Procedures: Breast
Breast Lift
A woman's breasts may droop as a result of the natural effects of aging, heredity, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is performed to return youthful shape and lift to breasts that have sagged or lost volume and firmness.
Breast lifts rejuvenate the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening supporting tissues to achieve an uplifted, youthful contour. After a mastopexy, the breasts are higher. Breast lifts can also reposition and reduce the size of the areola-the dark skin surrounding the nipple-which may have stretched or drooped. The procedure may include placement of breast implants to give you the best shape and fullness possible. Mastopexy is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and takes from 1 to 3 hours. A supportive bra is worn for 4-6 weeks after the procedure. Drains may be left in for approximately one week. Patients can typically return to work one to two weeks following the procedure. Swelling generally resolves within a month, but it will take 9-12 months to see your final results. As with other "lifting" procedures, the results may last for years, but the procedure may have to be repeated in the future.
Dr. Vaniver performs breast lift surgery with minimal scars and a vision to an appearance that is both natural and durable.
Breast Reduction
Large breasts can cause neck pain, shoulder pain and grooving, rashes, postural back pain, and hand numbness and tingling. Breast reduction surgery is usually done to provide relief from these symptoms and to increase self-esteem.
Breast reduction is done to remove excess skin and breast tissue, to reduce the size of a stretched nipple areola, and to reposition the tissue into a more youthful, comfortable shape and size.
In selected patients with large breasts that are not droopy, liposuction alone may be effective. In most patients, lollipop or anchor shaped incisions, along with removal of excess skin and tissue, and repositioning of the nipple areola are required. In very rare cases, the nipple areola is removed entirely, and then sutured into position as a free nipple graft. Breast reduction is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and takes from 1 to 3 hours. A supportive bra is worn for 4-6 weeks after the procedure. Drains will be left in for approximately one week. Patients can typically return to work two weeks following the procedure, but should avoid heavy lifting for four weeks. Only gentle contact should occur with the breasts for six weeks. Swelling generally resolves within a month, but it will take 9-12 months to see your final results.
Dr. Vaniver has experience in numerous breast reduction techniques and will help you decide the technique and estimated size removal that will benefit you most.
Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed, since many of the milk ducts leading to the nipples are removed.
