Breast Augmentation for Tubular Breasts
Breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure that enhances breast size and improves breast shape and symmetry. Breast augmentation with implants can therefore reshape breasts that are affected by a condition called tubular breasts.
Breast augmentation for tubular breasts requires greater surgical skill than a straightforward breast augmentation. Board-certified plastic surgeon Suzanne Yee in Little Rock, AR can perform this procedure, giving patients a renewed sense of self-image. Read on to learn more about this procedure.
Signs of Tubular Breasts
Although this is a congenital condition, the signs are not noticeable until puberty, when the breast tissue develops. Tubular breasts are characterized as having some or all of the following:
- Breasts that are tubular or cylindrical in shape
- Breasts that are small and asymmetrical
- Breasts with unusually wide spacing between them
- Breasts with enlarged or puffy areolas
- Breasts with a higher than normal breast fold
- Breasts that sag
Tissue Expander Before Receiving Implants
Some patients may need a tissue expander before they can receive breast implants. As the name suggests, a tissue expander is a device that slowly expands the soft tissues, preparing them for implant placement.
To receive your tissue expander, you will first be placed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made, typically at the breast fold, and the tissue expander device is placed.
Over the coming weeks, the expander will create room in the breast pocket. During your consultation, Dr. Yee will determine if you need a tissue expander before receiving implants.
Receiving Implants
If you receive a tissue expander, your implant placement procedure is typically performed about a month after expander placement.
The procedure to place a tissue expander and implant are similar. First, you will be placed under general anesthesia. Next, the incisions are made, usually under the breast fold. The expander is removed, if there is one in place, and finally the implants are placed.
Recovering from Expander and Implant Placement
Recoveries are similar for both tissue expander and implant placement. Patients will be discharged, usually wearing compression garments and a drain.
Pain and inflammation are most acute the first few days after surgery. You may be given a prescribed pain management medication or over-the-counter options may suffice.
Patients will have many activity restrictions the first couple of weeks, including no lifting heavy objects over the head. However, patients are encouraged to walk around the house within the first day of surgery to facilitate healing and minimize blood clots.
Swelling and bruising will largely subside after two weeks, and around this time most patients return to work.
Your doctor will discuss what you can expect of recovery during your consultation. Typically, patients are back to their full routines, including rigorous exercise about six weeks after the operation.
Contact Us to Schedule Your Appointment
Dr. Yee can provide patients with exceptional surgical outcomes. Learn more about this procedure and Dr. Yee’s practice by reaching out to us today. You can fill out our online form to schedule your consultation with Dr. Lee. You can also speak directly with a team member by calling us at (501) 224-1044.
