Total Views: 1,231
Denis F. Branson, M.D.
- 7000 Genessee Street
Building E
Fayetteville, NY 13066 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 315-446-5387
- Send E-mail
- www.drbranson.com
Answered Questions
Q:
View this question
In June, 2010, I had a breast augmentation/lift. Before the surgery I was a size 34A. How do I know if I really did get what I paid for? I went with 425cc's that brought my breast size up to a 36D. The incisions that were performed were around the nipples and under the breasts. My breasts before surgery were very saggy as a result of having three children. It has been four months since surgery and I find that my breasts have dropped significantly and are becoming saggy again. I have consulted my surgeon about this issue and she mentioned to me that my skin has alot of elasticity and therefore the breasts will drop. She also mentioned to me that even if I wanted them to be perky, it would be impossible because of my skin type. Is this true? Should I have gone with a larger size? I am still wearing the surgical bra at night and a regular supportive bra with no underwire during the day for support. However, I don't find either of them helping. I paid alot of money for this surgery and I am unhappy with the results. I did mention to the doctor that i did not want the breasts to look like basketballs on my chest but I was also not expecting them to be saggy as they were before. The point of me getting the breast augmentation/lift was to correct the saggy issue from the start. If a patient is unhappy with her results, will the surgeon re-do the procedure or correct it? I hope you can help clarify some of this for me.
Thank you.
A:
From the phrasing of your question, your initial result of surgery did achieve the lift you desired, but the droop/sagging has recurred since that time. If this is true, the problem you describe is a very unusual problem. Because your problems can be very patient specific (assessment of skin elasticity, etc), I don't believe your question can be satisfactorily answered for you in this forum.
I believe your best answers can be achieved by two means: 1) Address your problems with your surgeon; 2) Get a second opinion from another experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Q:
View this question
What are the pros/cons of breast reduction Liposuction vs. Surgery?
A:
Because each patient is unique, this is a discussion you need to have with your surgeon as you address your concerns and expectations.
In my patients, I find that the decision essetially comes down to scars. In my series of patients, both treatments have equal expectations for relief of the symptoms associated with large breasts. Liposuction can remove significant amounts of breast tissue. Personally, I have removed up to 4 pounds of tissue per breast using ultrasonic assisted liposuction with only a single small incision beneath the breast. Though liposuction will likely result in more "droopy" breasts, I have seen a suprising degree of lift of the nipple with liposuction only. Worse case, if you do not like the post-op look of your breasts, breast lift can always be done later. To date, I have only had one patient consider a lift, but changed her mind due to the scars.
In my experience, most women choosing liposuction breast reduction do not want the scars of traditional breast reduction surgery. Some have lived with the pain of large breasts for years because they did not want the scars.
Whatever you choose, make sure you take ALL the time you need to be comfortable with your decision.
Q:
View this question
I had a breast reduction bringing me from a G cup down to a DDD. I have dense heavy breasts and have gained some weight making my breasts large again. What is the risk of having liposuction done? Will the scar tissue interfere from the previous reduction surgery?
A:
Liposuction can be a very effective tool for reducing breast volume. Scar tissue can affect the success of liposuction, but in general, should not significantly affect the ability of liposuction to reduce the size of your breast. In my personal experience, I have used ultrasonic assisted liposuction to remove as much as 4 pounds of fat from each breast. Liposuction can be very successful, even in fibrous tissue.
You indicated your breast size increased with weight gain. Your weight will be a consideration as part of your surgical planning.
All surgery does carry inherent risks. In general, the incidence of complications is less common with liposuction than other surgery. Dense tissue may increase the risks of liposuction, but not likely to an unacceptable level.
Discussion of the risks vs benefits of surgery will be part of your discussion with your surgeon.
Good luck!
Q:
View this question
I know after breast augmentation, you should wear loose fitting shirts (button down). For how long should this be done?
A:
Loose fitting clothing after surgery is usually a matter of choice. Many augmentation patients choose loose clothes to "camouflage" their early surgery changes until they are ready to "unveil" their new profile. After augmentation, one of the most important issues is to maintain good breast support (but no underwires).
Q:
View this question
I am a 24 year old female looking for help with my appeal for a breast reduction. I am a 32-DDD and weight about 130 pounds, healthy BMI. I met with a plastic surgeon who explained the process and qualifications to me. My plastic surgeon submitted my claim and it was denied because the amount of tissue removed from my left breast was 150cc less than what my insurance requires; however, my right breast was almost double the required amount for removal. I am currently in physical therapy to help document my neck and back pain. Another reason they denied my claim was that I don't have deep grooves in my shoulders. I need some help - please advise if you think I meet the criteria and have a legitimate claim for appeal.
A:
Your best option is to contact your insurance carrier regarding their appeal process. In addition to filing an appeal with your insurer, check with your state's office of insurance to help ensure you know your legal appeal rights as dictated by the state. In general, it may take a VERY long time, but persistance will pay. As you file your appeal, be sure to reference the insurance carrier's written policies for breast reduction coverage. Good luck!