Breast Procedures

Performing Breast Procedures for Boston and New England

Interested in undergoing a breast procedure but confused about which option is best for your goals? At Cosmetic Surgery Experts, Dr. Volpe regularly performs a variety of breast procedures in Boston, including breast augmentations, breast lifts, and breast reduction surgery.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation, or mammaplasty, is a procedure performed to add more volume to the breasts. This procedure is recommended to patients who want to increase their breast size out of aesthetic preference, after pregnancy, or after losing significant weight. During the consultation, breast augmentation patients will be asked about their goals to determine the most suitable implant for the procedure.

Breast Implant Revision

After a breast augmentation, people may experience concerns like asymmetrical breasts or capsular contracture. Breast implant revision can be performed to correct these issues and help people feel satisfied with their breast augmentation results.

Breast Lift

The process of aging can lead to sagging breasts, which can be corrected with a breast lift. In a breast lift procedure, the loose skin is lifted and the excess is removed to restore contour and shape. This creates a more youthful appearance. The type of lift performed will depend on the amount of tissue to be removed.

Breast Reduction

Large breasts may cause neck, shoulder, or back pain for some women. It can also limit physical activities like sports. These concerns can be improved with a breast reduction procedure. This surgery removes excess glandular breast tissue, fat, and/or skin to make the breasts lighter.

Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction is performed for patients with gynecomastia that cannot be reduced through exercise or other non-surgical methods. Gynecomastia is a medical condition where oversized male breast tissue is present, creating the appearance of male breasts. This is common and may cause distress or insecurity. Undergoing the procedure can help patients achieve flatter and more masculine chest contours.

Nipple Repair

Nipple repair can improve the nipples’ overall appearance after breastfeeding or nursing. Many techniques are available to address inverted nipples, reduce areola and nipple size, and correct asymmetries.

Silicone vs. Saline Breast Implants

Silicone and saline are the common choices for breast implants. Both types of implants are FDA-approved and have been seen to provide excellent results. Saline implants will be recommended for patients who are at least 18 years old. Silicone can be offered to patients who are at least 22 years old. Each type has its pros and cons, which can be discussed during your consultation.

Your Consultation

During the consultation, Dr. Volpe will ask patients about their appearance concerns, complete medical history, and lifestyle habits. This information will help Dr. Volpe plan and prepare the best procedure for their needs. Dr. Volpe will then go over the details of the selected breast procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Should I Expect in Terms of Scarring After Breast Surgery?

Scarring is an inevitable part of the healing process following any surgery, including breast surgery. The extent and appearance of scars depend on the specific procedure performed, the surgeon’s technique, and your body’s healing response. Here are common breast surgeries and their typical scarring:

• Breast Augmentation: Incisions can be made in inconspicuous areas such as under the breast (inframammary), around the nipple (periareolar), or under the arm (transaxillary). These incisions typically heal well, leaving minimal scarring.
• Breast Reduction and Lift: These procedures require more extensive incisions, often resulting in an anchor-shaped scar that circles the areola, extends vertically down, and then horizontally along the breast crease. Although more visible, these scars usually fade over time.

Scars can be minimized with proper wound care, avoiding sun exposure, and following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions meticulously. Silicone sheets or gel, steroid injections, and laser treatments are options for managing scars post-healing.

Can Breast Surgery Affect Sensation in the Breast or Nipple Area?

Changes in sensation in the breast or nipple area are common after breast surgery. This can range from increased sensitivity to numbness. While many patients experience temporary changes, these sensations usually return to normal within a few months to a year. However, some patients may experience permanent changes in sensation, particularly after procedures involving significant alterations to the breast, such as reductions or reconstructions. The likelihood of permanent sensation changes can depend on the surgical technique used and individual healing processes.

How Long Will I Need to Take Off Work After Breast Surgery?

Recovery times vary depending on the type of breast surgery performed and the nature of your job. Generally, patients need to take:

• 1-2 weeks off work for breast augmentation or reduction surgeries, with a gradual return to normal activities.
• 5-7 days for less invasive procedures, such as a breast lift.

Your recovery may be longer if your job involves physical labor or lifting. It’s best to follow your surgeon’s advice on when to resume work and normal activities to ensure a smooth and quick.

What Kind of Support Garments Will I Need After Surgery?

Post-surgery, wearing a supportive garment is important for comfort, support, and speeding up the healing process. Surgeons typically recommend:
A surgical bra without underwires, offering firm support.
Compression garments in cases of augmentation or reduction to reduce swelling and support the new breast contour.
You may need to wear these garments for several weeks, following your surgeon’s specific recommendations to ensure the best outcome.

Is Breastfeeding Possible After Breast Surgery?

Breastfeeding after surgery depends on the type of procedure and how it was performed. Surgeries that involve incisions around the areola or significant tissue removal, such as reductions, may impact milk ducts and nerves, potentially affecting breastfeeding ability. However, many women can successfully breastfeed after augmentation or lift procedures. It’s important to discuss your breastfeeding goals with your surgeon during the planning stages of your surgery.

What are the Long-Term Considerations for Breast Implants?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement over time. On average, implants can last 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer, before needing replacement due to changes in breast tissue or preferences, or implant complications like rupture or capsular contracture. Routine follow-ups with your surgeon and regular breast imaging can help monitor the condition of your implants.

Can I Undergo a Breast Procedure if I Plan to Lose Weight?

Significant weight loss can alter breast shape and size, affecting the results of breast surgery. It’s generally recommended to be at or near your ideal weight before undergoing breast surgery to ensure the results are consistent with your body’s final shape and size. If you plan significant weight loss, discuss this with your surgeon, as they may advise waiting until your weight stabilizes to proceed with surgery.

Contact Us to Learn More

To learn more about breast procedures in Boston, contact Cosmetic Surgery Experts and schedule a consultation. Dr. Volpe will be available to discuss your appearance goals and recommend the best procedure for you.