What to expect: Breast Augmentation

Average Time:
One to two hours
Anesthesia:
General
Am I a good candidate?
Fully developed breasts, in good health, non-smoker, asymmetrical breasts, unhappy when you look at the size or shape of your breasts
Recovery:
Recovery instructions will be given to you post-surgery.
Risks:
Scarring, bleeding, infection, pain, leakage or rupture, anesthesia risks, or change in nipple sensation
Inpatient/Outpatient:
Outpatient
Cost:
The cost of the procedure will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Peterson.

Potential patients must understand that the ideal shape and size of breasts varies from body type to body type, and going into the process with realistic expectations is crucial. When you come in for your breast augmentation consultation, be prepared to share with Dr. Peterson what you hope to accomplish from the surgery.

Breast augmentation will not correct severely drooping breasts. After talking with Dr. Peterson, you may decide that a breast lift will deliver your desired outcome. If you would like fuller breasts in addition to reversing the effects of sagging, a breast lift can be performed in conjunction with breast augmentation.

Surgery Details

Dr. Peterson will make a small incision in an inconspicuous area to minimize the visibility of your scars. A pocket for the implant will be created either under the pectoral muscle or directly under the breast tissue. The positioning of the implant is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on body type and the size of the implant. The procedure varies slightly according to the type of implant being used.

What to expect: Breast Lift

Average Time:
One to two hours
Anesthesia:
General
Am I a good candidate?
Fully developed breasts, in good health, non-smoker, sagging breast tissue
Recovery:
Recovery instructions will be given to you post-surgery.
Risks:
Noticeable scarring, bleeding, infection, poor healing, breast asymmetry, uneven breast contour, and anesthesia risks
Inpatient/Outpatient:
Outpatient
Cost:
The cost of the procedure will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Peterson.

Often, due to pregnancy and breast-feeding, weight loss, heredity, or simply the effects of aging, a woman's breasts begin to sag and lose their firmness over time.

A breast lift will not significantly change the volume of your breasts. Sometimes aging causes a loss of breast volume, and if you are interested in breast augmentation, Dr. Peterson will work with you to help you make choices that will lead to your desired outcome.

Surgery Details

After the incisions have been made, Dr. Peterson will lift the tissue that makes up your breasts to improve contour and shape and provide firmness. She will also remove excess skin and lift the areolas to a higher and more youthful position. If your areolas have become enlarged over time, she may also reduce them by excising some of the surrounding skin.

Once the skin has been tightened and your incisions have been closed, the change in breast shape and position will be immediately noticeable.

What to expect: Breast Reconstruction

Average Time:
The length of the procedure will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Peterson.
Anesthesia:
General
Am I a good candidate?
Have had a mastectomy, in good health, non-smoker, not currently undergoing cancer treatments
Recovery:
Recovery instructions will be given to you post-surgery.
Risks:
Scarring, bleeding, infection, poor healing, anesthesia risks, capsular contracture, or implant rupture
Inpatient/Outpatient:
Both are possible
Cost:
The cost of the procedure will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Peterson.

The procedure can restore the form and symmetry of the breasts and provide a natural appearance. If you are struggling with changes brought about due to a single or double mastectomy or a lumpectomy, Dr. Peterson can help you regain your peace of mind and confidence in your appearance.

Every potential breast reconstruction is different, and the right course of action is contingent on the effects of cancer or other condition that forced the patient to have a breast or breast tissue removed.

Reconstruction typically involves a number of procedures. Dr. Peterson may decide that the process can begin at the same time as your mastectomy or suggest that it be delayed until your body has had time to recover from the mastectomy and the effects of cancer treatment.

Surgery Details

If you are undergoing a skin-expansion reconstruction, your surgery will involve insertion of a tissue expander beneath your chest muscle. Dr. Peterson will gradually, over the course of months, fill the expander, creating space beneath the skin for an implant to be inserted. Once the skin is sufficiently stretched, the expander will be removed, and a silicone or saline implant will be inserted during a second procedure.

If you are undergoing a flap procedure, Dr. Peterson will use donor muscle, fat, and skin from your abdomen or back to reconstruct the breast. There are a number of different types of flap procedures. Sometimes, these techniques can be used to form a complete breast. Other times, they will provide a base to accept a breast implant.

Careful monitoring of breast health is a key component of a successful recovery from breast reconstruction. Be sure to perform self-exams and schedule mammograms consistently.

As a reconstructive procedure, your insurance company will likely pick up some of the cost of your breast reconstruction. Depending on your particular provider, insurance may cover the majority or only a small portion of your costs. Our office staff will work with you to understand how much assistance your insurance company will provide.

What to expect: Breast Reduction

Average Time:
Three to four hours
Anesthesia:
General
Am I a good candidate?
Find out if you’re a good candidate by scheduling a consultation.
Recovery:
Recovery instructions will be given to you post-surgery.
Risks:
Scarring, bleeding, infection, poor healing, anesthesia risk, and breast asymmetry
Inpatient/Outpatient:
Inpatient
Cost:
The cost of the procedure will be discussed at your consultation with Dr. Peterson.

For Women

Excess breast tissue prevents many women from leading the active life they desire and can cause significant pain and discomfort in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Maybe more importantly, overly large breasts can lead to a poor self-image. It can be difficult to find flattering clothes, and many women with large breasts feel extremely self-conscious about their figure and appearance. If your breast size is preventing you from living the life that you want, breast reduction could make everyday tasks more comfortable.

Surgery Details

A number of different incision patterns and techniques are available. Dr. Peterson will determine the best option for your procedure during your pre-operative appointments. The size of your breasts, skin elasticity, and the position of your areolas are all factors in this decision.

After the incisions have been made, Dr. Peterson will remove excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue. If necessary, liposuction can be used to remove additional fat.

Depending on the degree to which the nipples have been displaced, Dr. Peterson will reposition them and reduce the size of the areola, if necessary. Skin will then be tightened to evenly cover and reshape the smaller breast. Incision lines will never completely disappear but will fade considerably over time.

Most insurance companies consider breast reduction to be a reconstructive procedure and offer at least partial coverage. Often, pre-certification is required as a condition of coverage. Our office staff would be happy to work with you to understand what your insurer will and will not cover.

For Men

Gynecomastia is a condition in which a man's breasts become overly developed due to factors including a change in hormone balance, simple heredity, disease, or the use of certain drugs.

The condition is very common in adolescent boys but usually disappears by adulthood. Adult men who suffer from the condition often struggle to come to grips with their body image and try to avoid activities that lead to embarrassment. If you're a man who is unhappy with the size of his chest, breast reduction surgery can help you become more comfortable with your appearance.