Since time in memorial, the breast has been the premise of poetry, the subject of art, a symbol of femininity, an icon of sexuality, and an image of fertility. No wonder American women and men are obsessed with pretty breasts!

Dr. Branfman's reputation for shaping, forming, and ultimately creating a more youthful, attractive breast has made him a much sought-after surgeon. Perhaps this reflects the fame of his mentors who first introduced the breast implant, or his female dominated life, run by a wife, three daughters, a female black Labrador, six women in the office, and most of his patients being women.

Breast enhancement can do more than enhance appearance. It can have a dramatic effect on confidence and self-esteem. The best candidates are women who have realistic expectations, and are looking for improvement, not perfection. During the consultation, Dr. Branfman will discuss your specific goals. He will help you understand the factors that may affect your results, such as the size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin and the location of your nipples and areola. In addition, Dr. Branfman will discuss the plethora of available options for breast enhancement.

 

Augmentation Mammoplasty

Small breasts may be due to under-development, weight loss, or atrophy after pregnancy. Breast enlargement is performed with the placement of breast implants (either saline or silicone) beneath the breast tissue and either above or below a muscle. A small (less than four cm) incision is made either in the fold beneath the breast, at the junction of the dark areola tissue and lighter skin, or through the armpit. There is not one 'right way' to do the operation , just as no key fits every lock . All patients are evaluated individually, and different techniques are discussed.

Breast augmentation is performed on an outpatient basis. You can usually return to work in 3-5 days; recommence most activities by 2 weeks, and at 6 weeks, vigorous exercise is resumes. Breast implants were invented by a human being, and are made in a factory. They will not last forever. But, then again, either will we!

 

Mastopexy

The effects of 'breast maturity', i.e., time, gravity, weight changes, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and breast feeding, have an obviously detrimental effect on breast appearance. As these changes take their toll, the skin loses its elasticity, the breasts lose their shape and firmness and become ptotic (saggy). Mastopexy is the general term for any procedures used to reduce ptosis. Depending on the amount of tissue loss, and the degree of ptosis, several techniques may be used to improve the condition, all of which involve some combination of:

          • Skin tightening
          • Skin excision
          • Gland repositioning
          • Nipple elevation

The most common techniques include:

    • Periareolar mastopexy (Removing excess skin around the nipple only)
    • Vertical mammoplasty ( Removing skin around and below the nipple, and elevating the nipple)
    • Inverted T ( Tightens the entire skin "brassiere," including at and above the fold)
    • Mastopexy with augmentation ( Tightens skin, repositions nipple, and replaces lost volume with the placement of breast implants. )

The length of the surgery and extent of scarring depends on the chosen procedure.

 

Breast Reduction

Large, uncomfortable breasts can be a burden, both physically and emotionally. Back pain, shoulder discomfort, and posture abnormalities result in an overall pain in the neck . They can compromise self-esteem, and dominate a woman's body.

Contemporary breast reduction techniques not only remove excessive breast tissue, resulting in a more proportionate and comfortable size, they also can result in an attractive figure, more youthful appearing breasts, and a boost in self- confidence.

 

Breast Reconstruction

According to Dr. Branfman, the reconstruction of a breast after mastectomy is the epitome of plastic surgery. It is an amalgam of medicine, surgery, anatomy, psychology, reconstructive surgery, and aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Branfman has been performing breast reconstruction since 1989, and spent time under the guidance of the masters at both St. Joseph Hospital, and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Breast Reconstruction can be performed immediately (i.e. in conjunction with mastectomy) or delayed (i.e., months or years later). Various techniques are available, including:

    • Tissue Expansion (Placing and slowly filling temporary implants that gradually stretch the tissues, which are replaced with more permanent implants a few months later.)
    • Latissimus Dorsi Flap (Using a back muscle and skin to form a breast. Usually, an implant is necessary as well.)
    • TRAM Flap (Utilizing a patient's abdominal fat and skin to form a natural feeling and looking breast, without the need for a breast implant.)

A consultation will provide you with extensive information and details regarding the many available options for post-mastectomy breast reconstruction.

 

 

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