In this surgery, the breasts are rejuvenated, reshaped and lifted to a more youthful position. At the same time, their volume is increased with the addition of well-chosen cohesive silicone gel implants.

The first step in this procedure requires placing the breast implants in a meticulously dissected pocket in order to give you the volume that you wish to have. The technique for this is identical to the standard breast augmentation procedure and detailed information can be found in the breast augmentation section of this website.

Following the augmentation, the skin of the breast is lifted to support this new volume and the nipple/areola complex is also repositioned in a higher position to enhance the youthful look of your breast.

In general terms, there are a few common types of breast lift, or mastopexy, and they all have their role in breasts with differing needs.

This operation is suitable for breasts with severe laxity and nipples that have dropped significantly. The resulting scar is the same as used for breast reductions. The scars run around the nipple, down the breast and along the infra-mammary fold (breast crease), in an anchor shape.

This technique gives the greatest degree of control of the lift and allows for precise positioning of the nipple areola complex after the breast augmentation component.

The end result gives natural-looking breasts that are increased in volume and rejuvenated in shape.

Before & After Pictures

RECOVERY

Mastopexy/Augmentation (lift plus implants) is performed under general anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure. There is minimal pain after the procedure and this is usually controlled with simple analgesia. Dr. Kim allows showering 24 hours after surgery. A soft supportive sports bra or padded bra can be used post op for about a month.

Most people can return to a level of daily duties the next day, but this can vary on an individual basis so when planning for this surgery we would suggest you plan to have:

• 10-14 days off work for more physical-type work
• no working out or heavy lifting for 6 weeks

Breast Augmentation Options

Breast Implant Differences

Breast Augmentation Alternatives

Breast reduction surgery is a surgical procedure to raise, reshape and reduce large breasts. Studies have shown that women who have this procedure are some of the happiest patients in a plastic surgeon’s practice. This operation is also one that is usually considered a reconstructive procedure and is often covered by insurance plans. The procedure removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin to achieve a breast size in proportion with your body, and to alleviate the discomfort associated with overly large breasts.

Patients usually either go home the same day of surgery. Nipple sensation usually remains normal, and most of the physical ailments caused by the weight of the breasts disappear. It is not unusual to take 2-4 pounds of breast tissue off during surgery.

Breast reduction surgery is performed in order to relieve:

• Pain related to the weight and ongoing traction effects of the large breasts which can manifest in the neck, back or shoulders
• Headaches
• Difficulty wearing clothes that fit or finding clothes that suit your figure
• Sagging after breast feeding
• Ongoing irritation, rashes or infection under the breast in the breast crease
• Inability or difficulty exercising due to the weight of the breasts

RECOVERY

The procedure requires a general anesthetic and a minimum overnight stay in hospital.

Patients report minor post-operative pain, which can be treated with oral medication. You will be given prescriptions to relieve pain and prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed.

Dr. Kim allows showering 24 hours after surgery. A soft supportive sports bra or padded bra can be used post op for about a month. You may be back to work as soon as five to seven days after breast reduction surgery and may begin walking right away. Most heavier activities can be resumed between 4 to 6 weeks post surgery.

Dr. Michael K. Kim uses the most state-of-the-art implants and techniques to enhance and complement as each individual patient’s overall figure. He tailors his results to deliver as natural a result as possible.

There are many decisions to make when considering breast implant surgery. The type of look you desire, the type of implant to use, its size and shape as well as the location of your surgical incision, pocket location and placement. It is important that these choices are determined on a patient by patient basis and Dr. Kim can guide you and facilitate this so that your choice results in exactly the appearance you are looking for. There has been a trend towards smaller more natural implants over the years.

Breast augmentation takes about one hour and is performed as an outpatient under light general anesthesia. Dr. Kim prefers no paralysis during anesthesia to keep the operation short and safe. He performs the procedure in a AAAHC outpatient surgical center. Breast implants are made of a silicone shell and filled with a sterile saline solution after the implant is placed. Silicone- filled implants are most commonly used in Dr. Kim’s practice. They feel softer and more natural. Implants can be placed through incisions made either under the breast just above the crease, around the lower edge of the areola (the pigmented skin surrounding the nipple) or through an incision in the armpit (saline only). Once the incision is made, the Dr. Kim creates a pocket into which the implant will be inserted, usually under the muscle. The pocket is made directly behind the breast tissue or underneath the pectoral muscle which is located between the breast tissue and chest wall. The implants are inserted, centered and the incisions are closed.

RECOVERY

Breast implant surgery is performed under general anesthesia and is usually a one hour or less outpatient procedure. There is minimal pain after the procedure and this is controlled with simple analgesia.

Most people can return to a level of daily duties the next day but this can vary on an individual basis so when planning for this surgery we would suggest you plan to have:

• ~ A few days off work for office-based jobs
• ~ Bruising and swelling will disappear gradually. Any discomfort can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
• ~ Sutures are usually under the skin and do not have to be removed. Scars are minimal and fade gradually over time.
• A sports bra is generally worn post operatively for about a month. The implants gradually drop into position within 3 months.
• No Exercise or working out for 4 weeks.

Before & After Pictures

Breast Augmentation Options

Breast Implant Differences

Breast Augmentation Alternatives