PROCEDURES


Hospital based cosmetic procedures includes


BREAST SURGERY INCLUDES:

i.  Breast Augmentation

Breasts are important part of a woman's body image and psychic. The impact of small breasts is an individual one. To some it robs them of confidence. Atrophy of the breast tissue may also occur postpartum. Breast augmentation by placement of breast implant under the breast is one the most commonly performed breast operation with minimal scarring. It is has a high satisfaction rate with a very low short and long term complication rate. Problems related to the silicone material, which is the constituent of the implant are unfounded. The size one wants to be is best decided in consultation with the plastic surgeon. However the patient has to bear in mind that the breast is a dynamic organ which will change in shape, size and relative position based on age, pregnancy and lactation as well as change in the body mass. Significant changes may warrant revisional procedures if aesthetic restoration is desired.

ii.  Breast Reduction

Breast maybe significantly enlarged in size from the outset of their development, which is referred to as virginal hypertrophy. More commonly it occurs with weight gain. Heavy large breast may also impact on body image. Other complaints may include backache, neck ache, bra strap bruising and intertrigo due to moisture in the breast folds. A breast reduction has one of the highest satisfaction factors in cosmetic surgery. Many of the complaints are addressed and the breast is restored to a desirable size, shape and position on the chest. The negative side is obviously scarring along the suture lines. These scars generally mature and are less obvious with the passage of time. Breastfeeding is still possible in 30% women undergoing this procedure.

iii.  Breast Lifting

A woman may be very happy with the volume of the breast and therefore most confident with the bra on. Physiological changes following pregnancy, lactation and weight loss results in the loss of the gained volume associated with this state. Unfortunately the stretched skin does not retract to the original state as result the loss of perkiness of the breast and the nipple comes to be lying in lower position than normal. If the woman desires to be bigger in volume than her current size then minor degrees of nipple ptosis can be corrected with augmentation of the breast. The firmness of the breast is also restored. All this can be achieved with relatively little scarring. If the dropout in the breast tissue is major and the nipple position is below the inframammary fold then the problem can only be resolved by lifting and reshaping the breast, removing the excess skin and repositioning of the nipple areolar complex. If a large breast is also desired then this can be achieved with a simultaneously performed breast augmentation. In some patients it may be necessary to perform the lifting and the augmentation in separate operations. The extent of the external scarring on the breast is related the amount of excess skin and the extent of nipple ptosis. These scars fade with time.

iv.  Gynecomastia (male breast) correction

The male breast develops in about 70% of boys at the onset of puberty. This is a physiological process and in the majority the situation corrects itself. If the breast has not regressed in a period of 2 years then it is very unlikely to do so. Surgical correction by breast tissue excision is required through limited incisions through the nipple areolar complex. Normal contour of the chest can be restored thereby restoring the confidence of the teenager to wear T-shirts and swimwear. The scars are generally not discernable. In some boys if the breast development accompanies significant weight gain then the operation may also be performed by means of liposuction. This has the advantage of leaving little or no scarring.

Uncommonly though the breast development can be massive; mimicking that of the female. Both the breast and the excess skin have to be removed. This will result in scarring beyond that of the nipple areolar complex. The contour that can be achieved is normal. Over-resection of breast of the breast and fatty tissue needs to be avoided to prevent a contour deformity.

Gynecomastia development especially in adulthood can be related to some endocrine abnormality or a medical problem. Antiretroviral (ARV) medication is not an uncommon cause for male breast development. Nevertheless following investigations and appropriate management surgery can still be performed on the excess breast tissue.


Uncommonly though the breast development can be massive; mimicking that of the female. Both the breast and the excess skin have to be removed. This will result in scarring beyond that of the nipple areolar complex. The contour that can be achieved is normal. Over-resection of breast of the breast and fatty tissue needs to be avoided to prevent a contour deformity.


Gynecomastia development especially in adulthood can be related to some endocrine abnormality or a medical problem. Antiretroviral (ARV) medication is not an uncommon cause for male breast development. Nevertheless following investigations and appropriate management surgery can still be performed on the excess breast tissue.