BREAST SURGERY
 

Breast surgery can be done for cosmetic reasons or to help improve a persistent issue.  Dr. Harvey can provide breast surgery options that will help you achieve an ideal appearance.

Breast Surgery Q&A

What kinds of breast surgery are available?

Breast surgery can be performed to increase fullness and improve symmetry of the breasts, or to restore breast volume lost after weight reduction, or pregnancy. This is generally referred to as breast augmentation. Breast surgery may also help following surgery performed for breast cancer. Breast lifts and reductions, on the other hand, can improve the placement of existing breast tissue and sometimes lessen the mass.

What can I expect during surgery?

For a breast augmentation, a saline or silicone filled implant is placed under the skin of the breast to produce the desired shape and size. The implant may be placed above the muscle or beneath it, depending on which is most appropriate in your particular case. 

What should be expected during recovery?

After any type of breast surgery, the chest is wrapped in a gauze dressing and supported with an elastic bandage or support bra. A support bra will need to be worn 24 hours a day for the first week or two following the surgery. In most cases, you go home the day of surgery after a few hours of recovery in post-op observation. Upon release, you will receive detailed instructions regarding proper home care.  There may be swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours, and the breasts will most likely be tender for a couple of weeks.

When should I consider breast surgery?

BREAST AUGMENTATION
Also known as augmentation mammoplasty, breast enlargement, breast implants.
You may wish to consider breast augmentation if:
·        You feel your breasts are too small or smaller than you would like
·        You have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or age
·        You are not pleased with your breast shape
·        You would like to feel better about yourself in clothes
·        You have asymmetry that you would like improved

BREAST LIFT
Also called a mastopexy. In some cases, implants are placed during this procedure as well.
You may wish to consider a breast lift if:
·        Your breasts are sagging post-pregnancy or due to age
·        Your breast tissue has lost elasticity post-pregnancy or due to age
·        You want to look better in clothing
·        A breast augmentation alone will not give the result that you would like

BREAST REDUCTION
Also known as a reduction mammoplasty.
You may wish to consider a breast reduction if:
·        Your breasts are too large for your frame
·        Your breasts are larger than you would like
·        You don’t like the way you look in clothing due to large breasts
·        You are self-conscious due to the large size of your breasts
·        You experience back pain and/or shoulder pain due to excessive breast size
·        One breast is much larger than the other
·        Your breasts have gotten larger and saggy with age