Parrish Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery Center
701 Golf View Drive
Medford, OR 97504
Toll Free: 866-325-3060
Breast Enlargement
Augmentation mammoplasty is an operative procedure in which a silicone rubber shell implant filled with saline (salt water) is placed between the breast tissue and chest muscle, or beneath the chest muscles, to enlarge the size of the breast.
Saline implants have been used by plastic surgeons for nearly as long as silicone gel implants, approximately thirty years. No guarantee can be made about the life expectancy of the implant.
Saline and gel filled implants are similar in that they both have shells made of silicone “rubber”. However, saline implants are inflated with a salt water solution at the time of surgery, instead of being pre-filled with silicone gel. The Food and Drug Administration has said that although both types of implants contain silicone, it is not currently concerned with saline filled devices, since the “tightly cross-linked” silicone molecules in the shell do not appear to migrate to any significant degree.
Saline breast implants are inserted into the body through an incision in the crease beneath the breast, around the nipple and areola, or in the armpit. They are filled with a salt water solution at the time of surgery, allowing the size to be adjusted somewhat to fit the needs of the patient. In addition, because the implant shell can be folded when inserting it into the breast, a smaller incision is used. Although it is a matter of debate, some evidence also indicates that saline implants reduce the potential for capsular contracture (tight scar tissue) and enhances the amount of breast tissue that can be seen on a mammogram. If the implant leaks or ruptures due to trauma or another reason, the salt water, which is very similar to natural body fluids, is harmlessly excreted.
Breast augmentations can be performed at our accredited surgical center. The patient receives either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia during the length of the surgery, which takes approximately two hours. You must arrange for someone to drive you home following surgery and spend the first night and the next day with you. Depending upon your job, Dr. Parrish recommends at least one week off work.
Breast Lift
Mastopexy is typically performed to lift sagging, loose breasts or breasts that have lost volume and elasticity after child-bearing. It also can reduce the size of the areola, the dark pink skin surrounding the nipple. The extent of this procedure depends on what changes are desired. On occasion, if the patient's original breast size is smaller than she desires, enlargement may be performed at the same time. There are two different surgical techniques for mastopexy:
Standard Mastopexy - This method is used when larger skin removal is involved. Incisions are made following the natural contour across the breast and around the nipple. A keyhole-shaped incision is also made above the nipple to define the new location for the nipple. Working through the horizontal incisions, the excess skin from the lower section of the breast is removed. The nipple and underlying breast tissue are moved up to a new, higher position. Flaps of skin formerly above and to the sides of the nipple are brought down around and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the wound under the breast and around the nipple area. It may also be possible to avoid the incision in the breast crease depending on the amount of skin that needs to be removed.
Binnelli Technique - First, an incision is made around the areola. A circular section of excess skin is then removed. Next, a suture is used to draw the breast skin in (like a purse string), and is then sutured in place to the areola. A permanent suture is left in place below the skin for at least one year. Pleats or puckering resolve approximately six months to one year later.
Mastopexy - These procedures are performed at our accredited surgical center. They may take approximately 3 to 4 hours and are performed under local anesthesia with sedation or a general anesthesia.
Post-operatively, the patient is placed in a supportive, mild compression-type bra. Stitches are removed in one week, but reinforcing tapes are applied which are to be kept in place for one more week. You may be able to return to work at this time, depending on the type of work you do.
Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction is a surgical procedure that reduces the size and reshapes the contour of large breasts. This is accomplished by the removal of excess breast skin and underlying breast tissue. The main goal of the procedure is to ease physical discomfort, such as difficulty breathing, backaches and irritation at the crease of the breast. It also makes physical activity more comfortable. The procedure is performed in the hospital or at our surgical facility under general anesthesia. The surgery will take three to four hours depending on the extent of the procedure.
Incisions are made horizontally and vertically following the natural contour of the breast. The vertical incision creates a keyhole-shaped pattern around the areola to allow the nipple to be repositioned. Excess tissue, fat and skin are removed from the sides of the breast and around the areola. Then the nipple, areola and underlying tissue are moved to a new, higher location. If the breasts are extremely large, the surgeon may completely detach the nipple before it is relocated.
When the nipple is repositioned, skin on both sides of the breast is moved down and around the areola and brought together to reform the breast. The incision will be closed with stitches under the breast and around the nipple.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia, or male breast reduction, is the surgical removal of excess breast tissue in men. This is usually done through direct excision of the tissue, but can sometimes be performed using liposuction. The incision for this is usually made on the underside of the areola. The procedure is performed in our surgical facility under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The type of anesthesia needed and the approach of surgery is determined at the time of your consultation. Recovery from this procedure is one to two weeks and minor swelling may last for several months. A bandage is kept in place for one week and a compression vest is usually worn. This helps to diminish swelling.