Breast Procedures

Breast Augmentation

Gel Implants: $5,900 - Saline Implants: $4,500 + Anesthesia: $900

Surgical Arts of Virginia offers Mentor’s saline and new cohesive gel implants for breast implantation. The procedure is performed in the office surgical suite with tumescent anesthesia and sedation. There are a number of options for breast implantation that Dr. Palmer offers and they are described below.

Incisions Available:

• Periareolar: The incision is made at the border between the darker skin around the nipple and the lighter skin of the breast so that it is nearly imperceptible when healed. This is the second most common type of skin incision. Both silicone and saline implants can be placed through this incision either subglandular or submuscular.
• Inframammary: The incision is placed below the breast in the inframammary fold. Both silicone and saline implants can be placed through this incision either subglandular or submuscular. This is the most common incision used. The drawback is a visible scar on the chest wall, although it can often be quite subtle.
• Transaxillary: The incision is placed in the armpit. Dr. Palmer typically places saline implants using this approach. The benefit is a scar away from the breast which is often imperceptible. The drawback is that it is more difficult to be exacting with implant positioning.

Breast implants can be placed in a variety of locations, with placement beneath the (pectoralis) muscle being most common. They look best when placed in a “dual plane”, being beneath the muscle on top and beneath the breast gland towards the bottom. They can also be placed beneath the breast gland only. There are benefits and drawbacks to each and Dr. Palmer can go over these and discuss what he thinks is best for your body type and the type of implant you select.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Breast Lift: $4,500

Dr. Palmer performs breast lift surgery, or Mastopexy to restore a more youthful appearance to a woman’s breasts. Over the years breasts can lose their shape and firmness due to pregnancy, nursing and loss of skin elasticity, causing them to sag (ptosis). Mastopexy will raise and reshape breasts—slowing the effects of aging and gravity. This procedure can reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple.

Dr. Palmer use three different methods to lift the breast depending on the degree of sagging. The Periareolar approach has an incision only around the areola. The lollipop (circumvertical) approach with incision around the areola and a single incision below it. The least used by Dr. Palmer is the anchor incision.

Lifting of the breast is commonly performed at the same time as implantation (augmentation Mastopexy), if a larger size is desired with the lift.

As with all cosmetic surgery, realistic expectations and emotional stability are important. Though breasts of any size can be lifted, women with smaller breasts enjoy longer lasting results.

Breast Reduction (Reduction Mammoplasty)

Dr. Palmer can reduce the size of breasts in patients who request, using the lollipop incision or an anchor incision. This procedure is really a combination of removing excess breast tissue and lifting the breast as in a Mastopexy.

Possible Complications:

As with any surgery, there are possible complications. A patient may suffer an adverse reaction to the anesthesia (rare), or experience bleeding and infection following a breast lift, causing scars to widen. Poor healing and wider scars are more common with patients who smoke.

Because milk ducts are left intact, Mastopexy will not affect your ability to breast-feed.

For best results, follow your physician’s advice both before and after surgery.

After Surgery: What to Expect

After surgery, your wounds will be covered with surgical tape and an elastic bandage or a surgical bra will hold the breasts in place. Your breasts will be bruised, swollen, and you may experience some mild to moderate discomfort for a several days. Dr. Palmer will prescribe pain medication. A soft support bra replaces the bandages or surgical bra after a few days. In the recovery stage, it is important to wear the bra at all times.

Some noticeable, permanent scarring is normal, but easily covered by your bra or bathing suit. The scars may be red and lumpy for a few months, eventually fading and becoming less obvious. The procedure can also leave you with unevenly positioned nipples, or a permanent loss of feeling in your nipples or breasts, although measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of this.

To ensure proper healing, plan to stay at home for at least a week before returning to work. You will need to avoid lifting anything over your head for 3-4 weeks and avoid strenuous sports for a month.