What's Possible With MyNipTuck?

Quick Facts (Botox):

Cost: $400-$700
Procedure duration: less than 1 hour
Intensive Healing: 1 day
Total Healing Time: 2-4 days
Anesthesia: Needle-free anesthesia

The cosmetic form of botulinum toxin, often referred to by its product name Botox®, is a popular non-surgical injection that temporarily reduces or eliminates frown lines, forehead creases, crows feet near the eyes and thick bands in the neck. Frown lines and facial creases are caused by overactivity of facial muscles, and Botox is injected into these muscles to help them relax. Botox is the only product of its kind to affect muscles. Botox has been used therapeutically for over 15 years to treat many medical conditions, such as severe disabling neck spasms, eyelid spasms, crossed eyes, and severe underarm sweating. It is approved in over 75 countries. Therapeutic use of Botox remains one of the most widely studied medicines in the world.

What are the common Botox side effects?

Most common side effects include headache, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea. 

What are Botox treatments like?

Botox treatment is quick and minimally invasive. Your doctor places a few tiny injections into the muscles causing the particular frown lines. Your doctor will determine exactly where to achieve the best results based on the anatomy of facial muscles and the location of your frown lines. No anesthesia is required, although your doctor may use a cold pack or anesthetic cream prior to injecting. The entire procedure takes no longer than 10 minutes. There is very minimal discomfort and it is brief. You should expect to see results within days after your treatment. 

How long does Botox last?

In patient studies, Botox has been shown to last up to 30 days in 89 percent of patients and up to 4 months in some patients.

Quick Facts (Ear Surgery):

Cost: $2,000 to $5,000
Procedure duration: 1-2 hours
Intensive Healing: 5-7 days
Total Healing Time: 3-5 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Ear surgery, or otoplasty, is usually done to set prominent ears back closer to the head or to reduce the size of large ears.

For the most part, the operation is done on children between the ages of four and 14. Ears are almost fully grown by age four, and the earlier the surgery, the less teasing and ridicule the child will have to endure. Ear surgery on adults is also possible, and there are generally no additional risks associated with ear surgery on an older patient.

The Surgery

Ear surgery usually takes about two to three hours, although complicated procedures may take longer. The technique will depend on the problem. With one of the more common techniques, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the ear to expose the ear cartilage. He or she will then sculpt the cartilage and bend it back toward the head. Non-removable stitches may be used to help maintain the new shape. Occasionally, the surgeon will remove a larger piece of cartilage to provide a more natural-looking fold when the surgery is complete

Another technique involves a similar incision in the back of the ear. Skin is removed and stitches are used to fold the cartilage back on itself to reshape the ear without removing cartilage. In most cases, ear surgery will leave a faint scar in the back of the ear that will fade with time. Even when only one ear appears to protrude, surgery is usually performed on both ears for a better balance.

Getting back to normal

Adults and children are usually up and around within a few hours of surgery, although you may prefer to stay overnight in the hospital with a child until all the effects of general anesthesia wear off. The patient's head will be wrapped in a bulky bandage immediately following surgery to promote the best molding and healing. The ears may throb or ache a little for a few days, but this can be relieved by medication.

Within a few days, the bulky bandages will be replaced by a lighter head dressing similar to a headband. Be sure to follow your surgeon's directions for wearing this dressing, especially at night. Stitches are usually removed, or will dissolve, in about a week. Any activity in which the ear might be bent should be avoided for a month or so. Most adults can go back to work about five days after surgery. Children can go back to school after seven days or so, if they're careful about playground activity. You may want to ask your child's teacher to keep an eye on the child for a few weeks.

Quick Facts (Chin Surgery):

Cost: $2,500 to $5,000
Procedure duration: 1.5-2 hours
Intensive Healing: 6-10 days
Total Healing Time: 3-5 weeks
Anasthesia: General Anesthesia

Cosmetic chin surgery, also known as mentoplasty, aims at either reshaping the chin either by enhancement with an implant or by reduction of the bone. It is not uncommon for a plastic surgeon to recommend chin surgery to a patient having nose surgery in order to achieve facial proportion since the size of the chin may make the perceived size of the nose bigger or smaller. In most cases chin surgery gives the face more balance.

There are many ways a plastic surgeon can achieve symmetry of the lower face for a nice balanced profile. Once again, it can be achieved by inserting an silicone implant in the chin. Another procedure involves moving the bone forward to build up a receding chin. Also the chin reduction of a jutting or too prominent chin is possible in chin surgery. This is usually done by submental liposuction where excess fatty tissue is removed to redefine the chin or neckline of the patient. Sometimes if there's a contributing problem of birth defects in the structure of the jaw itself, chin surgery of the jaw will improve how the face looks and functions.

The Surgery

Chin Augmentation (or enhancement genioplasty) is one way of providing cosmetic improvement of a small chin. It is performed with a silicone chin implant. This has the added benefit of tightening the submental neck skin (skin below the chin). A small incision inside the mouth or underneath the chin is made and then a small pocket above the chin bone and below the muscle is created. The customized implant goes into the pocket, where it will remain firmly in place. Any scar from an incision made under the chin is negligible. In the second approach, an incision is made inside the mouth, and the plastic surgeon actually takes a portion of the chin bone, moves it forward slightly and secures it into place. There is no visible scarring since all the work is done from inside the mouth. After surgery, the surgeon may tape the chin to hold the implant in place until it's firmly in its new position.

Chin reduction surgery

Genioplasty is a form of chin reduction often used to treat a poorly developed chin (microgenia). This surgery aims at altering a protruding chin by removing excess bone from the chin bone. If you have a projected chin, your surgeon alters it by detaching the tip of the chin bone and sliding it forward to augment the contour. Genioplasty chin surgery is performed through an incision inside the mouth in the area of the lower lip. The tip of the chin is then carefully detached with a dental saw, moved forward and stabilized with wires and plates. This makes the chin more prominent. The surgery may result in swelling for several weeks to months while the bone heals.

Getting back to normal

After surgery, you'll need about a week before you go back to work. At this point, much of the swelling and bruising will have disappeared. However, you may feel numbness and have some swelling for several weeks. You'll have incisions in your mouth, increasing the risk for infection from the bacteria that normally reside there, so be especially vigilant about caring for your mouth (oral hygiene) according to your doctor's instructions. During the recovery period, you'll need to eat only soft foods and protect your face from bumps and other injuries.

Quick Facts (Brachioplasty):

Cost: $1800-$4500, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Procedure duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
Intensive Healing: 1 week
Total Healing Time: 3-4 weeks
Anesthesia: General Anesthesia

Also known as brachioplasty, an arm lift reshapes the under portion of the upper arm, from the underarm region to the elbow.

The Surgery

In the least visible place possible, an incision is made along the underside of the upper arm, and unwanted skin and tissue are carefully removed to reveal the more natural contour of the arms. Liposuction may be used during the arm lift to accentuate your results.

Getting back to normal

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and your arms may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess fluid that may collect.

Quick Facts (rhinoplasty):

Cost: $3,000 to $8,500
Procedure duration: 2-5 hours
Intensive Healing: 2-4 weeks
Total Healing Time: 2-3 months
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a commonly performed surgery that tightens weak or stretched muscles and removes excess skin, creating a flat and toned abdomen.

The Surgery

An abdominoplasty is an operation in which the loose skin and fat of the abdominal wall, particularly around the navel, is removed by tightening and removal of excess skin and fat. It is particularly effective in removing stretch marks from the lower abdomen, but it is important to understand that not all stretch marks can be eliminated. The navel is reinserted into the skin after the tightening procedure.

Getting Back to normal

Most patients require at least one week away from work. The abdominal skin may be tight immediately afterward and it is important to minimize tension on the incision by limiting your activity. You may have thin plastic tubes under your skin for around a week to help drain normal accumulations of fluid. Strenuous activities cannot be resumed for at least 6 weeks after the procedure.

Quick Facts (Restylane):

Cost: $350 to $800 per syringe
Procedure duration: less than 1 hour
Total Healing Time: 2-3 days
Anesthesia: Needle-free anesthesia

For smoothing wrinkles, sculpting lips, and improving other facial features, Restylane injections are a growing favorite. Approved by the FDA in December 2003, Restylane can produce positive results on facial wrinkles, particularly around the mouth and nose. Another benefit is the long-lasting results, as the effects of Restylane treatments can last six months or more.

The Procedure

Restylane injections are administered in the doctor's office, typically for patients aged 35 to 60. It is most often performed with local anesthesia, especially if the lip is being treated. Patients may experience some pain and discomfort from the needle during injection. Depending upon the extent of the treatment, the procedure can take from a few minutes up to 30 minutes. Patients return home shortly after the procedure.

Getting back to Normal

Swelling may be pronounced, lasting for two or three days. Normal activities can be resumed immediately, though patients are advised to stay out of the sun. Unmanageable pain, as well as symptoms that get worse or abnormal, should be reported to the doctor immediately.

Restylane treatments reduce wrinkles by about 80 percent. Restylane is a temporary solution and follow-up treatments may be needed.

 

Quick Facts (rhinoplasty):

Cost: $3,000 to $8,000
Procedure duration: 1-1.5 hours
Intensive Healing: 10-14 days
Total Healing Time: 4-6 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Rhinoplasty is a surgical reshaping of the nose. The term rhinoplasty includes a wide variety of different procedures used to correct several cosmetic defects. While it is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed, it is a difficult one, since the nose is a complex structure made up of both bone and cartilage. People choose rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons, mostly to change the bridge of the nose, the tip of the nose, or both. Some people choose this surgery after an injury or because of a birth defect. Finally, some people have rhinoplasty to improve breathing problems related to the internal structure of the nose.

The Surgery

Rhinoplasty describes a group of procedures chosen based on your individual anatomy and preferences. In consultation with your surgeon, you will decide which procedures are right for the correction you seek. Often, much of the work is performed from inside the nose. However, some procedures are best performed using incisions on the outside of the nose. It is important that your surgeon discusses the procedures in detail before you choose to have the surgery. Rhinoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation. There are benefits to using local anesthesia such as a faster recovery and less cost. However, not all patients are able to tolerate being awake through such an invasive procedure. Once you have been sedated, the surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the entire nose. The procedure will then be performed, the incisions sutured and usually the nose will be packed with dressing material. Splints will then be taped into place.

Getting Back to Normal

Recovery depends in part on the kind of anesthesia used, the procedure performed, and your ability to heal. Initially, you will be unable to breathe through your nose. Often, you will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, and nasal spray. Icepacks are routinely used to reduce swelling. Usually, your first follow-up visit is 24 hours after your surgery, and the second is usually 5-7 days after your surgery. Sutures and splints are usually removed at this visit. Bruising and swelling are normal parts of the recovery process. Most people return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery. Full activity such as contact sports are not allowed for at least 4 weeks. Most of the swelling is usually gone after a few weeks but subtle swelling can last for months.

 

Quick Facts (liposuction):
Cost: $2,000-$5,000
Procedure duration: 1-2 hours per area treated.
Intensive Healing: 3-5 days
Total Healing Time: 4-6 weeks
Anesthesia: The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, local anesthesia and deep sedation, or general anesthesia.

Liposuction is a procedure that results in the removal of unwanted fat from specific regions of the body. It is an effective procedure and the most common cosmetic procedure performed in America. Not surprisingly, it is affordable, rewarding, and a safe way to lose problem areas of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction may be done alone or in combination with another cosmetic procedure. Areas commonly treated include the abdomen, the sides, the middle and outer thighs and the legs. Other regions treated by liposuction are: the chin and neck, the arms, the back, the buttocks and the male breasts. Liposuction improves body contour by removing fatty deposits. It is not a substitute for weight loss. Patients with good skin elasticity may expect a good result. If loose or hanging skin exists in areas being treated, other techniques may be helpful.

The Surgery

Liposuction is generally performed in an outpatient surgical facility under a general anesthetic, although occasionally a small area may be suctioned under a local anesthetic along with  sedation. Incisions are made in inconspicuous skin folds whenever possible. It must be understood that only the layer of fat between the skin and the underlying muscle (the amount you can pinch before surgery) can be suctioned.

The tumescent liposuction technique is used to minimize bruising, swelling, and post-operative pain. The tumescent technique utilizes large volumes of saline that contains local anestheticin combination with adrenaline. Adrenaline temporarily closes the small blood vessels in the fat in order to prevent bleeding. This also helps prevent post-operative bruising.

Bruising and swelling are to be expected after the operation. The bruising usually subsides within one to two weeks. However, the swelling dissipates in anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on the patient and the area treated.

 

Quick Facts (liposuction):
Cost: $2,000-$5,000
Procedure duration: 1-2 hours per area treated.
Intensive Healing: 3-5 days
Total Healing Time: 4-6 weeks
Anesthesia: The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, local anesthesia and deep sedation, or general anesthesia.

Liposuction is a procedure that results in the removal of unwanted fat from specific regions of the body. It is an effective procedure and the most common cosmetic procedure performed in America. Not surprisingly, it is affordable, rewarding, and a safe way to lose problem areas of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction may be done alone or in combination with another cosmetic procedure. Areas commonly treated include the abdomen, the sides, the middle and outer thighs and the legs. Other regions treated by liposuction are: the chin and neck, the arms, the back, the buttocks and the male breasts. Liposuction improves body contour by removing fatty deposits. It is not a substitute for weight loss. Patients with good skin elasticity may expect a good result. If loose or hanging skin exists in areas being treated, other techniques may be helpful.

The Surgery

Liposuction is generally performed in an outpatient surgical facility under a general anesthetic, although occasionally a small area may be suctioned under a local anesthetic along with  sedation. Incisions are made in inconspicuous skin folds whenever possible. It must be understood that only the layer of fat between the skin and the underlying muscle (the amount you can pinch before surgery) can be suctioned.

The tumescent liposuction technique is used to minimize bruising, swelling, and post-operative pain. The tumescent technique utilizes large volumes of saline that contains local anestheticin combination with adrenaline. Adrenaline temporarily closes the small blood vessels in the fat in order to prevent bleeding. This also helps prevent post-operative bruising.

Bruising and swelling are to be expected after the operation. The bruising usually subsides within one to two weeks. However, the swelling dissipates in anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on the patient and the area treated.

 

Quick Facts (male breast reduction):

Cost: $3,000 to $6,000
Procedure duration: 1-2 hours
Intensive Healing: 10-14 days
Total Healing Time: 3-5 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Gynecomastia is a medical term that refers to abnormally large breasts in men. The term comes from the Greek words ‘gyne’ meaning "woman" and ‘mastos’ meaning "breast." This condition, though rarely discussed, is fairly common, and affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. The condition is relatively common in adolescent boys, and 90 percent of the time symptoms disappear in a matter of months. It may affect only one breast or both. Abnormally large breasts in a man may cause an individual to feel self-conscious about his appearance.

The Surgery

If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be cut out with a scalpel. This may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made in a barely visible location, either on the edge of the  dark skin that surrounds the nipple, or in the underarm area. Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars. If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue, liposuction may be all that's needed to remove the fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the nipple or in the underarm area.

Sometimes a small plastic tube is inserted through a separate incision to drain off excess fluids. Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

Getting back to normal

Whether you've had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.

You'll be swollen and bruised for a while--in fact, you may wonder if there's been any improvement at all. To help reduce swelling, you'll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. You'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

Your surgeon may advise you to avoid heavy exercise for about three weeks. You'll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities.

You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.

Quick Facts (male pectoral implants):

Cost: $4,000 to $6,000
Procedure duration: 1-1.5 hours
Intensive Healing: 10-14 days
Total Healing Time: 3-5 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

The fact is that some body types do not achieve chest muscle tone and definition as easily as others. Even with exercise, some men will not be able to see the desired results simply from working out the chest area. The pectoral implant procedure is designed to increase the chest size and shape by inserting implants made of solid silicone under the real muscle. If you think that you have this condition, you should consult with your physician to rule out a more serious condition such as liver or endocrine disease.

In some instances, underdevelopment of the muscles in the chest can be a result of a growth defect or injury. In these instances, pectoral implants can create or recreate a natural looking chest area. Like many other cosmetic enhancements, this procedure gives men a chance to aesthetically enhance an area of the body through surgery when no other alternatives are available or desirable.

The Surgery

Prior to the actual procedure, the surgeon may show you the different shapes and sizes of implants that are available. Together, you will pick one that forms naturally to the curves and shape of your existing muscles.

Doctors most often begin pectoral implant surgery by making a small incision in the armpit, and then insert the implant endoscopically. Endoscopic surgery involves using a thin tube with a very small camera on the end in order to guide the doctor through the patient's body with a great amount of precision. This method reduces incision size as well as bleeding. Non-endoscopic methods are sometimes preferred.

Following the path of the incision, the surgeon places the implants under the pectoral muscle. The incisions are then sutured and the surgery is complete. The implants are held in place by the overlying chest muscle or by sutures that are temporarily visible through the skin.

Pectoral implant surgery usually takes between one and two hours to complete and is typically done under a general anesthesia.

Getting back to normal

Some surgeons do not apply incision dressings or drains after the surgery. In these cases, patients do not need to worry about changing bandages etc. Most patients will wear an elastic bandage or vest to reduce swelling.

However, patients who undergo pectoral implant surgery usually experience mild to moderate amount of pain in the days following the procedure. Soreness and bruising are common and should fade within a week or so. Doctors may prescribe oral medication to lessen the pain. Aspirin should be avoided as it may promote more bleeding and bruising. By the second week after the procedure, most individuals will be able to resume normal, everyday activities.

 

Quick Facts (Breast Augmentation):

Cost: $3000 - $6000
Procedure duration: 1.5-2.5 hoursIntensive Healing: 3-5 days
Total Healing Time: 3-4 weeks
Anasthesia: General Anesthesia

Breast enlargement can be an effective option for those who want bigger and/or differently shaped breasts. Augmentation may also be used as part of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. Augmentation is achieved via the insertion of breast implants—saline filled plastic bags—behind the breasts.The decision for a woman to seek augmentation of the breast is a very personal one. Most women seeking breast augmentation have a positive body image yet believe that their breast size is not consistent or in harmony with their overall body physique. Reasons for seeking breast enlargement include failure of the breast to develop fully, low breast volume, uneven breast size and breast fullness lost following pregnancy or breast feeding. The goal of an aesthetic breast augmentation is to achieve a proportional and natural appearance. Breast tissue is not altered by a breast enlarging procedure.

The Surgery

Breast augmentation can be performed under local or general anesthesia as an inpatient or outpatient. Surgery length varies depending on the type and number of implants and how they are placed. The location of the incisions for placing the implants varies. Incisions made around the nipple are usually well concealed after healing but may lead to problems with breast feeding. Incisions made under the arm are visible after healing; however, this approach rarely interferes with breast feeding. An incision made under the breast in the breast fold (where the chest wall meets the breast) is visible after surgery; however, this approach also usually allows for successful breast feeding.

Whatever incision site is chosen, the implant is placed either between the chest wall and the muscle that sits behind the breast or behind the breast tissue, in front of the muscle. There are many kinds of implants and you should discuss with your surgeon which one is best for you. Finally, after the implant is in place, the incisions are sutured.

Getting back to normal

Short-term recovery depends in part on the type of anesthesia used. Recovery from general anesthesia may involve nausea and vomiting, shivering and disorientation. Recovery from local anesthesia is usually easier. Immediately after surgery, your breasts will be sore and swollen. You will have bandages, sometimes a thin plastic tube under the skin to drain excess fluid, and compression garments. You will need to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day for several weeks. Your surgeon may recommend that you ice your breasts for the first two days to reduce bruising and swelling. Drainage of fluid and crusting is normal. Your surgeon will instruct you on proper wound care. Drains are usually removed at your first follow-up visit a few days after surgery. Depending on the kind of augmentation performed, pain can be significant and pain medications will be prescribed, as well as antibiotics. Swelling of your breasts and surrounding tissues is normal. You should be up the first day after surgery but most patients do not return to work for about a week. However, individual healing can vary, making it difficult to predict exactly when you can return to normal activities. Activities such as lifting your arms above your head and heavy lifting should be avoided in the first few weeks. Strenuous activities, including sexual activities, should be avoided for several weeks to months, depending on how the healing is progressing. Rushing the recovery process can actually slow healing time.

Quick Facts (Breast Lift):

Cost:  $4000- $6000
Procedure duration: 2-3 hours
Intensive Healing: 7-10 days
Total Healing Time: 4-6 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

The breast lift, or mastopexy, encompasses several different surgical procedures designed to restore a woman's breasts to a more youthful, firm, and shapely appearance. During the natural aging process, with weight gain and loss, and following pregnancy, the breast support structures become stretched, leading to a change in the shape of the breasts and sagging. The support structures of the breast include Cooper's ligament—a band of tissue that helps suspend the breast from the chest wall--muscles (pectoralis major and minor), and connective tissue (i.e. collagen, elastin) in the skin.

Breasts can form a variety of different shapes, some of which have been given different names. For example, some woman have an enlarged bulging nipple relative to the rest of the breast; this is commonly called a "snoopy" breast. A "tubular" breast refers to a breast with a narrow base and prominent breast tissue in the front of the breast, leading to a tube-shaped breast. Mastopexy, with or without augmentation, is designed to rebuild the support structures of the breast, reshape the breast, and remove excess skin to restore a more youthful appearance.

The Surgery

Depending on the procedure, mastopexy can be performed with local or general anesthesia. The surgery can take anywhere from 1.5 to 4 hours under normal circumstances.

Below are descriptions of different procedures that are used; note that there are many different names for similar procedures.

The Crescent procedure involves removing a crescent-shaped piece of tissue from above the areola (from 10 o'clock to 2 o'clock) and then stitching the skin closed, which lifts the nipple and breast upwards.

The Benelli lift removes a donut-shaped piece of tissue from around the areola. This is then stitched closed with a purse-string suture. The Benelli-Lollipop uses the same technique as the Benelli, but also includes an incision from the areola to the  fold under the breast. This allows more skin and breast tissue to be removed and reshaped.

The most common technique is called full mastopexy, and is used when there is a great degree of sagging. In this procedure, an anchor-shaped incision is made around the nipple and down towards the fold under the breast. Incisions are also made along the base of the inframmary crease. This can move the nipple up by as much as 8 cm.

Getting back to normal

Immediately after surgery, your breasts will be sore and swollen. You will have bandages, sometimes a thin plastic tube inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid, and a supportive bra. You will need to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day for several weeks. Drainage of fluid and crusting is normal. You should be up the first day after surgery but most patients do not return to work for about a week. Strenuous activities, including sexual activities, should be avoided for several weeks.

Quick Facts (Breast Reduction):

Cost:  $4000- $8000
Procedure duration: 2-3 hours
Intensive Healing: 7-10 days
Total Healing Time: 4-6 weeks
Anesthesia: General anesthesia

Patients who undergo breast reduction surgery frequently are seeking relief from physical symptoms caused by the excessive weight of large breasts. Breast reduction usually can solve these problems as well as improve the size and shape of your breasts. Following breast reduction, your breasts will be more proportional to the rest of your body, and clothes will fit you better.

The Surgery

In a breast reduction procedure, breast tissue and excess skin are removed, reducing the final volume of the breast while also elevating the nipple. In an uplift procedure, skin alone is removed, while the nipple area is positioned in a more elevated location. Occasionally, the patient may desire a small breast implant at the time of an uplift procedure if the patient perceives that the breasts are not only too droopy, but too small as well.

It is important to understand that no person is perfectly symmetrical from one side to the other, even before a surgical procedure. Every attempt will be made during surgery to minimize your side-to-side dissimilarities, but such differences are natural and always persist to some degree even after the most successful operation. 

Getting Back to Normal

Immediately after surgery, your breasts will be sore and swollen. You will have bandages, sometimes a thin plastic tube inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid, and a supportive bra. You will need to wear a supportive bra 24 hours a day for several weeks. Drainage of fluid and crusting is normal. You should be up the first day after surgery but most patients do not return to work for about a week. Strenuous activities, including sexual activities, should be avoided for several weeks.