Breast Augmentation & Breast Lifts in Milford, CT
Breast Augmentation
Breast Augmentation is a surgery that utilizes breast implants to increase breast size or restore breast volume. Clinically, breast augmentation is referred to as augmentation mammoplasty. Breast augmentation can improve the fullness of breasts and improve self-image and self-confidence. Breast augmentation can be used in reconstruction following a mastectomy.
Breast Augmentation Candidates
The best candidates for breast augmentation are those patients who meet the following criteria:
- Are physically healthy
- Have reasonable expectations
- Have fully developed breasts
- Feel breasts are too small
- Have asymmetrical breasts
- Unhappy with breast appearance
Breast Augmentation Procedure
In general, these are the steps to a breast augmentation procedure:
- The patient will receive adequate anesthesia, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
- An incision is made in an area to reduce visible scarring. One of three types of incisions that can be made are: peri areolar, inframammary, or transaxially. Incision site is determined on the type and size of implant used, your anatomy, and surgeon preference.
- The implant is then inserted through the incision. The implant can be placed either beneath the pectoral muscle or on top of the pectoral muscle.
- The incisions are then closed with sutures, surgical tape, or skin adhesive.
- Surgical time is between one and a half and two hours and no overnight hospital stay is needed.
Breast Implant Types
There are essentially two types of breast implants:
- Saline breast implants: These are filled with sterile salt water. If the implant leaks, the saline will be naturally reabsorbed by the body. These types of implants are approved for use by the FDA for women 18 years old or older.
- Silicone breast implants: These are filled with silicone gel. Silicone breast implants may need to be followed regularly by the surgeon. These types of implants are approved for use by the FDA for women 22 years old or older.
Important Considerations
- Breast implants may not last a lifetime.
- Additional surgery may be required in the future to replace one or both implants.
- Weight loss, menopause, and pregnancy can change the way the breast implants look.
- Regular examinations are required to monitor the condition of the implants.
Check Out Our Breast Augmentation Photo Gallery
Breast Lifts
A breast lift, also known as mastopexy, is a surgical procedure to change the shape of the breasts. A plastic surgeon removes extra skin, reshapes, and raises the breasts.
Reasons You Might Want a Breast Lift
You might consider a breast lift if:
- Your breasts sag
- Your nipples point downward
- You want tighter, firmer looking breasts
How To Prepare for a Breast Lift
Before your breast lift, your doctor may recommend having a mammogram to ensure your breasts are healthy before surgery. You also need to:
- Stop smoking, to aid in healing after surgery
- Avoid taking blood thinning medications and NSAIDS, to prevent excess bleeding
- Achieve a healthy weight, to provide the best aesthetic outcome from your breast lift
- Arrange for help from others during your recovery
The Breast Lift Procedure
Your plastic surgeon will make incisions around the areolae, horizontally along breast creases, or from the areolae to the breast creases. Through these incisions excess tissue is removed and the nipples are repositioned higher on the breasts. The incisions are closed with sutures, tape, or adhesives. A breast lift procedure takes about 2 to 3 hours and requires no overnight hospital stay.
Recovery From a Breast Lift
You will be given pain medication to take for the first few days during your recovery. Avoid bending, lifting, and straining, and sleep on your back or side. Wear a surgical support bra for the first 3 to 4 days, followed by a soft support bra for the next 3 to 4 weeks.
Other Procedures Which Can Be Combined With a Breast Lift
A breast lift doesn’t affect the size of your breasts, which is why a breast lift is often combined with:
- A breast reduction, to make breasts smaller and more symmetrical
- A breast augmentation, to make breasts larger and fuller
- A mommy makeover, which is a combination of procedures to make the body and face appear younger and more beautiful