Breast Enhancement Surgery
Breasts are one of the most defining features of a woman’s figure, and there is no doubt that the size, shape, and appearance of the breasts can influence how women feel about their bodies, and in turn, themselves.
At Blair Plastic Surgery, we recognize that breast surgery is a very personal decision. It can be both emotional and fulfilling for many women – just ask one of the more than 500 Central Pennsylvania women who underwent a breast augmentation, lift, or reduction by Dr. Robert Louton in 2007.
Breast Augmentation
A woman has many choices to make her breasts appear larger, among them wearing a padded bra or silicone bra enhancing inserts. But if you are looking for a more permanent way to bring balance to the curves of your body, finally fill out your feminine form, or regain the figure you lost after breast feeding, the surgical placement of breast implants is the only proven solution to enhance breast size and shape.
At your consultation appointment, you will have a chance to review multiple before and after photos. Dr. Louton will answer all of your questions and concerns, present risks and benefits of the procedure, and address the following options with you:
Incision location: Periareolar (around the nipple), inframammary (In the fold of the breast), Axillary (in the armpit).
Implant placement: Submuscular vs subglandular placement.
Implant type, size and shape
Your body type will dictate the options appropriate for you, therefore, these decisions are best done after a physical examination and a thorough discussion with Dr. Louton.
How it’s done
Breast augmentation is performed as an outpatient procedure in our private, fully licensed surgical suite under local anesthesia with sedation. General anesthesia may be used if desired. The surgery will take from 1 to 2 hours and when you wake up, you will have a small, thin tube placed on each breast that is attached to a pain pump. This pain pump will keep you comfortable for the next few days until removal at your post-operative visit.
Recovery
You should be up and around the day of surgery, but you will need a responsible adult to care for you and monitor your condition for at least 24 hours after they drive you home. Back to work: 1 week. Strenuous activity: 2 weeks.
Breast Reduction
Excessively large breasts are not only detrimental to one’s self esteem but also to one’s health. Complaints due to large breasts include constant neck and back pain; poor posture; skin rashes and irritations; and painful grooves in your shoulders from the weight of your breasts in your bra. Individual insurance companies define insurance reimbursement for breast reduction. At your consultation appointment, we will gather the information needed to attain pre-approval for your surgery. The results of breast reduction are seen and felt immediately, with a dramatic improvement to a woman’s figure and to her quality of life.
How it’s done
A breast reduction is more than removing excess tissue and fat. The breast itself needs to be sculpted into a smaller shape, and this can only be done through incisions on the breast. The nipple is repositioned and the entire breast is reshaped. Your surgery can take 1 to 3 hours and may be performed in the hospital or in our office based, fully licensed surgical facility. The type of anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and may include local with sedation or general anesthesia.
Recovery
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. Any sutures are removed within 10 days of the surgery. Strenuous activity: 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year. Smoking greatly reduces oxygen in the body and results in poor healing of incision. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and do not smoke at least one month after surgery.
Testimonials
Click on one of the images below to see a testimonial from one of our breast reduction patients.
Breast Lift
Changes in breast shape include age, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, weight loss or gain and genetics. It is the changes in a woman’s breast volume that cause the skin to stretch and subsequently sag. Sagging results in flattened breasts with an elongated shape and nipples that point downward. By lifting the underlying breast tissue the breasts sit in a higher, more visually-pleasing position. Breast lift surgery literally reshapes the breasts and can take them from a flat-like shape to a higher, rounder position with aesthetically-pleasing contours. The results of breast lift surgery can last for decades, as long as weight and proper daily support is maintained.
How it’s done
To correct sagging and create a perkier breast, incisions are made to sculpt the breast to a new position, reduce excess skin and raise the nipple. Incision patterns are typically the same as those for breast reduction. Breast lift surgery is offered in our office surgery suite under local anesthesia with sedation or with general anesthesia if desired.
A breast lift does not change the amount of breast tissue a woman has, but does change the shape and position, which can affect overall breast size. If size is important to you, an implant can be inserted during the breast lift to enhance size or firmness.
Recovery
Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. Any sutures are removed within 10 days of the surgery. Strenuous activity: 1 month. Fading of scars: several months to a year. Please note that smoking greatly reduces oxygen in the body and results in poor healing of incisions. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and do not smoke at least one month after surgery.
Breast Reconstruction
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is heartbreaking on its own. But knowing that cancer treatment could require the disfigurement or complete removal of one or both of your breasts can be even more devastating. Woman facing surgery to remove all or a portion of their breast should know their options before they have surgery to treat breast cancer.
The initial stages of breast reconstruction are usually hospital-based surgeries performed using general anesthesia. Secondary procedures may be necessary to achieve balance and symmetry. These procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.
The best reconstruction option for you depends on the type of cancer treatment you have had, along with your body type and the preference of you and your surgeon. Having a Dr. Robert Louton involved in your case prior to lumpectomy or mastectomy is clearly to your benefit, whether or not you decide to undergo reconstruction.
