male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia, can be achieved in two ways. A small incision may be made under the nipple and excess tissue surgically excised, or liposuction performed through a similar incision at the edge of the nipple. It is common to combine these two approaches.
RECOVERY
1 –2 weeks.
COMPLICATIONS
Some bruising and excessive bleeding may occur. Other possible complications: altered nipple shape, loss of sensation and skin rippling.
