Women who are born with large pendulous breasts, or who have developed them over time due to pregnancy or other factors, can have substantial health concerns. Large breasts can result in neck, back, or shoulder pain, as well as skin irritation. In addition, grooves from bra straps can develop. For these women, breast reduction surgery can help eliminate the associated pain, improve breast shape and size, and make the breasts more proportionate in relation to the body.

A reduction mammoplasty (i.e. breast reduction) is performed by removing the excess glandular breast tissue and skin as well as relocating the nipple to a higher position. There are a number of plastic surgeons who perform breast reductions; however, not all breast reduction techniques are the same. Some of the traditional techniques for breast reduction can result in a boxy shape or a “bottoming out” of the breast with time, and they can create large scars or lead to the loss of nipple sensation. Dr. Spikes has experience with the latest techniques that can minimize scarring, allow the breasts to have more projection, last longer without bottoming out, have a natural shape, and maintain nipple sensation.

Breast reduction surgery is performed by making incisions around the nipple-areola complex and below in a vertical direction. The nipple is left attached to the breast tissue so that the blood vessels and nerves going to the nipple are preserved. The excess skin and breast tissue is removed, and the breasts are contoured to create a natural shape that is proportionate with the rest of your body. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.

Patients should wear a supportive bra for three to four weeks after the operation. Under most circumstances, no drains are used after surgery and all the sutures are dissolvable. Many patients are able to resume normal daily routines approximately two weeks following surgery; however, this will depend on each patient’s unique needs during the recovery process. Lifting of heavy objects and strenuous exercise/activities should be avoided for several weeks after surgery, or until Dr. Spikes recommends otherwise.

The location and extent of scarring will ultimately depend on the specific breast reduction technique that is used in the procedure. As the incision begins to heal (i.e. after three weeks), there are a number of things you can do to help minimize the size and appearance of the scar. Massaging the scar with firm finger pressure can help it blend in and decrease the swelling. In addition, paper tape and silicone gel sheeting have both been shown to help minimize the scars with time. Some commercially available products such as Mederma® or vitamin E may also have some benefit. While it is not possible to have surgical breast reduction without scars resulting from the procedure, Dr. Spikes strives to place incisions in areas that allow residual scarring to be easily concealed under clothing (even bathing suits).

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in America, and has helped millions of women enhance both the volume and shape of their breasts with long-lasting results. With that in mind, breast implants that are placed during breast augmentation are not designed to be permanent, and removal (explantation) of the implants will be necessary at some point. Many individuals choose to simply exchange their breast implants for newer models when it is time for implant removal due to warranty expiration. Others may request implant removal because they would like to upgrade their implants to a different type, shape, or size, or because they no longer desire implants at all. Some patients may need breast implant removal to address a complication (such as an implant rupture or capsular contraction), irregular position, or asymmetry. Breast implant removal is a form of revision breast augmentation surgery, a procedure Dr. Spikes has performed many times.  At Allure, we can formulate a customized breast implant removal treatment plan designed to meet your needs with successful results.

How the breast implant removal procedure will be performed is dependent on your individual needs and goals, which will determine the most ideal technique utilized for the surgery. In many cases, the implants can be removed via the same incisions created for the initial breast augmentation to avoid additional scarring. For patients who are not having their implants replaced, and even for some individuals who are exchanging their implants for new ones, a breast lift can be performed in combination with implant removal surgery, if desired. Breast lift surgery can address lax skin and sagginess that may be present after implant removal.

The exact nature of the recovery process from breast implant removal will differ among each patient; however, in many cases, individuals are typically able to resume many of their normal daily routines after just a few days. Some degree of swelling and bruising can be expected in the breasts for a few weeks. Any discomfort experienced during the recovery process can often be managed with pain medication. Strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks following breast implant removal. Our team will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to help you experience a safe and effective recovery.

With time, the effects of gravity, breastfeeding, pregnancy, and weight loss can result in decreased skin elasticity and sagging of the breasts. Your breasts may appear deflated as a result of lost volume and/or the nipple/areola may be enlarged from prior stretching. Fortunately for many women, these concerns can often be effectively addressed with a breast lift.

A breast lift (also known as a mastopexy) can reshape the breasts and tighten the existing skin. In addition, a breast lift can create fuller, more natural-appearing breasts and raise the position of the nipples. In some cases, the insertion of breast implants can be combined with a breast lift to create fuller, firmer, more youthful breasts. There are a number of plastic surgeons performing breast lifts; however, not all techniques are the same. Most of the traditional mastopexy techniques only excise the excess skin and rely on the skin to maintain the result over time. This generally results in recurrent drooping of the breasts with time since loss of skin elasticity was the source of the initial problem. In addition to the removal of skin, the breast gland has to be reshaped and elevated to create a longer, more natural-appearing outcome. In addition, we use your own body’s tissue to augment your breast shape and volume. Dr. Spikes has experience with the latest techniques that minimize scars and allow the breasts to have more projection, results that last longer, and have a natural shape.

A breast lift can be performed in tandem with breast augmentation to add volume to the breasts while giving them a firmer appearance. Medically referred to as an augmentation mastopexy, this procedure can give the breasts a firmer, more youthful appearance while adding volume to the breasts with silicone breast implants or saline breast implants. A breast lift with implants can address a number of concerns and provide a more comprehensive rejuvenation of the breasts.

A breast lift is performed by making incisions around the nipple-areola complex and, in some cases, extending vertically below and possibly also horizontally along the inframammary fold. The nipple is left attached to the breast tissue so that the blood vessels and nerves going to the nipple are preserved. The excess skin tissue is removed, and the breast is reshaped to create internal lasting support and elevated to create a natural shape and contour that is better proportioned to your body. In some instances your body’s own tissue is utilized to create a fuller upper pole of the breast.

When you first return home, your breasts will be covered with a surgical bra to assist with healing and typically all sutures are dissolvable and do not require removal. Typically, you can take a quick shower and raise your arms above your head the first day after surgery. After a few days, this can be replaced with a soft support bra that should be worn at all times throughout your recovery process. Any pain or discomfort can be managed through the use of over-the-counter medication or pain medication that will be guided by your doctor. Your breasts will be swollen and bruised at first, and you should refrain from vigorous exercise until one of our plastic surgeons informs you it is safe. As long as your job is not physically demanding, you should be able to return to work after about a week of downtime.

Like virtually all surgical procedures, it is not possible to have a breast lift without scars forming at the incision sites. However, in the hands of our skilled cosmetic surgeons, scarring can be minimized to the point where it is hardly noticeable. Furthermore, your incisions will be made in areas that are easily covered by a bra or bathing suit. Your scars will appear red for the first few months after surgery, but over time they should progressively fade.