Update on advancements in our program to minimize scars.

Breast Augmentation with Mastopexy (Breast Lift) in Manhattan, New York by Dr. Beraka

Best Candidates for Combined Breast Augmentation-Breast Lift:

• Women whose breasts are both small and have a lot of sagging. If you only have a little sagging, you probably need implants only.
• Women whose breasts have "emptied out" or "collapsed" because of pregnancies or weight loss.

What's Special About My Approach:

• Please see the separate pages on my website about breast augmentation and about breast lift (mastopexy).
• The key is to know how to decide who will get a great look with breast augmentation alone and who really needs the combined operation.
• I perform MINIMAL SCAR breast augmentation-mastopexy. You will have either just a scar around the nipple or a "lollipop" scar. A long scar in the fold under the breast is never necessary.
• I perform the mastopexy by actually moving the breast tissue higher up on your chest. This produces a long lasting result. I do not rely on tightening the skin. Very often, mastopexies are performed just by tightening the skin, but the skin streches and with this approach, the sagging comes back and you get wide, stretched scars.

The Procedure:

The goal of combined breast augmentation-mastopexy surgery is to create breasts which look perky and natural and which remain this way for the long term. The breast tissue is moved up on the chest wall and the right sized implant is placed under the pectoral muscle.

The procedure is done under light anesthesia as on out-patient. It can be done in our fully accredited office surgical suite or in the hospital

Scars:

With modern techniques, scars can be kept very short. You will have either a scar just around the nipple or a 'lollipop" scar which goes around the nipple and then extends down from the nipple. No other scars are ever necessary. The scars fade with time.

Implant Choices:

• I am one of the silicone breast implant investigators and therefore I can offer selected patients a choice between silicone implants and saline implants. I will tell you which one I think is best for you.
• Most breast augmentations are currently performed with saline implants, which are implants filled with saline or physiologic salt water.
• If you are undergoing a simultaneous breast lift or if you currently have implants that you want replaced, then we have the option of using silicone implants. I will tell you which one I think is best for you.
• Both saline and silicone implants have been determined to be entirely safe.

Implant Facts:

There are three basic facts which you need to know about any implant:

• Implants can leak. The risk of leaking is very low for the first ten years, but you may need to have your implants replaced because of leaking sometime in the future.
• Implants may occasionally become firm. The process is called capsular contracture, and typically it does not bother the patient.
• Postoperative mammograms must be done by a specialist mammographer since special views are needed.

Nipple Sensation and Breast Feeding:

Combined breast augmentation-breast lift does not interfere with feeling in you nipples or with your ability to breast feed.

Recovery Time:

• You will have some swelling and perhaps a little bruising for a few days. After the first week, you may resume your normal activities including sexual relations.
• Most Patients take three to four days off from work.
• Vigorous athletic activity such as dance or aerobic classes should be avoided for three weeks after breast surgery.