Month: September 2016

Is It Possible to Get a Hernia from a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation?

Breast surgeries are among the most common cosmetic surgeries, and they also have a very high patient satisfaction rate. Many women seek to improve the appearance of their breasts with a breast lift and/or a breast augmentation. Some of these women feel that their breasts are not sufficient in size, while others have lost breast volume due to aging or pregnancy.

As with all surgeries, there are some risks associated with these procedures, so it’s best to go over these in your consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon. In this blog post, Dr. Alexander Ereso of the Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center discusses whether it’s possible to get a hernia from either a breast lift or breast augmentation.

Breast Lift

For most women, the unfortunate truth is that sagging breasts are eventually a part of life. Women who have pendulous breasts and adequate breast tissue and/or who have nipples and areolas pointing downward are typically good candidates for breast lift. Dr. Ereso most commonly uses the vertical technique, during which excess breast skin is removed and the remaining breast tissue is shaped. The nipple and areola are also shifted to a higher position, and the latter can also be reduced in size if so desired. Liposuction is used in certain cases to improve the contour. The breast lift can be done on its own or paired with breast augmentation with breast implants.

Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation is not only performed on those who have had changes to the breast from pregnancy or aging, but can also be used to improve a woman’s natural body proportions. Dr. Ereso enlists a variety of incision types depending on the patient’s anatomy. After the incision is made, a soft, natural-shaped breast implant is placed behind the breast tissue and often behind the chest muscles. This is done to help the patient achieve her ideal shape and size.

The Risk of a Hernia with Breast Surgeries

Some women who have had breast augmentation surgery have reported that they have felt as though the implants have shifted. After breast augmentation, your breasts may appear to sit too high on your chest, as it takes about three months for implants to settle or drop in most patients. Some may mistakenly assume that they have a hernia due to this shifting feeling and, although an epigastric hernia is possible, the risk is extremely low. The risk for a hernia with a breast lift is also extremely low. There is a chance of implant rupture with breast augmentation, but this is rare and can be discussed with Dr. Ereso. Many women decide that the ensuing boost in self-esteem is worth the risks associated with breast surgeries.

Contact Dr. Ereso

If you have questions about the risks associated with a breast lift or breast augmentation or you simply want to find out if you’re a good candidate, contact Dr. Ereso at (650) 964-6600.

What Will My Breasts Look Like Immediately After Breast Lift?

Women seek out breast lift to correct sagging (ptosis) brought about by nursing, pregnancy, aging and other factors. Breast lift improves the overall shape of the breasts and restores their youthful position on the chest. At the Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Alexander Ereso has the experience and knowledge to take you through the breast lift process step-by-step, including what your breasts will look like immediately after the procedure.

What Breast Lift Can Achieve

Breast lift, also known as mastopexy, raises the breasts, nipples and areolas higher on the chest. Breast lift alone does not add fullness to the breast, and for this reason, some women choose to combine breast lift with the placement of breast implants for bigger and perkier breasts. After breast lift alone, the breasts typically retain a natural teardrop shape, with more fullness on the bottom. If a patient desires to add fullness to the top of the breast or to create a rounder shape, implants are required.

Incisions and Appearance Right After Surgery

Your doctor will determine which surgical technique is best for you based on  how droopy the breasts are, along with other factors such as whether you are getting implants. Incisions vary, depending on the specific surgical approach. Some scarring will be present after the procedure, but the scars are easily hidden by a bathing suit or bra. Common types of incisions follow the shape of an inverted T, donut or lollipop.

Right after surgery, it is not unusual to have swelling and even some asymmetry between the breasts. Swelling can last six to eight weeks. Even after the swelling subsides, the breasts continue to settle into their final shape for up to a year after surgery.

If a patient also has implants placed during the breast lift, they may appear too high on the chest shortly after surgery, but will drop into a normal position over time.

Expect Improved Breast Appearance

Women who undergo breast lift surgery can look forward to achieving a more youthful and flattering appearance, and enjoying more confidence and satisfaction in life. Dr. Ereso looks forward to seeing you in the office for a breast lift consultation. To make an appointment, please call (650) 964-6690.