Breast Plastic Surgery - Middle Tennessee Plastic Surgery

Considering Breast Enlargement?

Cosmetic or aesthetic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body in order to improve or enhance the appearance.

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of a woman’s breasts. Every effort is made to provide a natural, attractive result that balances the patient’s proportions and preferences. Breast augmentation is a great way to enhance self-esteem for patients who feel disproportionately small; those who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, and individuals whose different breast sizes causes embarrassment and inconveniences.

How Can Breast Augmentation Help?

Enhance body shape if breasts are too small.
Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing.
Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain breast symmetry.
Reconstruct breasts following a mastectomy or injury.

At Your Consultation

We know your first visit with a doctor can be stressful, especially to discuss something as private as the appearance of your breasts. We strive to make the entire experience as comfortable as possible. Before surgery, you will meet with Dr. Martin and get acquainted. He will listen carefully to you about your general health, goals for surgery, and any history of breast problems for yourself or your family members. If you are in the preliminary stages of your decision, you may wish to meet privately with Ms. Farley, Dr. Martin’s Nurse Practitioner, who can provide a wealth of information about breast surgery, especially from a woman’s point of view.
After a brief examination and getting back into “real person” clothes, he will meet with you and discuss the details of the breast surgery you are considering. He will discuss the options for silicone or saline (salt-water) filled implants and explain the details about what to expect. He will also explain the risks and potential complications involved based upon your general health and other factors. You will get detailed information and instructions so the day of surgery will be as easy and stress-free as possible.

What Happens on the Day of Surgery?

Dr. Martin will meet with you again on the morning of surgery where you can ask any last-minute questions. Patients often worry that the surgeon will place implants which are dramatically larger or smaller than they need or want or that they will be misunderstood by the doctor in other ways; Dr. Martin employs several methods to assure you obtain the closest possible match for you based on your particular circumstances and objectives. Dr. Martin performs breast augmentation surgery only at accredited surgery centers. Because safety is our foremost concern, you will have a fully-qualified anesthesiologist and a nurse anesthetist who will assure your safety and comfort before, during, and after surgery. Because most patients will be a little nervous before the procedure, you will receive some relaxing/sedating medication prior to leaving for the OR.

The Surgery Itself

Dr. Martin has performed breast augmentation surgery hundreds if not thousands of times. You will not be awake for surgery and will not feel anything during surgery. The surgery is performed by making a small incision (Dr. Martin recommends under the breast most often) on each breast. The breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket which is usually also performed under the chest wall (pectoralis) muscle. The incision required for saline implants is typically slightly more than one inch and usually twice as long when silicone implants are used. Typically, Dr. Martin will use a temporary “sizer” which verifies that the implant selected for your particular situation will produce the best possible size for your body type and build. At the conclusion of surgery, your incisions will be closed with fine internal dissolving sutures. Surgery typically takes less than one hour.

Recovery Process

Dr. Martin will speak to your friends or family promptly after surgery is safely concluded. You will receive pain medication and anti-nausea medicine before you awaken from anesthesia and will have prescriptions and instructions before you go home. Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. A light, breathable postoperative bra is applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Patients may reach us 24/7 for questions and typically return to the office in about one week.

Breast Lift

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, is a procedure to raise and reshape sagging breasts. As a woman ages, skin loses some elasticity which can cause the breasts to lose their natural shape and firmness. This procedure is designed to elevate the breasts and give them a more youthful appearance. A breast lift may also be completed in conjunction with breast enlargement surgery (augmentation).

Reasons for Considering a Breast Lift

Elevate the breasts due to sagging caused by the effects of aging and gravity.
Firm the breasts if they have lost substance due to pregnancy and subsequent breast-feeding.
Re-align your nipples/areolas if they point down or to the side.
Bring back natural suppleness after weight loss.

General Procedure

The breast lift surgical procedure usually takes one and a half to three hours. Techniques vary, but the most common procedure involves an anchor-like incision along the underside of the breast. The incision goes around the area where skin will be removed, thus defining how the nipple will be relocated.

When the excess skin has been removed, the nipple and areola are moved into a higher position. The skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast.

Some patients, especially those with relatively small breasts and minimal sagging, may be candidates for modified procedures requiring less extensive incisions. One such procedure is the “doughnut (or concentric) mastopexy” in which circular incisions are made around the areola and a doughnut-shaped area of skin is removed. Recent innovations in breast lift techniques include minimal incision techniques and nipple sensation reducing procedures.

If the patient is having an implant inserted along with the breast lift, the implant will be placed in a pocket directly under the breast tissue or under the muscle of the chest wall.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. Bandages are applied right after surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, the patient will need to wear a specialized surgical bra for several weeks. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery which can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the post-operative directions given by the surgeon.

What is FAQ?

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Breast Reduction

Breast reduction (or reduction mammaplasty) is an enhancement procedure that reshapes the breasts in order to make them smaller, lighter, and firmer. Reduction is accomplished by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. Large breasts can cause physical pain as well as emotional and social anxiety. Women who take advantage of the breast reduction procedure find that they are able to lead a healthier, more comfortable life, in addition to enjoying a beautiful, more proportionate appearance.

Reasons for considering a Breast Reduction

Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts.
Sagging breasts produced by their large size.
Disproportionate body frame attributed to oversized breasts.
Restriction of physical activity due to the size and weight of the breasts.
Painful bra strap marks and/or rashes as a result of large breasts.

General Procedure

Techniques for breast reduction vary; however, the most common procedure involves an incision that circles the areola. From the areola, the incision goes down and follows the natural curve under the breast. The surgeon then removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. Next, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher position and held in place by stitches. Occasionally, liposuction alone can be used to reduce breast size. The best procedure can be determined during the initial consultation visit.
Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in the quickest body-image changes. Patients are pleased with the elimination of physical pain caused by large breasts as well as a better proportioned body, an enhanced appearance, and better fitting clothes.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time. Bandages are applied immediately following surgery to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. Once the bandages are removed, a specialized surgical bra will need to be worn for several weeks. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery. Any pain can be treated with oral medication. While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the instructions given after surgery.

Breast Reconstruction

Breast Reconstruction is a surgical procedure to recreate the contour of your breast, using either a prosthesis or your own tissues. If you are facing the loss of a breast due to cancer or other disease, you may have the option of breast reconstruction. The breast reconstruction process may begin at the time of your mastectomy or weeks to years afterwards. The type of breast reconstruction procedure available to you depends on your specific medical situation, your breast shape and size, your general health and lifestyle, and your goals. Breast reconstruction can be accomplished by the use of a breast implant or your own tissue, which is also known as a tissue flap. Dr. David S. Martin will work closely with you to help you navigate through these sometimes very difficult decisions.

Read about tissue Expanders

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Generally, gynecomastia isn’t a serious problem, but it can be tough to cope with the condition. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have pain in their breasts and may feel embarrassed.

Signs and symptoms of gynecomastia include swollen breast gland tissue and/or breast tenderness.