Augmentation

Breast augmentation refers to the enlargement of the female breast by insertion of either a silicone or saline implant; it is used to correct breasts that are too small and/or lack asymmetry.

Your experience at Horizons Plastic Surgery begins with an “individual consultation” during which we will explore your goals and expectations, address any health concerns and develop a surgical plan that fits your unique needs. You will also receive candid information about risks and complications.

The procedure is performed in the Operative Suite at Horizons Plastic Surgery utilizing a general anesthetic technique specifically designed for outpatient cosmetic surgery. The procedure takes about ninety minutes and, after a brief recovery, you will be ready for discharge. Most patients return to work in seven to ten days and may resume full exercise in four to six weeks.

Breast augmentation is a relatively safe and reliable procedure that enjoys widespread popularity with women of all ages.

Before and After Examples

Mastopexy (breast lift)

is a very common procedure and refers to the correction of an undesirable shape of the female breast. The medical term for this condition is ‘ptosis’ and is most commonly manifested as a lengthening of the breast with enlargement of the areola. Although women of all ages can experience ptosis, it is typically a condition that develops after pregnancy, weight loss or as a result of the natural aging process. Surgical correction of ptosis frequently gives the patient a renewed sense of proportion and improved self-esteem.

During your personal consultation at Horizons Plastic Surgery Center, your plastic surgeon will perform a pertinent physical examination, discuss your surgical options and engage in a candid discussion regarding the risks and complications associated with breast lift surgery. Your consultation will not be complete until you feel that all of your questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

The specific surgical technique, and whether or not to also place breast implants, is determined by the patient’s condition, as well as her goals.  Every ‘breast lift’ procedure must be customized to the patient’s exact needs.

Before and After Examples (With Implants)

Mastopexy (Breast Lift)

Breast lift surgery is performed in the operating room suite at Horizons Plastic Surgery Center utilizing an anesthetic technique specifically designed for outpatient cosmetic surgery. The procedure takes approximately three hours, and you will be ready for discharge after a brief recovery. Most patients experience the most intense pain during the first seventy-two hours after surgery. Most patients can return to work between seven and fourteen days after surgery. Of course, recovery time needed varies with the patient’s occupation. You will need to refrain from strenuous work or exercise for approximately four weeks. However, mild to moderate exercise may be continued during the healing phase. After four to six weeks you may resume your normal level of physical activity and enjoy your new physique. All of your follow-up visits are complimentary.

Mastopexy, ‘breast lift’ patients typically experience a renewed sense of aesthetic proportion and self-esteem. Although not without risk, mastopexy is a relatively safe and reliable procedure that enjoys widespread popularity with women of all ages.

Before and After Examples (Without Implants)

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

A woman with excessively large breasts often complains of pain in her neck, shoulders and back. The weight of the breasts pulls the bra straps down across the shoulders leading to chronic, daily discomfort. Often, the patient has unsuccessfully tried to alleviate the discomfort through exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, chiropractic medicine, massage and multiple styles of expensive bras.

Reduction mammaplasty refers to reducing the size of the female breast in an effort to relieve the associated discomfort. The procedure, when covered by a commercial insurance policy, is performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. If a patient does not qualify within the guidelines of her insurance policy the procedure may be performed at Horizons Plastic Surgery as an out of pocket expense. The surgical procedure takes approximately three hours to perform. Selected portions of the breast gland are removed and the nipple-areola complex is left attached to the breast but is reduced in size. As the incisions are closed, the remaining breast tissue is lifted so that the postoperative result is a smaller, more breast that better compliments the patient’s body. Most patients report an improvement in their levels of back and neck pain within a few weeks and are able to return to work in one to two weeks; complete healing progresses over the next few months.

The most important component of a safe and successful surgery is a thorough consultation. When you visit Horizons Plastic Surgery the surgeon will gather vital medical information, perform a pertinent physical examination and discuss your surgical options. We will engage in a candid discussion regarding the risks and complications associated with reduction mammaplasty. The information obtained during your consultation will be integrated into a letter to your insurance company requesting precertification for a breast reduction. Although each insurance plan has unique policy related to elective surgery like breast reduction, my staff and I have the experience to guide you through the process.

Reduction mammaplasty is a very popular procedure and patients can look forward to a significant improvement in their symptoms of neck, shoulder and back pain. As a secondary benefit the typical patient also enjoys being able to choose more flattering clothing. Her improvements in health and self -esteem are quite remarkable.

Before and After Examples

Breast Reconstruction

Treatment options for breast cancer include mastectomy, lumpectomy with radiation therapy, adjuvant chemotherapy and possible long-term hormonal therapy. To better understand their future reconstruction options breast cancer patients can benefit from a consultation at Horizons Plastic Surgery.

The ultimate goal of breast reconstruction is to achieve symmetry, balance and improved self-esteem. Each patient has a unique set of circumstances such as the type of cancer treatment, the shape and size of her opposite breast, previous surgical procedures and her ultimate goal and expectations for the reconstruction.

In many patients, the reconstructive process can be started at the same time as her mastectomy; this is known as “immediate breast reconstruction”. For those patients who require radiation or chemotherapy, it is preferable to postpone the reconstruction until completion of treatment. This is referred to as “delayed breast reconstruction.”

One popular method of reconstruction involves placement of a tissue expander under the mastectomy incision. During weekly office visits, saline is injected into this device and a new breast mound is developed. Later, the tissue expander is removed, and a breast implant is placed in the area.

When soft tissue is insufficient, or when radiation therapy has been administered, local flaps of skin, fat and muscle can be moved into the area to create a new breast. The most common types of flaps include tissue from the lower abdomen or tissue from the area below the shoulder, on the back.

Once the breast mound has been restored, the nipple-areola is reconstructed. In order to achieve symmetry, additional procedures may be required on the opposite breast. All of these procedures are usually covered by health insurance plans.

Before and After Examples

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynecomastia is the benign enlargement of the male breast. The condition can occur at any age and results from a variety of hormonal, physiologic, pathologic, chemically induced, idiopathic and familial conditions. A substantial number of males have some excess of breast tissue.

The majority of cases fall into the idiopathic category, which means that no specific cause for the gynecomastia can be identified. A typical patient has normal levels of hormones and exhibits all the external characteristics of the properly developed male.

The presence of even a small amount of breast tissue can be very disturbing to the patient. Poor self-esteem and social withdrawal often accompany this condition, especially during the summer months. For a patient with a large amount of breast tissue, anxiety may be prevalent throughout the year.

When a patient arrives at Horizons Plastic Surgery for a consultation, a thorough history is taken and physical examination is performed. A patient is likely to learn that his gynecomastia is quite common in males. A unique surgical plan will be created for the patient, and all of his questions will be answered.

The surgical management of gynecomastia involves removal of the breast tissue through a small incision along the edge of the areola. A combination of direct excision and liposuction is used to restore the normal contour of the chest wall. The surgery is performed at Horizons Plastic Surgery using general anesthesia and is approximately two hours in duration. A small drain is left in the area for a few days, and the patient wears a compression dressing for one to two weeks. Normal activity levels can resume in three to four weeks

Before and After Examples