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Jeffrey M. Darrow, M.D., FACS
- 170 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02116 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 617-236-8704
- Send E-mail
- www.darrowcosmeticsurgery.com
Answered Questions
Q:
Will getting a Breast Reduction make the breasts look lifted?
I'm 19 and seriously considering a breast reduction. I was reading other Q&A's on here and began to wonder: If I get a breast reduction, will my breasts look like they're lifted or will they have actually lifted? I'm an H cup and want to go down to a DDD.
A:
The majority of breasts which are very large also hang down and the position of the nipple/areolar is below the level of the fold under the breast. The correct level of the nipple/areolar is at or slightly above the level of the fold under the breast. So when a breast reduction is done, not only is the breast made smaller, lighter and better shaped, but the nipple/areolar position is corrected and this results in the lift which you were asking about.
J. M. Darrow, MD
Q:
Is it OK to have an implant explantation and breast lift at same time?
I have 800 cc's Mentor smooth round implants placed over the muscle. According to the plastic surgeon I saw last year, I have severe ptosis, thin skin, the cc's worth of breast tissue I started with is gone, and I do not have much fat in the breasts. My concern is some doctors say I have to take the implants out and wait several months before a lift, while others say they can drain them, then do it after a month or so. The doctor I plan to use is Board Certified, specializes in this procedure, and does it all at the same time. Which is correct?
A:
I have done all my implant removals and lifts at the same time and have not had problems with blood supply to the breast tissue. But I should stress that each patient is different and without a direct exam to see where prior incisions were made and their length and how your tissue looks, it would be very hard to give you a solid recommendation about how to proceed. The most important issue to consider is your safety. Perhaps your surgeon could allow you to speak with some of his other patients who have had this done and inform you of there experience. Best of luck.
J. M. Darrow, MD
Q:
Is breast augmentation advisable for someone who has keloids from previous surgeries?
I am a 46 year old female of East Indian origin. I would like to have a breast augmentation and lift. I have a keloid from a rotator cuff surgery. Should I be concerned about keloids post breast augmentation & breast lift surgery? Also, what is the ideal incision area to decrease any scarring?
A:
I recommend you first see a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your scar, as it may not be a keloid but simply an unfavorable scar. The surgeon would be able to consult with you about your risks for keloiding. If you do have a keloid from the prior surgery you should be careful about committing to the incisions on your breasts which may result in a keloid there as well.
J. M. Darrow, MD
Q:
How much time must I commit to recovery and post-operation follow up for breast augmentation surgery?
I'm currently a dental student who plans on having breast augmentation performed during my upcoming 8 week long summer break. What is the least amount of time I could leave myself to recover so I know I will be fine, returning to school in the fall? I plan to have the procedure done in my home state of California but I go to school on the east coast. Will this be a problem for follow ups? I'm 23 with a small frame, 5'7" and weigh 115 pounds. At present, I have very little breast tissue and want to have a natural C breast.
A:
Recovery from breast augmentation is approximately 1 week to 10 days. After any surgery there will be some soreness of the area but, barring any problems, this will get better day to day, and most patients can resume normal day to day activities 1-2 days after surgery. You can resume gentle exercises at about 10 days and resume all activities at 3-4 weeks, providing it is not painful to do so. A follow-up with your doctor should be at around 1 week, then at 1-2 months. again at around 6 months and then a year. This gives time for the result to fully mature and for you to address any questions you may have in person.
J.M. Darrow, MD
Q:
What are the advantages and disadvantages of saline and silicone implants?
I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages following comparison of saline breast implants to silicone breast implants. In addition to the cost comparison between the two.
A:
While saline or silicone implants can each give an excellent cosmetic result, it is generally agreed upon that the silicone implants give a more natural feeling result. They are softer and feel more like normal breast tissue than the saline implants. However, the cost of a pair of silicone implants is approximately $1000 more expensive than a pair of saline implants. As the silicone implants come pre-filled, the incision to put them in may be slightly longer than for the saline ones, but this is usually not an issue. Finally, silicone implants have less of a tendency to have visible rippling.
J.M. Darrow, MD