Breast

WHAT IS IT BREAST AUGMENTATION?

The purpose of breast augmentation surgery, also known as mammoplasty, is to increase the size of breasts and improve their appearance. Breast implants are placed under the chest muscles or tissue during this procedure.

PROCEDURE

This procedure may take between 1 and 2 hours. During the surgery, small incisions are made to place the implants. The surgical technique employed and the size of the implants are decided during the consultation.

RECOVERY

The patient may experience some soreness and swelling during the first weeks after the surgery. It is necessary to wear a post-surgical bra and sometimes a compression band to help the breast implants settle in the correct position.

RESULTS

Breast augmentation surgery results are immediate. The implants reach their final position around 1-2 months after the surgery.

COST

The cost of breast augmentation may vary according to each patient’s needs. It usually ranges between $7,000 and $7,500.

WHAT IS IT BREAST IMPLANT REMOVAL (EXPLANTATION)?

Women who have had breast implants for many years or later consider their breasts too big may decide to undergo breast implant removal surgery.  This procedure involves removing the implant and part of the surrounding capsule and is often combined with a breast lift or breast fat grafting to achieve better results.

PROCEDURE

This procedure is done under general anesthesia and usually takes between 2 and 3 hours. An incision that allows the removal of the implants is made so that the breast has its natural size.

RECOVERY

During the first weeks, there may be some swelling and soreness in the surgically treated area.  A supportive bra is used during the recovery period.

RESULTS

The results of breast implant removal are immediate and permanent.

COST

The cost of breast implant removal may vary according to each patient’s needs. It usually ranges between $5,000 and $9,000.

WHAT IS IT BREAST REDUCTION?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is a procedure to reduce the size of the breasts.  The breasts become not only lighter, but also have an improved contour and positioning.

PROCEDURE
The specific technique is dependent on the breast size and expectations discussed on consultation day.  The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and lasts 2-4 hours.

RECOVERY
Patients often experience swelling, bruising, and soreness after the reduction.  It is essential to use a supportive post-surgical bra after surgery.  The patient, in most cases, can resume daily work after 1-2 weeks with full normal activity at 6 weeks.

RESULTS
The reduction in size and improved positioning of the breasts are immediate.  The final shape of the breasts will be fully evident after the first months of surgery.

COST
Breast reduction surgery costs are calculated according to each patient’s needs. The range will be between $9,000 – $9,500.

WHAT IS IT BREAST FAT GRAFTING?
Breast fat grafting is a technique where fat is harvested from one part of the body, processed, and then transferred into another part of the body.  The transfer may be in small amounts, such as in the face, or may be in large amounts, such as in the buttocks.

PROCEDURE
Fat grafting to the breasts starts with liposuction where fat is harvested from the back, thighs, and/or abdomen.  It is then processed in a sterile, closed system and transferred to the breasts.  Both the amount of fat harvested and the native size of the breasts determine how much fat can be transferred safely.  The volume of fat that survives the transfer determines the outcome.

RECOVERY
The recovery is well tolerated.  The surgery results in a donor site from where the fat is harvested and a recipient site to where the fat is transferred.  Patients must avoid pressure on the recipient site to promote fat survival.

RESULTS
Results are best appreciated around 4-6 weeks after surgery.  For optimal results, repeat sessions of breast fat grafting may be required.

WHAT IS IT BREAST REVISION?
Patients seeking breast revision surgery often have a problem with a previous augmentation, lift, or reduction.  These problems may include capsular contracture, implant malposition, recurrent ptosis or sagging, or another problem.  Revision surgery is complex and often requires multiple approaches to correct the issue.

PROCEDURE
The procedure depends on the problem that needs to be addressed.  For instance, if a patient has severe capsular contracture, the implant and capsule may need to be removed and replaced in a different pocket.  After visiting the surgeon to discuss your concerns, your revision will be decided.

RECOVERY
Like most breast surgeries, the recovery typically takes several weeks.

RESULTS
The results are usually evident immediately after the surgery, but the breasts may take weeks to months to settle into their final position.

WHAT IS IT BREAST LIFT?

This procedure consists of improving the appearance of drooping breasts by uplifting them. This surgery contributes to reversing the changes experienced by breasts over time or after breastfeeding.

PROCEDURE

Breast lift consists of removing excess skin and some breast tissue to lift and reshape the contour of the breast.

RECOVERY

Breasts may show swelling and bruises for about two or three weeks. The areas around the incisions may be reddened. After a week, the patient may resume activities that don’t require much physical effort.

RESULTS

The results of the breast lift are immediate. The final shape of the breasts will become visible in the first months after the surgery.

COST

The cost of a breast lift may vary according to each patient’s needs. It usually ranges between $9,000 and $9,500.