Breast


 

Breast EnlargementBreast ReductionBreast LiftBreast Reconstruction

 

Breast Enlargement (Augmentation Mammaplasty)

If you often wish that your breasts were larger, fuller or more shapely, breast enlargement surgery may be the right choice for you. Breast enlargement (also called augmentation mammaplasty) is a cosmetic procedure that uses implants to enlarge and shape the breasts. Your new look will bring you greater freedom with fashion and may help boost your self-image as well.

 

Is breast enlargment right for me?

Any one of the following feelings or conditions may indicate that you are a good candidate for breast enlargement:

  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too small.
  • Weight loss has changed the size and shape of your breasts.
  • After having children, your breasts have become smaller and have lost their firmness.
  • Dresses that fit well around your hips are often too large at the bustline.
  • One of your breasts is noticeably smaller than the other.
  • You feel self-conscious wearing a swimsuit or form-fitting top.

In addition, there are several strong considerations for anyone considering breast enlargement:

  • If you are a young woman, your breast development must be complete.
  • You must be emotionally mature and fully understand your own motivations for wanting the procedure.
  • You must have realistic expectations, knowing that the procedure can bring improvement, but not perfection.
 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how breast enlargement can enchance your body image. The doctor will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.

You should arrive ready to provide complete information about:

  • Previous surgical procedures
  • Past and present medical conditions
  • Medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements
  • The results of mammograms you have had
  • Any history of breast cancer in your family

As part of the consultation, your breasts will be examined and perhaps photographed for your medical record.

Dr. Han may suggest additional cosmetic procedures to improve your results, such as a breast lift procedure be performed in conjunction with your breast enlargement surgery.

 

What are the risks with breast implants?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety. Each year, thousands of women undergo breast enlargement surgery and experience no major complications. >

However, it is important to fully understand the risks as well as the benefits of the procedure and discussing them during your consultation. For a more detailed discussion of risks please see the consent form (LINK) also on our website.

Also remember that by carefully following the doctor’s advice and instructions both before and after surgery will minimize certain risks on your part.

 

What can I do to prepare?

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
  • Arranging for help or special care following surgery
  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  • Day of surgery instructions and medications
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  • Postoperative care and follow-up

You will be asked to sign consent forms to assure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. It’s very important to address all your questions and concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Breast enlargement may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or our accredited office-based surgical suite. If you are admitted to the hospital or surgical facility, your stay will be short, usually just one night.

For some patients, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is used. For others, general anesthesia may be the best choice. With either type, you'll remain very comfortable throughout the procedure.

 

How is breast enlargement performed?

The technique used for your surgery depends not only the doctor’s preferences, but also on your desired results. The incision is small and is usually made in one of three locations: underneath the breast just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola, or within the armpit

Dr. Han prefers the under the armpit incision due to the inconspicuous location of the scar. But during the consultation Dr. Han will be able to discuss all approaches so you will be able to make a decision that best meets your needs.

Once the incision is made, the doctor will create a pocket into which the implant is inserted. This pocket is made either directly behind the breast tissue or beneath the pectoral muscle located below the breast tissue and above the chest wall.

 

What happens after surgery?

You will emerge from surgery wearing a support bra, gauze wrappings or other dressings. Within a day or two after your surgery, you should be up and around. Most of the discomfort that you feel can be controlled with prescribed medication.

You will also have the option of obtaining the On-Q pain pump to decrease post operation pain.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general time line:

 

Within one week

  • You'll be permitted to shower
  • Your stitches will be removed (unless dissolving sutures were used)
  • You may feel able to return to nonstrenuous work
  • You can resume sexual relations (as long as the breasts are treated gently)
 

After several weeks

  • Most of the swelling will subside and you'll start to see your final result
  • You may discontinue wearing the support bra
  • You may resume vigorous exercise and arm movements What should I know about my results?
 

What should I know about my results?

Most women who receive breast enlargement are very pleased with the result. Your new, natural curves will let you wear a greater variety of fashions, even dresses with low-cut necklines and form-fitting tops. Many women find that their new figure gives them a greater sense of self-confidence-whether they’re on the beach or in the boardroom.

You are likely to be happy with your results for many years. However, keep in mind that your breasts are not immune to the effects of weight fluctuations or aging.

 

Before & After Gallery

Patient 1

 

Patient 2

 

Patient 3

 

Patient 4

 

Patient 5

 

Patient 6

 

Patient 7

 

Patient 8

 

Patient 9

 

Patient 10

 

Patient 11

 

Patient 12

 

Patient 13

 

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Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammaplasty)

Overly large breasts can cause some women to have both health and emotional problems as well as causing physical pain and discomfort. The weight of excess breast tissue can also impair your ability to lead an active life.Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body and to alleviate any physical and social discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

 

Is breast reduction right for me?

Breast reduction is a highly individualized procedure, which should be done for one’s self, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit a sort of ideal image. Breast reduction may be a good option if:

  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
  • Your breasts limit your physical activity
  • You experience back, neck and shoulder pain caused by the weight of your breasts
  • You have skin irritation beneath the breast crease
  • Your breasts hang low and have stretched skin
  • Your nipples rest below the breast crease when your breasts are unsupported
  • You have enlarged areolas caused by stretched skin
 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how breast reduction can enhance your body image. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about breast reduction in a non-pressured environment, and will include a discussion of:

  • Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
  • Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
  • Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
  • Previous surgeries
  • Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

The doctor may also:

  • Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
  • Examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas
  • Take photographs for your medical record
  • Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
  • Discuss likely outcomes of breast reduction and any risks or potential complications
  • Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast reduction
 

What are the risks with breast reduction surgery?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Possible risks of a breast reduction include but are not limited too:

  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Blood clots
  • Poor wound healing
  • Breast contour and shape irregularities
  • Skin discoloration, pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Excessive firmness of the breast
  • Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

You should also know that:

  • Breast reduction surgery can interfere with certain diagnostic procedures
  • Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection
  • Your ability to breastfeed following reduction mammaplasty may be limited; talk to your doctor if you are planning to nurse a baby
  • The procedure can be performed at any age, but is best done when your breasts are fully developed

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

 

What can I do to prepare for my surgery?

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
  • Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
  • Avoid taking aspiring, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

  • What to do on the day of surgery
  • Post-operative care and follow-up

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. It’s very important to address all your questions and concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Breast reduction may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or our accredited office-based surgical suite. Anesthesia will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure, either or general anesthesia.

If your breast reduction procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

 

How is breast reduction performed?

Breast reduction is usually performed through incisions on your breasts with surgical removal of excess fat, glandular tissue and skin.

In some cases, liposuction may be used in conjunction with or in place of the excision techniques described below to remove excess fat.

Step 1 – An incision is made in one of three different patterns around the areola.

Step 2 – After the incision is made, the nipple is then repositioned. Underlying breast tissue is reduced, lifted and shaped. Occasionally, for extremely large pendulous breasts, the nipple and areola may need to be removed and transplanted to a higher position on the breast (free nipple graft).

Step 3 – The incisions are brought together to reshape the now smaller breast. Sutures and skin adhesives and/or surgical tape are used and incision lines are permanent, but usually fade and improve over time.

 

What happens after surgery?

When your procedure is complete dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

The doctor will also instruct you how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to come in for follow-up visits. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats seek medical attention immediately.

 

What should I know about my results?

The results of breast reduction surgery will be long-lasting. Your new breast size should help relieve you from the pain and physical imitations experienced prior to breast reduction. Your better proportioned figure will likely enhance your self-image and boost your self confidence. However, over time your breasts can change due to aging, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity.

 

Before & After Gallery

Patient 1

 

Patient 2

 

Patient 3

 

Patient 4

 

Patient 5

 

Patient 6

 

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Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A woman’s breasts often change over time, losing their youthful shape and firmness. These changes and loss of skin elasticity can result from:

  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Aging
  • Gravity
  • Heredity

A breast lift, also known as a mastopexy, raises and firms the breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue to reshape and support the new breast contour. Sometimes the areola becomes enlarged over time, and a breast lift will reduce this as well. A breast lift can rejuvenate your figure with a breast profile that is youthful and uplifted.

 

Is a breast lift right for me?

Breast lift surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. A breast lift is a good option for you if:

  • You are physically healthy and maintain a stable weight
  • You do not smoke
  • You have realistic expectations
  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts sag, have lost shape and volume
  • Your breasts have a flatter, elongated shape or are pendulous
  • When unsupported, your nipples fall below the breast crease
  • Your nipples and areolas point downward
  • You have stretched skin and enlarged areolas
  • One breast is lower than the other

Breast lift surgery does not significantly change the size of your breasts or round out the upper part of your breast. If you want your breasts to look fuller or smaller, you might want to consider either breast enlargement or breast reduction surgery.

 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how a breast lift can enhance your body image. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about a breast lift in a non-pressured environment, and will include a discussion of:

  • Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
  • Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
  • Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
  • Previous surgeries
  • Family history of breast cancer and results of any mammograms or previous biopsies

The doctor may also :

  • Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
  • Examine your breasts, and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas
  • Take photographs for your medical record
  • Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
  • Discuss likely outcomes of breast reduction and any risks or potential complications
  • Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast reduction
 

What are the risks with breast lift surgery?

By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Han and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.

Possible risks of a breast reduction include but are not limited too:

  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Blood clots
  • Poor would healing
  • Breast contour and shape irregularities
  • Skin discoloration, pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
  • Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Excessive firmness of the breast
  • Potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Fatty tissue deep in the skin could die (fat necrosis)
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

You should know that:

  • Breast lift surgery can interfere with diagnostic procedures
  • Breast and nipple piercing can cause an infection
  • Breast lift surgery does not normally interfere with pregnancy, but if you are planning to have a baby, your breast skin may stretch and offset the results of mastopexy and you may have more difficulty breastfeeding after this operation

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

 

What can I do to prepare?

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Get a baseline mammogram before surgery and another one after surgery to help detect any future changes in your breast tissue
  • Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
  • Avoid taking aspiring, ant-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Special instructions you receive will cover:

  • What to do on the day of surgery
  • Post-operative care and follow-up

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. It’s very important to address all your questions and concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Breast lift surgery may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or our accredited office-based surgical suite. Anesthesia will be administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure, either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

If your breast lift procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

 

How is breast lift performed?

Your breast lift surgery can be achieved through a variety of incision patterns and techniques. The appropriate technique for you will be determined based on:

  • Breast size and shape
  • The size and position of your areolas
  • The degree of breast sagging
  • Skin quality and elasticity as well as the amount of extra skin

Step 1 – An incision is made in one of three different patterns around the areola.

Step 2 – After the doctor makes the incisions:

  • The underlying breast tissue is lifted and reshaped to improve breast contour and firmness
  • The nipple and areola are repositioned to a natural, more youthful height.
  • If necessary, enlarged areolas are reduced by excising skin at the perimeter.
  • Excess breast skin is removed to compensate for a loss of elasticity.

Step 3 –The remaining skin is tightened as the incisions are closed. Some incision lines resulting from breast lift are concealed in the natural breast contours, however, others are visible on the breast surface. Incision lines are permanent, but in most cases will fade and significantly improve over time.

 

What happens after surgery?

When your procedure is complete dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. An elastic bandage or support bra may be worn to minimize swelling and support the breasts as they heal. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.The doctor will also instruct you how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to come in for follow-up visits. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats seek medical attention immediately.

 

What should I know about my results?

The results of breast lift surgery will be long-lasting. However, over time your breasts can change do to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors and gravity. Maintaining your weight and keeping a healthy lifestyle are important in retaining you new look for longer.

While a breast lift does not usually affect breast function, if you are planning to become pregnant, discuss this with the doctor. Changes that occur in the breasts during pregnancy can minimize or reverse the improvement a breast lift provides. Likewise, plans for significant weight loss should also be discussed.

 

Before & After Gallery

Patient 1

 

Patient 2

 

Patient 3

 

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Breast Reconstruction (Mastopexy)

The goal of breast reconstruction is to create a soft, natural-looking breast for a woman who must undergo breast removal due to cancer or other disease. Whether it is performed immediately following mastectomy or at a later time, breast reconstruction can dramatically improve a woman’s appearance, self-confidence and overall quality of life.

 

Is breast recontruction right for me?

Almost every woman who has lost a breast to cancer can have her body restored with breast reconstruction. However, the following conditions are desirable:

You clearly understand that although your figure will be markedly improved, your reconstructed breast will not look or feel exactly the same as the breast that was removed.

Your oncologist has advised you that reconstruction is appropriate for you with regard to your stage of cancer or treatment. (Should cancer recur, your reconstructed breast will not interfere with further treatment. However, such treatment may affect the appearance of your reconstructed breast.)

 

Where do I begin?

A consultation with Dr. Han is the first step to learn how breast reconstruction can enhance your body image. The doctor will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery..

You should arrive ready to provide complete information about:

  • Previous surgical procedures
  • Past and present medical conditions
  • Medications you are taking, including herbal remedies or nutritional supplements
  • The results of mammograms you have had

As part of the consultation, your breasts will be examined and perhaps photographed for your medical record.

 

What can I do to prepare?

The doctor will carefully explain the surgical procedure recommended for your specific case. Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery
  • Stopping smoking for a period of time before and after surgery
  • Arranging for help or special care following surgery
  • Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
  • Day of surgery instructions and medications
  • Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
  • Postoperative care and follow-up

You will be asked to sign consent forms to assure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.

It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcome or preoperative stress. It’s very important to address all your questions and concerns directly with the doctor.

 

How is breast reconstruction performed?

There are many options available in breast reconstruction. Your anatomy, the doctor’s preferences and your desired results will help determine which method is best for you.

Skin Expansion with a Breast Implant

This is the most common method of reconstructing a breast. Following mastectomy, a balloon expander is inserted beneath the skin and chest muscle. Over several weeks, the expander balloon is gradually filled with a salt-water solution, causing the overlying skin to stretch. When the skin has stretched sufficiently, the expander is surgically replaced with a more permanent implant or left in place as the final implant. The nipple and the skin surrounding it, called the areola, are reconstructed in a later procedure.

In rare cases, when a sufficient amount of skin is available, an implant can be placed without the preliminary skin-expansion step.

Flap Reconstruction

Although flap reconstruction is more involved at the initial procedure then reconstruction with an implant, many women prefer it because it may allow the breast to be rebuilt with natural tissue. Also, unlike the tissue-expander method the breast mound is completed at the initial operation, without the need for expansion over an extended time period.

In one method, the breast is reconstructed using a tissue flap-consisting of a portion of skin, fat and muscle-that is taken from the back, or abdomen. Sometimes an implant will be inserted as well.

In a more complex flap technique, tissue that is removed from the abdomen is surgically transplanted to the chest by reconnecting the flap’s blood vessels to vessels in the chest region. Although more complicated, this microsurgical reconstruction may provide a more natural and less traumatic reconstruction in many women.

Although recovery from flap reconstruction may take longer than with implant reconstruction at the initial procedure, it does not require a secondary procedure for placing a permanent implant, nor does it require the weekly office visits needed for tissue expansion.

All of these procedures have advantages and disadvantages, and many times the choice of procedures is limited by other health factors, such as weight, other medical conditions and previous cancer therapy. Dr. Han will help you to determine which is the best procedure for you.

Follow-up Procedures

Once the breast mound is restored in the initial procedure, one or more follow-up procedures will be performed to replace a tissue expander with a permanent implant or to reconstruct the nipple and areola. The doctor may also recommend an additional operation to lift or reduce the opposite breast to match the appearance of the reconstructed breast.

 

What happens after surgery?

When surgery is complete, you’ll be taken to a recovery area. Small drainage tubes may have been placed beneath the skin near the surgical sites to help prevent fluids from accumulating.

On the day of surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short periods of time. Most of the discomfort you feel in the days following the procedure can be controlled with prescribed medications.

Recovering from a combined mastectomy and reconstruction or from a flap reconstruction typically takes longer than recovery from an implant reconstruction or a reconstruction performed apart from the mastectomy. Although everyone heals at a different rate, your recovery may follow this general timeline:

 

Within one week

  • Surgical drains (if used) will be removed and dressing will be changed.
  • Your stitches will be removed
 

After two weeks

  • Any lingering soreness at the surgical sites will diminish
  • You will feel less fatigued and have more energy
 

After several weeks

  • You may return to most of your normal activities, including sports and sexual activity
  • You may begin stretching exercises recommended by your plastic surgeon.
  • Your scars will begin to fade, although it may take many months to see substantial fading.
 

What should I know about my results?

If you are like most women who undergo breast reconstruction, you will find that the procedure provides both physical and emotional rewards. For many women, breast reconstruction represents a new start, the chance to put breast cancer behind them and get on with their lives. You should expect to go through a period of adjustment to your new look. However, any concerns about your new shape are likely to pass within a few months as you begin to think of the reconstructed breast as your own.

 

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Location

Hauw T Han, MD, LLC
7760 West VOA Park Drive, Suite H
West Chester, OH 45069
Phone: 513-540-1454
Fax: 5137554760

Office Hours

Get in touch

513-540-1454