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Breast Surgery

Breast augmentation

Breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Reasons for having breast augmentation include: improving self-image, enhancing small breasts, restoring a woman's breast to a pre-pregnancy/pre-nursing appearance and correcting mild to moderate degrees of breast asymmetry. This operation is also performed for psychological reasons, such as feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and sexual inhibition.

Common indicators that you are a good candidate for breast augmentation:

  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
  • Weight loss has decreased the size and shape of your breast.
  • After pregnancy, your breasts have decreased in size and have lost their firmness.
  • Clothes that fit well around your hips are often too large at the breast level.
  • One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other
  • You feel self-conscious wearing a swim suit or form-fitting top.

Breast lift (mastopexy)

Sometimes due to weight loss, aging or changes following pregnancy, breasts can begin to droop and look aged. This typically represents the effects of gravity and tissue stretching and leads to an imbalance between the amount of skin (excess) and the amount of breast gland (deficiency). In severe forms, the nipple points downward. Mastopexy involves raising the breasts, repositioning the nipples and likely reshaping of the areola (pigmented area around the nipple) to give the breasts a more youthful, firm appearance. The best candidates are healthy, emotionally stable women who are realistic about what the surgery can accomplish.

Common indicators that you are a good candidate for breast lift:

  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breast are too pendulous.
  • Weight loss has altered size and shape of your breasts.
  • Pregnancy has altered size and shape of your breasts.
  • Your nipples and areolas point downward.
  • You feel self-conscious wearing a swim suit or form-fitting top.

Breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction, after the breast has been removed due to cancer or another disease, is a very rewarding surgical procedure. New techniques and devices have made it possible to create a breast that comes “close” in form and appearance to matching a natural breast. But keep in mind that it is impossible to recreate a natural breast. Reconstruction is either performed in an immediate setting that at the same time as the breast removal (mastectomy) or in a delayed fashion. Please understand that post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is a complex procedure and several options exist. Please be sure to discuss details with your doctor if you have any questions.

Common indicators that you are a good candidate for breast reconstruction:

  • You are medically appropriate for reconstruction.
  • Your cancer seems to have been eliminated by mastectomy.
  • You are not a smoker.

Breast reduction

Breast reduction is a reconstructive procedure that reduces the size of the large breasts and relieves symptoms such as neck, shoulder and upper back pain. By unloading the weight on the neck and upper back, there is almost always a dramatic functional improvement in such patients. The goal of the surgery is not only to improve one's appearance, but also to improve function by liberating the individual to perform many activities they are unable to perform with the burden of their breasts. This operation may be performed at any age, but we recommend waiting until breast development is complete. Breast reduction patients are usually very satisfied with the procedure and often wish they had had it earlier.

Common indicators that you are a good candidate for breast reduction:

  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too pendulous and heavy.
  • You suffer from neck, shoulder or back pain.
  • You suffer from shoulder “grooving” from bra straps.
  • Your nipples and areolas point downward.
  • You are troubled by rashes in the crease under the breasts.
  • You feel self-conscious wearing a swim suit or form-fitting top.

Male breast reduction (gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia is the abnormal breast development in males. This is a fairly common condition affecting almost half of males during development and is the result of excessive breast tissue, fat or both. In some situations, it occurs during puberty and is considered normal or a physiological phase of development. Other pathological causes of abnormal male breast growth may also occur, either due to decreased production of testosterone (male hormone), increased production of estrogen (female hormone) or certain drugs. These common drugs include anabolic steroids, marijuana, alcohol, cimetidine, spironolactone and some anti-depressants. But the majority of cases have no known cause. Most affected adolescent boys usually grow out of it without any treatment. If the abnormal tissue persists, treatment is available through liposuction or open incisions. In more extensive cases with large amounts of excessive skin, larger skin incisions (and therefore larger scars) and free nipple grafts may be necessary.

For more information on UPMC Hamot's plastic surgery services, please call 814-877-5200.