• Women who feel their breasts are too small and looking
to improve their figure
• Women who have lost breast volume and shape as a result
of pregnancy and nursing
• Woman whose breasts have lost volume and shape as a result
of aging
• There is a significant difference in the sizes of both
breasts
• Weight loss has changed the shape and or size of your
breast
For any reason a woman might have for wanting breast augmentation,
ultimately the individual should be in good physical condition
and have realistic goals and expectations in order to be considered
a good candidate for the procedure.
The breast augmentation procedure involves the surgical placement
of an implant within a woman’s breast. A breast implant
is a silicone shell filled with either a saltwater solution known
as saline, or filed with a silicone gel. If the saline-filled
implant leaks, the fluid is absorbed into the body. This is the
same as if the saline were given as an IV fluid. Currently the
FDA approves saline-filled implants to be used on an unrestricted
basis, while silicone gel-filled implants are only to be used
in certain cases. Information regarding implants is discussed
with the patient during consultation and at the time of surgery.
The incision can be placed in a number of different locations
including around the areola, in the armpit, but often times it
is made underneath the breast and just above the crease. The doctor
takes every effort to assure that the incision is placed so the
resulting scars will be as inconspicuous as possible. After the
incision is made, a pocket is created either under the breast
tissue or under the pectoralis muscle. This pocket is made just
large enough to accommodate the implant. The implant is then positioned
to give the best cosmetic result. The method of inserting and
positioning an implant is dependent upon factors based on the
patient's anatomy that are discussed with Your doctor at the time
of the consultation.
Following surgery, detailed instructions are given to the patient
as to postoperative care and activity. It is important for a patient
to follow these instructions in order to minimize any complications
and to help achieve the best results. The surgeon will also advise
the patient as to when they can return to their normal activities.
Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, and
more strenuous activities in about two to three weeks following
surgery.
As time passes, pregnancy, nursing, excessive weight
loss and gravity have adverse effects on women's breasts causing
them to lose their elasticity, firmness, and shape. This creates
a sagging appearance. A breast lift is a procedure that corrects
this condition using a combination of removing excess breast skin,
tightening the skin. If desired, implants may be used to restore
breasts to their natural shape and size.
The best candidates for a breast lift (Mastopexy) are healthy, emotionally
stable women who are realistic about the result they would like
to achieve. A breast lift can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence.
The best results are achieved on women with small, sagging breasts
due to loss of skin elasticity secondary to pregnancy and / or nursing,
or weight loss. Those who plan to have more children may want to
postpone surgery, as the process of pregnancy and breast-feeding
may change the final result of the surgery.
There are benefits to undergoing breast lift surgery, however with
any surgical procedure there is always the possibility of complications
occurring. Possible complications associated with breast lift include
bleeding and infection following surgery, which may cause scars
to widen, (poor healing and wider scars are common in smokers).
The procedure can also leave you with different positioned nipples,
or a change in feeling in the nipple or breast.
Women with very large, sagging breasts tend to have neck, back and
shoulder pain. Patients find breast reduction surgery to greatly
benefit their life. Patients not only have relief from their symptoms
but also the ability to exercise better, wear more fitting clothes
and many have psychological benefits. Of all surgeries that plastic
surgeons perform, breast reduction ranks among the highest in patient
satisfaction. Patients of most any age may have breast reduction
surgery, however, most surgeons recommend waiting until after breasts
have fully developed. Breast reduction surgery is not recommended
for those women who intend to breast-feed.
You may be a good candidate for breast reduction if you have any
of the following problems:
• Neck, back or shoulder pain
• Shoulder notching / furrowing from you bra strap
• Heavy, sagging breasts
• Breasts that are too large for your body size
• Irritation and rash beneath your breasts
• Difficulty with exercise and physical activities due to
large heavy breasts
• One breast that is larger than the other creating a significant
asymmetry
During Breast Reduction surgery, fatty tissue in the breast,
along with glandular tissue and excess skin are removed. By removing
these elements, the breast can be pulled tighter making them lighter,
smaller and firmer. Breast Reduction surgery is generally performed
under a general anesthesia, and usually takes between 2 to 4 hours
to complete. After your surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic
bandage, or surgical bra over gauze for 2-3 days. You may have
a drain placed in to allow excess fluid and or blood to drain
from the incision. You can expect a recovery period of about 2
weeks.
Each year, many women undergo breast augmentation. It has become
one of the procedures most frequently performed on women today.
There are various reasons why women choose to undergo this procedure,
and likewise, there are various reasons women have for choosing
to undergo breast implant revision. One of the main reasons is deflation
of the breast implant. Then some women who feel the need to change
the implants they have now and make their breasts smaller or larger
than the previous surgery. Then there are those who were not happy
with the original results of their first operation and would like
to have breast implant revis.ion to gain an appearance they can
be happy with. Breast implant revision offers a solution to all
of these women looking to re-do their breast augmentation. Be sure
to discuss your reasons for wanting breast implant revision during
your consultation.
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the male breasts. This condition
is quite common and it affects as many as 40% of the male population.
Gynecomastia may affect only one or both of the breasts. The majority
of the cases have no known cause while the others might be related
to the use of drugs or medical conditions. Gynecomastia can be caused
by excessive glandular breast tissue, fat, or a combination of the
two. For men who feel self-conscious about their over sized breasts,
this procedure can help restore self-confidence and appearance.
The best candidates for Gynecomastia correction are:
• Healthy, emotionally stable men of any age
• Men who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape well
after surgery
• Men who are discouraged from Gynecomastia correction are:
• Obese or overweight men who have not attempted to correct
the problem with diet and exercise
• Individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol
and / or marijuana. These drugs along with anabolic steroids may
cause Gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia correction is usually performed as an outpatient
procedure. Your doctor may use local or general anesthesia depending
on the extensiveness of your surgery.
Breast reconstruction has become one of the most rewarding surgical
procedures performed today. Each year, many women become afflicted
with breast cancer. Unfortunately for some, this disease leads to
the removal of one or both breasts.
However, advancements in breast reconstruction have allowed doctors
to actually recreate a breast that is almost identical in look and
feel of a natural breast. This is accomplished through the use of
breast implants and skin expansion or flap reconstruction techniques.
Doctors can even perform breast reconstruction immediately after
the breast removal, or mastectomy. This allows the woman to awaken
from surgery and not see herself missing a breast. Not only can
breast reconstruction help improve appearance; it has helped many
women improve their quality of life and regain a sense of femininity.
However this is a major surgical procedure, and there is a lot of
information one needs to know before undergoing breast reconstruction.
That is why it is important for a patient to discuss her options
with not only her plastic surgeon, but also her breast surgeon.
Dr. Schulman is licensed to use the new Cohesive gel 410 breast implants manufactured by Inamed and researched in Europe over the past 8 years. These implants are of the "no bleed" variety therefore there is no leakage with them. At the present time their use is restricted to breast reconstruction after cancer and for exchange of formerly placed implants whether they are gel or saline. Dr. Schulman has a largest national experience in sternal wound reconstruction and is now utilizing Titanium plates to stabilize moving breast bones.
