other breast proceduresDr. Ratliff also performs other breast procedures, such as breast lifts, breast reduction, and male breast reduction (Gynecomastia). Learn more about these procedures below. Breast Lift Time, gravity, pregnancies, breast feeding and other elements work to remove volume from women’s breasts and rob their skin of elasticity. The effects will often be sagging breasts. A solution for this situation is the breast lift, or mastopexy. This surgical procedure can raise and reshape breasts and reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple if desired. The advantage of the breast lift is a more natural appearing breast because no implant is used. The disadvantage is significantly more scarring than a breast augmentation. Women with smaller breasts or breasts that have lost volume, often choose to have breast implants inserted in conjunction with a breast lift to increase both firmness and size. If you are planning to have more children, you may want to postpone this surgery until after having children. What to expect A typical breast lift procedure involves removing excess skin and moving the areola and nipple to a higher location on the breast. You may have a visible scar form the areola to the lower crease of the breast following this surgery. This surgery may also be performed along with breast augmentation. Dr. Ratliff will advise you regarding the best course of treatment to achieve your desired results. Following the surgery, you may be uncomfortable for a day or two and you will be given specific instructions about protecting the incision and appropriate support bras. It is important that you follow your postoperative instructions completely. It is typical to experience some numbness in the breast following surgery, but that usually fades as the swelling goes down. Dr. Ratliff will make every effort to leave scars from the surgery as inconspicuous as possible. However, it is important to understand that some scarring will occur and that scarring will be permanent. To learn more about Breast Lifts, click here to visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site now. Breast Reduction Though women with small breasts may be envious of more endowed women, when breasts are too large, they can cause a variety of problems, including back and neck pain and joint problems. Extremely large breasts can also cause women to be self-conscious and insecure about their appearances. Breast reduction, or mammoplasty, is most often performed to relieve physical or medical problems. During the procedure fat and excess skin is removed to make the breasts smaller. For some patients, liposuction is performed either as part of the surgery or as an alternative treatment. Breast reduction is not recommended for women who intend to breast-feed. What to expect Most often an incision is made around the areola/nipple and extends down to the crease of the breast. Excess tissue and skin is removed, the skin is pulled together, and the areola and nipple are moved to a new location higher on the breast. During surgery, which is usually performed in a hospital setting, a small tube is placed in each breast to allow blood and fluids to drain. This tube is kept in place for a day or two. You may experience pain for a few days and your activities may be restricted. You will also be instructed on the proper support garments that need to be worn. It is most important that you follow postoperative instruction fully. It may take some time before your breasts settle into their new shape. Dr. Ratliff will advise you as to what you can expect during recovery. To learn more about Breast Reduction, click here to visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site now. Male Breast Reduction For many man, pointed breasts are quite common, affecting up to 60 percent of all men. This condition, which can affect one or both breasts, can lead to self-consciousness about appearance. Male breast reduction surgery offers the opportunity to correct this condition. The surgical procedure removes fat and glandular tissue from the breast, resulting in a firmer, flatter chest. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. What to expect During male breast reduction, breast tissue is removed from an incision made in an inconspicuous location -- either on the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. Liposuction may also be utilized to remove fat tissue. If liposuction alone will accomplish significant tissue removal, a slim hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through a small incision. Using strong, deliberate stokes, Dr. Ratliff moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. Patients may feel a vibration or some friction during the procedure, but generally no pain. If a large amount of tissue must be removed, excess skin may also have to be removed to allow it to contour to the new chest size. Patients will experience some pain and discomfort for a few days after surgery. An elastic garment may be worn to help reduce swelling. You may be instructed to avoid sports or jobs that risk a blow to your chest. Dr. Ratliff will provide you with postoperative instructions. You will need to follow these instruction closely for optimal outcome. To learn more about Male Breast Reduction, click here to visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web site now.
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