Breast Procedures

Breast Procedures at
Northern New Jersey Plastic Surgery:

Breast Augmentation

Breast Augmentation is a surgical enhancement procedure to accentuate the size and shape of a woman’s breasts.  While breast augmentation will make the breasts larger, the surgery will not move the breasts closer together or lift sagging breasts.  Breast augmentation is a tremendous help to patients who desire a fuller profile, who have lost breast volume due to pregnancy or nursing, or who want to correct asymmetry.

Reasons for considering Breast Augmentation:

  • Enhance body shape if breasts are too small
  • Increase breast volume after pregnancy and nursing
  • Equalize a difference in breast size (cup size) to gain symmetry

General Procedure

Breast augmentation involves making a small incision to insert a breast implant under the breast area in order to enlarge the breast.  The surgery is commonly performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or state-of-the art surgical center with the patient under general anesthesia.  There are several possible locations for the small incision that will be used for inserting the breast implant.  The most frequent techniques utilize an incision made in the lower portion of the breast or partially around the areola. The best technique will be decided together between the patient and Dr. Ko during the consultation.

During surgery, the breast tissue is raised to create an open pocket under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle.  Inserting an implant behind each breast can increase a woman’s breast size by one or more cup sizes.  Implants contain a saline solution or FDA approved silicone gel implants can be used as well.  In some circumstances, particularly those in which there is breast asymmetry (uneven breast size), an inflatable implant may be used to allow the surgeon to adjust the level of inflation to attain breast symmetry and balance.  Surgery typically lasts from 1 to 3 hours.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for 1-2 days of rest and then a gradual return to full activities.  Dressings and a ‘Surgi-Bra’ are applied right after surgery to aid in the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts.  Once the bandages are removed, a special surgical bra will need to be worn for 4 weeks.  Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with the surgery.  The pain can be treated effectively with oral pain medications.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the directions given by Dr Ko after surgery.

Breast Reduction

Breast Reduction is procedure that reshapes the breast in order to make them smaller, lighter and/or firmer.  Reduction is accomplished by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. If necessary the nipple/areola complex is made smaller and more proportionate.  Large breasts can cause physical pain as well as emotional and social anxiety.  Women who take advantage of the breast reduction procedure find that they are able to lead a healthier, more comfortable life, in addition to enjoying a beautiful, more proportionate appearance.

Reasons for Considering a Breast Reduction:

  • Back, neck or shoulder pain caused by heavy breasts.
  • Sagging breasts caused by their large size.
  • Disproportionate body frame due to oversized or asymmetrical breasts.
  • Difficulty with physical activity due to the size and the weight of the breasts.
  • Painful bra strap marks and /or rashes as a result of enlarged breasts.

General Procedure

Techniques for breast reduction vary; however, the most common procedure involves an incision that circles the areola.  From the areola, the incision goes down and follows the natural curve under the breast.  The surgeon then removes excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin.  Next, the nipple and areola are repositioned to a higher position and held in place by internal sutures. The best procedure can be determined during the initial consultation visit.

Of all plastic surgery procedures, breast reduction results in immediate body-image changes.  Patients are pleased with the elimination of physical pain caused by large breasts as well as a better-proportioned body, an enhanced appearance, and better fitting clothes. Exercise and working out become easier and pain free.

Recovery Process

Generally, post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and reduce the recovery time.  Dressings are applied immediately following surgery along with a ‘surgi-bra’ to aid the healing process and to minimize movement of the breasts. A sports bra or jogging bra will be recommended for a total of 4 weeks. Patients sometimes report minor pain associated with surgery.  Any pain can be treated with oral pain medication.  While complications are rare, patients can minimize potential problems by carefully following the instructions given after surgery by Dr. Ko and his staff.