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At Charleston Plastic Surgery, we understand that your decision to
have breast augmentation is a highly personal one. Using augmentation, we may help you to
enhance your personal appearance and your self-confidence. Augmentation mammaplasty is a surgical procedure whereby an implant is used to enhance the size and shape of a woman's breast. In your initial consultation, we will evaluate your health and explain to you which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on the condition of your breasts and your skin tone. Normally, we will perform the operation
in our Surgery Center on an outpatient
basis. The surgery usually takes one to two hours. Stitches are used to close the
incisions, which may also be taped for greater support. A gauze bandage may be applied
over your breasts to help with healing. In 24 to 48 hours after the surgery, you should be
up and around. You may be required to wear a surgical bra for several days. In
approximately a week, we will remove your stitches. Post-surgical swelling in your
breasts may take three to five weeks to disappear. After several months, your scars
will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. |
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The excessive weight from large breasts may cause some women to
experience various medical problems including back and neck pain, skeletal deformities,
and breathing problems. Also, exceptionally large breasts make many women feel
self-conscious. Reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure whereby fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts is removed, thereby making them smaller, lighter, and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. Before the procedure, your surgeon will discuss with you conditions that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, and the condition of your skin. The procedure does leave visible, permanent scars, although they will be covered by your bra or bathing suit. (Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers). Typically, we perform the procedure in a hospital on an inpatient basis, where you may remain for two to three days. The surgery itself usually takes two to four hours. Although you may be up and about in a couple of
days, your breasts may still ache for several weeks. |
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At Charleston Plastic
Surgery, we understand and empathize with the emotional trauma many women undergo
following a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction can greatly help such woman improve their
self-esteem and regain a normal quality of life. Using advanced medical techniques and
devices, we can create a breast that can come close in form and appearance to matching a
natural breast. Breast reconstruction usually involves more than one operation. The first stage, whether done at the same time as the mastectomy or later on, is usually performed in a hospital where you may remain for several days. Follow-up procedures may also be done in the hospital. There are many options
available in post-mastectomy reconstruction. You and our surgeons will discuss the option
that is best for you given such factors as your age, your physical condition, the
condition of your skin, and the details of the mastectomy itself. The most common
technique combines skin expansion
and subsequent insertion of an implant. Some patients, however, do not require preliminary
tissue expansion before receiving an implant. Another involves the creation of a skin flap using tissue taken from
other parts of the body, such as the back, abdomen, or buttocks. You are likely to feel tired and sore for
a week or two after reconstruction. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by
medication prescribed by your doctor. In all, it may take many weeks to recover from a
combined mastectomy and reconstruction. |
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