Breast Augmentation(Augmentation Mammaplasty)
This procedure is used to improve the size and shape of the female breast using saline or new generation silicone gel implants. The incision is made under the breast, the edge of the areola, or in the axilla (armpit). The shortest incision (1-1/2 in.), most direct, gentlest, and least invasive is under the breast. The goals of this augmentation is to improve body contour of a women who, for personal reasons, feels her breast size is too small, to correct a loss of breast volume after pregnancy or weight loss, to balance asymmetry in breast size, or as a reconstructive technique following breast surgery.
A Breast Augmentation’s best candidate is a healthy woman with no significant family history of breast cancer, who desires to achieve the goals of a breast enhancement.
Recovery:
Recovery is quicker if implants are placed subglandular (on top of the muscle) vs submuscular (under the pectoralis muscle). You may return to work and driving in a few days vs 7 days. Cardio exercise can usually resume in 3 weeks. Strenuous physical work or strenuous upper body exercise can resume in 3-4 wks vs 6-12 wks. These rules should be followed for the safety of the patient without regard to who performs the surgery.
Breast Lift(Mastopexy)
A Breast Lift reshapes and tightens sagging breasts while raising and often times reducing the diameter of the nipple areola complex. The incisions vary according to the extent of the lift. If lack of volume is the chief problem, only implants may be needed. Implants can be added to a breast lift, as well, if both a sagging shape and inadequate volume are present. This is best done in two operations.
Healthy nonsmoking women, whose breasts have lost shape, volume, and firmness after pregnancy, nursing, or weight loss resulting in sagging, are the best candidates for this surgery. Breast Lift works best in smaller breasts. Flat or empty breasts may also need implants for volume. Larger, heavy, full breasts may need a Breast Reduction.
Recovery:
You may return to work and driving within 5-10 days. Cardio exercise may resume in three weeks (this rule, as a minimum, by the way, should apply to all operations). Strenuous work or chest exercise may be continued between 4-6 weeks.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)
Reducing breast size and weight, while also improving the shape and appearance of the breast, can be achieved with a Breast Reduction. Scars, usually around the areola and under the breast, are hidden in most bras. All Breast Reductions include a Breast Lift, unless only Liposuction is used. Liposuction as the sole reduction procedure is rare, except in the male breast reduction.
Best Candidates for this procedure include women with large, heavy breasts suffering from neck, shoulder or back pain; along with body image embarrassment or difficulty fitting clothes. If breast-feeding is important to the patient, breast reduction should be postponed until after that time. Although with Dr. Voci’s technique, breast feeding is still possible about 50% of the time.
Recovery:
Most patients may return to office type work in about 2 weeks, and are driving in 7 to 10 days. There is minimal discomfort associated with breast reductions.
