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Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammaplasty)
This procedure is used to enhance the size of the breast using inflatable implants that are filled with saline. In most cases, the surgery takes from one and a half to two hours using general anesthesia. Dr. Gerber prefers to place implants under the muscle so that mammography may be more accurate and the contour of the breast is more natural. Pain pumps are also recommended to ease the recovery period. Patients may experience some temporary soreness, swelling, change in nipple sensation or bruising. Breasts may be tender for awhile. Patients can generally return to work or everyday activities within one to two weeks. The final size of the breasts depends on patient input, general physical structure and breast dimensions.
Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
Due to childbirth or other factors, breasts can sag or vary in size. This procedure is used to raise and reshape sagging breasts by removing excess skin and repositioning remaining tissue. Generally, the surgery takes from two to three hours under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Patients may experience temporary bruising, swelling, discomfort, numbness and dry breast skin. Patients can generally return to normal activities within a week and more strenuous activities within a month. Breast may be enlarged with implants at the time of a breast lift.
Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)
If breasts are too large or too heavy, they can become a burden causing poor posture, pain, deep indentation from bra straps and difficulty in physical activity. They may also make a woman self-conscious about her appearance. During the surgery, excess breast tissue and skin are removed and the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) may be reduced and repositioned. The procedure generally takes from three to four hours usually under general anesthesia. Patients should mainly rest the day after surgery. After several days, movement should be a lot more comfortable. Patients are also encouraged to sleep on their backs and avoid any heavy lifting or straining.
Depending on the healing process in individual patients, most can return to light activities after one week, although it may take several weeks for the swelling to go down.
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia is a condition in which the male breast is enlarged, and one or both breasts may look feminine. This overdevelopment may be corrected with liposuction, in some cases, or surgically in others. During the surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, allowing the nipple to shrink. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. If surgical excision is necessary to reduce the breast, most patients can return to activities within two weeks.