Providing the Minneapolis Area with Breast Lift, Reduction, and Reconstruction Surgery
Thanks to modern technology and methodology, there are a number of different procedures available for women who are not comfortable with their breasts for one reason or another. Whether a patient considers her breasts to be too small or too saggy, or if her breasts are so large that they cause discomfort, or she has suffered major trauma to her breasts and needs complete reconstruction, Dr. Kobienia can offer solutions. Our Minneapolis-area practice offers breast augmentation, lift, reduction, and reconstruction.
Breast Lift
There are many factors that can cause breasts to begin to sag. Breast feeding, drastic weight loss or gain, and the effects of gravity can cause the skin to weaken, and as the volume of the breast remains constant the breasts begin to sag and droop. This can make a woman self-conscious about the shape and position of her breasts.
At our Minneapolis-area practice, we offer breast lift procedures—also called a mastopexy—to lift and reshape the breasts. Incisions are made along the natural crease on the bottom of the breast, and up to the nipple. Excess skin is removed, “tightening” the breast and giving it a perkier, more youthful-looking shape. If additional breast volume is desired, breast implants can be placed during breast lift surgery to accomplish what is called a breast augmentation mastopexy.
Q: Will I be able to return home on the same day as my breast lift?
A: You will be able to return home from our Minneapolis-area office following your breast lift procedure; however, you must have someone drive you as you will still be under pain medication.
Q: How soon can I expect to return to regular activities?
A: Within a week or two of your breast lift procedure, you will be able to resume light exercise and activities, and within several weeks you will be able to do just about everything you did before. Assuming your job does not require strenuous activity, you will most likely be able to return to work by the end of the first week after surgery.
Breast Reduction
Particularly heavy or pendulous breasts can be not only an aesthetic and social burden; they can create very serious health complications as well. Neck, back, and shoulder pain from the excess weight being carried, as well as indentations and irritation on the shoulders from bra straps, make particularly large breasts a very real concern for some women.
Breast reduction, also called reduction mammaplasty, is completed with similar techniques as those utilized during the breast lift procedure. Minneapolis-area patients seeking breast reductions will be happy to know that Dr. Kobienia is well-versed in this surgery. Incisions are made along the natural crease underneath the breast, and up from that incision to the nipple. Excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue is removed, reducing the weight and size of the breast. As this procedure is often done to alleviate physical discomfort and to prevent potentially dangerous long-term physical conditions, many insurance companies cover the costs of breast reduction surgery.
It is important to note that although breast reduction can be performed to achieve outstanding cosmetic and therapeutic results, the procedure is a complicated surgery. Contact Dr. Kobienia today and set up a consultation to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Q: What should I expect following breast reduction surgery?
A: After breast reduction surgery, you will be carefully monitored for several hours and then allowed to be driven home. You will be placed in a special bra, or a bandage of some sort, depending on your individual condition. Dr. Kobienia will advise you as to when you may remove the bra or bandage and rewrap the breasts, but typically they must stay in place for about three days following surgery to re-shape the breasts. You may be instructed to ice the breasts constantly for the first 48 to 72 hours, as there will be swelling and tenderness. You will need to continually wear the bra 24 hours a day for the first three weeks or so, and at least during the day for the first six months.
Q: When will I be able to return to work?
A: Most patients will be able to return to work within two weeks, though this will depend on your individual health, healing speed and what type of work you do. Some patients have returned to work in as little as five days. You should not bend over, lift your arms over your head, or exercise for at least three weeks following the procedure.
Breast Reconstruction
Following a mastectomy, breast trauma that causes a patient to lose or suffer severe trauma to one or both breasts, breast reconstruction may be considered to regain the figure. Breast reconstruction is a complicated surgery consisting of a series of procedures designed to restore the patient's bust, getting as close as possible to its original shape.
If only one breast needs reconstruction, oftentimes a minor surgery will be performed on the other breast to achieve symmetry. Recreation of a nipple and pigmented areola are also part of reconstruction surgery. Though a reconstructed breast will never exactly match the original, excellent results can be achieved for many women.
Q: What can I expect following breast reconstruction surgery?
A: Breast reconstruction is a highly individualized set of procedures. The specifics of your surgery, such as whether or not you will remain in the hospital overnight, and your recovery time will depend on your condition, goals, and overall health. In general, however, patients are usually allowed to be driven home several hours after surgery.
Contact Our Minneapolis-Area Office if You’re Thinking about Breast Augmentation, Lift, Reduction, or Reconstruction
While safe and commonly performed, breast procedures are still complicated surgical procedures, and it is important to understand all of the benefits and risks before committing to surgery. Contact our office with any questions you may have, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Kobienia to find out if you may be a good candidate for a breast procedure.
Dr. Kobienia also offers body contouring plastic surgery procedures including tummy tuck and liposuction, in addition to facelift surgery, rhinoplasty and other facial rejuvenation procedures.
Brian J. Kobienia MD, FACS
7450 France Avenue S.
Suite 220
Edina, MN 55435 MAP
Phone: (952) 925-1111
Contact our Minneapolis-area practice for more information regarding breast procedures, including breast reduction, lift, and reconstruction.
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