Exoderm {the original} & Exodermology Medical Centers       

 

Breast Lifts
 

Most women will experience varying degrees of breast sagging and loss of firmness at some stage in their lives. The cause may be a tendency that one inherits. It may be due to pregnancy, alternate weight gain and loss, or simply be part of the normal ageing process. These progressive changes are normally noted between the ages of twenty to mid forties. The size of the breast in total volume may remain the same, but the firmness and erect position of youth are lost. The breasts have become pendulous, flattened and displaced to varying degrees, with loss of female contour.
 


Mastopexy is the surgical name for the operation that can restore the firmness of the breasts, and correct their position on the chest wall without increasing or decreasing their size. The operation involves a rearrangement of the soft tissues, shifting of the nipple position, and increasing firmness by tightening the skin covering. Position of the incisions can vary and this should be discussed with the surgeon. The incisions are intended to be as minimal and as concealed as possible. Nipple sensation usually returns to normal although there could be some numbness during the healing process. “Perfect” breasts are not a realistic expectation, but symmetry is the goal. The question of long term results with regard to scarring, nipple sensation, asymmetry and permanency of effect should be discussed with our consultants .

The operation is performed under general anesthesia and an overnight stay in the clinic is required. Stitch removal usually takes place at first post operative visit and patients may return to work within one to two weeks. Post-operative care instructions will be given by the surgeon and these must be carefully followed. This includes avoiding strenuous exercise, and being careful not to stretch the scars and skin. After the operation there will be some swelling and bruising and perhaps a sensation of skin tightness but these are temporary and only last a few days.

Risks 

 
 
 
 
With this operation there is a minimal risk of soft tissue loss, and the usual risks attached to any surgical procedure such as infection, bleeding, haematomas (blood collection under the skin) would apply. These risks are unlikely to occur, are usually not hazardous, can be treated by routine methods and would not affect ultimate results. They should be discussed fully, together with any other questions you may have, at consultation with the surgeon.

Mastopexy can be performed on its own or may be combined with breast augmentation, which is the insertion of implants to achieve the desired result. An implant can add size and firmness. This is a decision you would ultimately make on your own after your consultation with the surgeon who can advise you on this point.

Mastopexy is an excellent surgical procedure. It produces rejuvenated breasts, which is the anatomical objective, but it must be remembered that the benefits extend way beyond this in terms of enhanced self-image and self-confidence. It has helped many women return to more youthful and feminine contours and thus makes a significant contribution to feelings of femininity and a general sense of well-being.


        

 

It is a fact, unfortunately, that no amount of exercise, hormonal treatment, or creams will have any noticeable effect on the size of small breasts. There is no method, other than surgical correction using implants, that can increase the size and fullness of the breast, and thus augmentation Mammoplasty has become a very popular method of enhancing the female form. I have been involved with this popular operation for the last 25 years and witnessed the evolution of this operation with all types of implants used.

This operation has been successful in this country and worldwide and has helped many women attain a better figure, which in turn has made an important psychological contribution to their feelings of femininity, confidence, general sense of well-being and happiness. Physical and psychological factors are closely linked in this area.


Patients are very carefully assessed by the surgeon in order to assist patients in realizing their expectations and to achieve a mutual understanding.

 


 
 
Augmentation Mammoplasty is suitable for women who perceive their breasts as being too small, either because they have never had full development of breast tissue, or as a result of the loss of breast tissue that sometimes occurs after pregnancy and breast-feeding. Small breasts may also be due to massive weight loss. If breast sagging accompanies small breast volume, a breast uplift operation, Mastopexy, may be required. Augmentation and Mastopexy can be performed together or separately. Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is also performed to correct the deformity resulting from the removal of a breast, e.g. for cancer. Modern surgical techniques allow the aesthetic plastic surgeon to simulate a breast, and free the mastectomy patient from the need to wear an external prosthesis within the bra.

This surgery does not usually alter breast function. Since the operation does not interfere with breast tissue, the possibility of breast-feeding after pregnancy remains unaltered. It must be remembered that not all women can breast-feed successfully anyway - the important point here being that the breast will function the same after treatment as before. There may be altered nipple sensation.

Augmentation Mammoplasty does not increase or decrease the chances of later developing breast cancer. Hundreds of thousands of augmentation Mammoplasty have been performed worldwide and there has never been any demonstrated relationship between breast enlargement treatment using implants and future breast cancer or other breast disease. Detection of lumps can be easily diagnosed with modern methods.

Augmentation Mammoplasty involve the small breast being made larger by the insertion of a pre-formed ‘gelatine-like’ material implant, into a pocket behind each breast, through a small incision. (This is not to be confused with silicone injections that are not used). The implant is placed either above or below the pectoralis muscle that covers the ribcage. The texture of the implant is very similar to the natural feel of the breast. The size of the implant can vary, according to the wishes of the patient and the advice of the surgeon. However, the size selected is based on the degree of stretch within the breast and the amount of breast tissue available to accommodate the implant. The patient’s general physique and stature must also be taken into account. There are now seizers available to assess the desired size of implant. A natural looking result is the aim.

 

 
 

 
 
Incisions
There are several variations to the above-described technique. Different types of implant may be used. The location of the incision can be varied. It may be beneath the breast in the normal fold of skin, or in the armpit, or it may be in the areola, the pigmented area surrounding the nipple. These variations can be discussed in greater detail with your consultant. The main purpose of the procedure is to make the breasts as attractive as possible. There will be scars but these will be kept as small as possible and either hidden, as stated above, beneath the nipple or under the creases of the breast or in the armpit. In either case they usually fade and become almost unnoticeable after a period of time.

Some factors to be considered when making your choice of implants are the compatibility of implant materials with your body over time, the need to have a well read mammogram, and to be able to follow the implant over a long time. Implants are man-made and can wear out. Of course, the implants need to look and feel right. All breast implants utilize a silicone shell but the fillings differ. Silicone implants are gel-filled; saline implants are filled with salt water.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia or local in certain cases. The procedure itself takes about one to one and half-hours as a general guide. An overnight stay in the clinic is required. After surgery a supportive dressing is placed over the breast. One day later this dressing is removed and the patient must then follow the surgeon's instructions on the wearing of the correct size bra. Arm movements must be restricted for a few days. Stitches will dissolve and are not removed; the patient can usually return to work within seven to ten days. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise must definitely be avoided for three weeks, and patients should take six weeks to gradually resume full activity. Any surgical procedure of this extent will result in slight swelling. At first a feeling of fullness, soreness and discomfort is almost routine, but adequate pain relief medication can be prescribed. Aspirin or any medication that may contain aspirin should never be used.

Risk 

 
 
 
1. Bleeding (not life threatening) - Any surgery carries the risk of bleeding or haematoma (collection of blood under the skin). Bleeding can occur although this has been minimized by using fiber optic lights. If it occurs early, postoperative stage, surgical drainage may be necessary. Any fluid collection around implants may also require drainage.

2. A small percentage can get infected which will lead to break down of the incision necessitating the temporary removal of the implant until the infection clears. A new implant would be inserted about 3 months later.

3. Capsular contracture/calcification has been dramatically reduces due to new implants - The most common problem with any type of breast implant is a slowly developing firmness called “capsular contracture”. The body’s natural response creates a layer of scar tissue (“capsule”) around the entire surface of any type of implant. Ideally, the scar capsule will remain thin and pliable. However, if the scar tissue shrinks and thickens (contracts), it may compress the implant, making the breast round and firm, sometimes tender and immobile. Capsular contracture can start anytime after surgery, even several years later, most commonly on one side only. Often capsular contracture does not occur at all.

Because some form of scar capsule always occurs with a breast implant, capsular contracture is considered an inherent risk of a breast implant. No one is sure of the cause, and some women have no scar problems. However, it is believed that the surgical method - whether placing the implant under the chest muscle or above - as well as the composition and surface treatment of the shell, can combine to modify the body’s response.

Always discuss treatment of capsular contracture with your surgeon.

4. Breast Symmetry & Shape - Breast Augmentation does not correct the asymmetry of the breasts and the implants usually take the original shape of the breasts. Capsule formation can change the shape of the breast, which might need further surgery to correct it.

5. Pain & Discomfort - Some occurs in the early post operative stage which normally subsides as the healing takes place.

6. Rippling of implants

7. Leakage or Rupture of the Implant - Modern implants are extremely difficult to burst however this can happen as a result of a severe blow to the chest or a road traffic accident. Very occasionally the implant may rupture during manipulation. Shells may simply wear out. Filler which has leaked may require surgical removal. Rupture can be diagnosed by ultrasound or breast x-ray.

 


 
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7. Breast Examination & X-rays - There is no doubt that the presence of a Breast Implant could interfere with the ability of a radiologist to read a mammogram (breast X-Rays). Not being able to make a good reading could hinder the detection of early cancer but there are now techniques, which overcome this problem. Statistics have shown that mammograms are just as useful in detecting early cancer in those with implants as in those without when read properly. There are specific techniques for viewing tissue around implants. You must inform the physician ordering the X-ray and the one performing the X-ray to take a “diagnostic X-ray”, e.g., multiple views.

8. Any surgery or injury to the breast may produce small spots of calcium, which may be seen on mammography. These deposits may not occur until years after the surgery and occasionally a biopsy may be necessary to confirm that the spots are harmless.

9. Sensory changes - some impairment of sensation of the nipple may occur following surgery. Usually all sensation returns to normal in a few weeks; occasionally, changes in sensation may be permanent. Sometimes the nipple area can become extra sensitive. In addition, sensitivity in the lower portion of the breast may be impaired until the sensory nerves recover. Some patients even report an electric shock type of sensation. These changes usually settle given time.

10. Rejection - True rejection is extremely rare.

11. Auto-immune Disease - The main reason why silicone is so widely used for medical purposes is that it is considered inert and biocompatible, or neutral, in the body. Despite this medical understanding, recent reports in the media have suggested that silicone implants might cause auto-immune disease, or specifically connected tissue disorders. Connective tissue disorders occur independently in the general population. Statistically, women to begin with have a higher incidence of auto-immune disease than men. Types of the disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), occur often coincidentally along with implants. These patients may also have silicone breast implants; this does not mean the implants caused the disorders. The cause and effect relationship between breast implants and these diseases has never been proven.

Reduction Mammoplasty is the name given to the surgical treatment designed to overcome a number of problems caused by excessively large and pendulous breasts. The breasts are naturally too large through the development of excessive breast tissue. This may have caused stretching and relaxation of the supporting breasts ligaments that results in sagging and loss of the desired feminine outline. This condition can be as psychologically disturbing to a woman as extremely small breasts, causing feelings of self-consciousness and embarrassment. However, there are physical problems associated with excessively large breasts - breast discomfort, shoulder and neck pain and backache are prevalent.

Participation in various athletic activities is limited. If the condition is left unchecked into later maturity it may affect the posture through strain and a possible curvature of the spine. Lesser problems, but very still very frustrating, relate to the need for special supportive undergarments, and difficulty in finding suitable clothing to fit in readily available sizes.


 
Successful treatment of this condition by means of surgery is not new, and has been practiced for more than fifty years. The operation is designed to reduce, uplift and firm the breasts. It involves the reduction of breast volume, removal of the breast tissue and the restoration of a normal contour consistent with the patient’s skeletal proportions to give a natural appearance. It also involves the repositioning of the nipple to a level consistent with the new breast shape. Results are very good.

With this operation the ability to breast-feed is sometimes affected. Nipple sensitivity may be partially or completely lost depending on the treatment selected. Sometimes numbness occurs related to the scar areas. It is unlikely but there may be some asymmetry of the breasts, but it should be noted that no two breasts are identical, even in the normal state and that absolute perfect symmetry is not a reasonable expectation. It is rare but scars can sometimes widen, and may need revision at a later date.


The first very important step in this, as in any, treatment, is the consultation with the surgeon when patients are very carefully assessed. Developing a patient’s personal understanding of what can be achieved is vital in achieving effective results. Surgeon and patient must aim to develop a mutual understanding.

 

 
 

The first very important step in this, as in any, treatment, is the consultation with the surgeon when patients are very carefully assessed. Developing a patient’s personal understanding of what can be achieved is vital in achieving effective results. Surgeon and patient must aim to develop a mutual understanding.

The operation is performed under general anesthetic and takes about two to three hours. It necessitates a one or two nights stay in the clinic. As far as possible incisions are made in the fold under the breast or around the pigmented nipple area (the areola) in order to minimize scarring. However, there will be scars, even if they are hidden in natural contours but most will fade and improve with time. The position of these, together with any other questions you may have, should be fully discussed with your surgeon at consultation. After the operation there may be some discomfort, but pain relief medication can be administered as required. A dressing is worn post-operatively and sutures will be removed at your post op visit. It is most important to follow the post operative instructions carefully. Physical activities must be restricted for at least six weeks, and supportive garments worn as instructed. It takes about a year for scars to fade and for the breasts to settle fully into the new shape.

Finally, results of this operation are extremely successful and rewarding for patients. A typical comment afterwards is "If I had known how easy it was, I would have had it done earlier’.

 Exoderms cosmetic  surgeries

Exoderm - the original non surgery face lift

Forehead Lift
tightens the forehead and raises the brow

Hair transplantation

Chemical peels - botox - filers,

 tightens facial and neck tissues

Blepharoplasty
tighten both lower eyelids
 tighten both upper eyelids
tighten upper and lower eyelids both sides

Eyelid Ptosis Surgery
 tightens both upper eyelid muscles

Nose Job

(Rhinoplasty)
changes the appearance of the nose

Ear Pin Back (Otoplasty)
sculpts the ear closer to the head

Torn Earlobe Repair
 one ear lobe

restores nipple protrusio

Nose Surgery

Nasal Sculpture - Rhinoplasty Septoplasty  

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)
 elevates sagging breasts

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)  Women
 reduces breast size

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
reduces enlarged breasts in men
Mini-Tummy Tuck and

Liposuction
removes the low abdominal redundancy
Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty
tightens skin and removes extra fat

Belly Button Umbilicoplasty (already included in the fee when done as part of a tummy tuck) Navel Surgery alone-changes the shape of the belly button

Thigh Lift
 tightens the buttocks and thighs

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)
 tightens the skin of the upper arm

Liposuction and Tumescent Suction

Lipectomy  removes localized excess fat first region

(includes left and right sides)

Eye laser-  all corrections

AntiAging treatments ,

spa, body care, and more.

Dental  clinic

all treatments - in just one day

including anesthesia if needed

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