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Breast Lift - Breast Reduction - Breast Reconstruction - Nipple Surgery - Correction of Gynecomastia
 A breast lift may be necessary when there is adequate breast tissue, but this tissue has fallen to a level that is dissatisfactory to the patient. This "droop" of the breast is called ptosis. In minimal ptosis, the nipple lies just below the level of the breast fold. Moderate ptosis can be seen when the nipple lies significantly below the level of the breast fold. Severe ptosis is when the nipple falls far beneath the level of the breast crease, and can be pointing in a downward direction. A breast lift may be performed for either moderate or severe ptosis and sometimes in combination with a breast augmentation.
A breast lift involves the elevation of the nipple/areola complex on a portion of the breast mound in order to preserve nipple sensation. The form of the breast is also reshaped to a higher, more youthful appearance. There are multiple ways to do this, though the most popular approaches are the purse string or Benelli lift, the vertical scar breast lift and the inferior pedicle breast lift, also called the Wise pattern breast lift.
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The purse string lift, also called the Benelli mastopexy, is often an excellent choice when ptosis is mild or moderate. The incisions are made around the nipple, and the excess skin is gathered to tighten the skin envelope around the breast tissue. While the early results can show a pleated appearance around the nipple incision, this settles down very nicely over the ensuing weeks and allows for a well-concealed scar. Breast implants are often used with this procedure should that be your preference. To see breast lifts animated, click here.
The vertical breast lift can be used in cases of moderate ptosis, or for small breast reduction surgeries. With this technique, the incisions and subsequent scarring is placed only around the nipple, and down the center of the lower portion of the breast. These scars can be thought of as having a lollipop configuration. . This procedure may utilize liposuction and provides a pleasing, teardrop contour to your breast shape. The addition of a breast implant may be an additional procedure to create your ideal breast form. To see breast lifts animated, click here.
The inferior pedicle breast lift adds an incision along the fold below the breast. This is often the best approach for severe ptosis- or very large breast reduction procedures. The scar pattern here can be thought of as having an anchor configuration. The additional incision allows for increased access to the breast tissue for and for further resection of excess skin in the lower part of the breast, when necessary. To see breast lifts animated, click here.
In spite of the necessary incisions to complete this surgery, patient satisfaction is quite high and revision procedures are infrequent in breast lift surgery. Patients often report having less discomfort than expected following these surgeries, and a seven to ten day recovery period is often all that is required before returning to work.
Breast reduction is the procedure used to reduce and reshape the disproportionately large, drooping breast. It not only improves the way the patient looks, but also relieves the weight bearing pain and  discomfort of the neck, shoulder region and upper back. This procedure also allows for more comfort during physical activity in addition to improving a more youthful appearance of the breast.
Breast reduction can be thought of as breast lifting with resection of more tissue in order to significantly reduce the breast volume. The incisions are similar, as are the complications. Details regarding the operations are very similar to those discussed with breast lift above. Breast reduction patients are some of the most satisfied patients undergoing breast surgery. To see breast reduction animated, click here.
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 For patients that have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer, breast reconstruction can return a more natural form to the female body. Dr. Lowenstein's extensive experience with breast reconstruction allows patients to benefit from a range of possible procedures. Consultations will include a broad educational discussion about all different types of breast reconstruction, including the risks and benefits of each type. Possible procedures include the use of breast implants or the use of tissue flaps to recreate one or both breasts. Because every woman is different, operations are tailored to each individual patient to optimize postoperative results. To see breast reconstruction animated, click here.
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 Surgery can be performed to correct an inverted nipple, or to decrease the diameter of a wide areola. These procedures can be performed alone or in conjunction with breast augmentation or breast lift. Because correction of the inverted nipples can involve cutting across milk ducts, this can impair future breast-feeding. Nipple inversion correction is not usually performed at the same time as placement of a breast implant, to reduce the incidence of infection.
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Gynecomastia is the condition in which male breast tissue is more substantial than desired. This can be the result of many different factors, but can be treated surgically. During a surgical consultation, a careful medical history is obtained to look for potential causes of this condition. If no rever sible medical condition is found, surgical correction may be indicated. Surgical correction involves incisions around the areola, with a combination of liposuction and direct excision in order to achieve a natural chest contour.
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Click here to view examples of breast surgery patients who have undergone their plastic surgery by Dr. Adam Lowenstein and Dr. Robert Sheffield in Santa Barbara, conveniently located just a short distance away from Santa Maria, Bakersfield, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks.
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