Breast Enhancement

Patronella MD performs breast enhancement, breast reduction and breast lift procedures for women who desire a surgical change to improve the appearance of their breasts.

Breast Augmentation (Breast Implants)

Women who desire an enhancement to their breasts may be interested in a procedure referred to as breast augmentation mammoplasty. During this procedure, implants are placed directly under the breast tissue or underneath the chest wall muscle so that a fuller body contour is safely achieved. Saline or salt-water filled implants are used for breast augmentation procedures. Dr. Patronella will determine an implant that is best suited for your body size and lifestyle.

In 1992, the Food and Drug Administration made silicone-filled breast implants unavailable for a majority of breast surgeries. Implants that are filled with saline or salt-water are now being used for breast augmentation procedures. Researchers are investigating materials other than silicone and saline to use for implants, but these are not available at this time.

Small incisions are made in the crease under the breast or under the nipple so the surgeon can insert the implant. Then the implants are filled with saline to achieve the desired size and shape of the breast. This procedure can be performed as outpatient surgery under general anesthesia and takes 2-3 hours to complete.

Most breast enhancement patients are able to return to work five to six days after surgery. Sutures are removed in seven to ten days after surgery. Your surgeon may recommend a surgical support bra. Exercise and other strenuous activities may be resumed after about one month.

Breast Reduction

breast reduction surgery is necessary for women who have breasts large enough that their weight, such as back pain, neck pain, skin irritation and difficulty breathing. Since this causes health problems surgery is considered correction for a medical condition, it may be covered by health insurance plans.

Breast reduction surgery removes fat, tissue and excess skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer, and also repositions the nipple in proportion to the new breast size. This surgery takes about three to five hours under general anesthesia. Recovery time is about seven to ten days. Most women can return to work in about two weeks, but should avoid lifting or strenuous exercise for three to four weeks following surgery.

Breast Lift

Dr. Patronella also specializes in breast lifts, or Mastopexy, for women who desire a lift to sagging breasts. Aging and pregnancy cause the skin to lose some elasticity, which causes the breasts to sag.

Mastopexy involves removing excess skin around the breast and raising the nipple to a higher position, while reshaping the breast skin. Women who are planning pregnancies may wish to postpone this procedure until after giving birth and breast feeding.

Mastopexy can be performed as outpatient surgery, and the procedure takes approximately two to three hours. Most patients are able to return to work four to five days following surgery.

Christopher K. Patronella, MD, FACS, FICS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Houston , Texas, and is affiliated with The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery.

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