Breast Reduction and Lift Surgery in San Jose, Bay Area

Breast Enlargement

Breast Lift/Reduction

Forehead Lift / Brow Lift

Breast Lift & Breast Reduction (Mastopexy & Reduction Mammoplasty)

Breast lift and breast reduction are designed to elevate and reshape or reduce the size of the breasts. The size of the areola (the dark skin around the nipples) can also be reduced by this surgery. The goals of breast reduction and breast lift surgery are different. Breast reduction reduces the size and makes the breasts more symmetrical. Breast lift surgery is performed on those individuals who do not want to reduce the size of their breasts, but to make them firm and lift them to a higher, more desirable position.

Who is a Good Candidate?

Anyone who has any one or combination of the following:

	Breasts are too large in proportion to your body.
	Back pain due to large breasts.
	Grooving of shoulders as a result of pressure from bra straps.
	Sagging of the breasts.
	Skin rash formation under the breasts due to size or sagginess.

Private Consultation:

During your initial consultation you will discuss with your plastic surgeon your past and present medical conditions and current medications used. He needs to know if you have hypertension, thyroid problems or diabetes. He should also know about your past surgeries, allergies to any medications and personal habits, such as smoking and drinking. You should let him know if you are planning to become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight in the future. A physical examination will be performed to measure the amount of tissue to be removed or lifted. Preoperative photographs will be taken. You may be shown before and after photographs. Lab tests, x-rays or EKG may be ordered depending on your general health. A baseline mammogram is recommended in all patients. At the conclusion of the consultation and physical examination the fees will be discussed with you by the doctor and his staff.

Preparing for surgery:

It is advisable to stop smoking two weeks prior to and two weeks following surgery. Do not drink any alcoholic beverage two days prior to and one week following surgery.

Stop all prescribed or nonprescribed diet products two to four weeks before surgery. Any lab work or mammogram should be taken at least 48 hours prior to surgery.

Avoid taking aspirin and aspirin containing products such as Advil and avoid garlic and garlic products two weeks prior to surgery. These products can prolong bleeding and increase bruising. Tylenol may be taken during this period.

For a period of two days before surgery you should wash your entire torso from shoulders to hips, (including neck, chest, under arms, abdomen, and sides) for 15 minutes twice a day with Betadine soap. An additional wash should be done right before the surgery. No skin product should be used two days prior to the surgery. You may use skin care products following these washes, except the last wash before surgery, when no skin care products should be used. If your surgeon has put markings on your breasts the day before surgery, you should be careful not to wash them off.

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery. You may, however, take prescriptive medication with a small amount of water and brush your teeth the morning of surgery. Wear a loose fitting button or zipper type dress or blouse that does not pull over your head. Loose sweats are recommended as you will be in a compression garment after surgery and they may be difficult to get on. Do not wear jewelry or bring valuables.

Please plan to have someone bring you to and take you home from surgery and stay with you the first 24 hours. Notify the office staff of this person's name and telephone number prior to surgery.

Have all prescriptions filled a few days before surgery, so they will be available for you when you arrive home from surgery.

The Procedure:

These operations are usually performed using general anesthesia and occasionally under local anesthesia with conscious sedation as an outpatient. Breast reduction and breast lift have a common method which involve three incisions. One incision is around the areola, another horizontal beneath the breast and one vertical from the areola to the crease below the breast. Excess skin is then removed and the breast is raised to a higher position. Excess tissue will also be removed with the breast reduction procedure. The excess skin is removed and the breast is lifted to a more desirable position.

There are different variations with both these surgeries, such as placement of the incisions. These methods are based on the amount of sagging, excess skin and size of the breasts. In some cases with breast lift it is possible to achieve good results with incision around the areola. In other cases a breast augmentation (inserting breast implants) is performed in conjunction with breast lift.

Postoperative Care:

Rest the evening after surgery. Take pain medication as needed.

You will be sent home with bandages over the breasts with sutures and possibly drains underneath. Your physician will instruct you on how to care for your drains and incisions. The drains will be removed in approximately 1 - 3 days. You may shower the day after the drains are removed. Your sutures will be removed in stages between 5 to 12 days. You will receive appointments for these visits.

You are encouraged to walk around the day after surgery for short periods of time. After a few days you should be able to move around easily without assistance. Avoid straining, bending and reaching over your head for a couple weeks or so.

You may be instructed to wear a sports type bra for a few weeks until the swelling subsides.

You may notice some tingling sensations or electrical shock type feelings in your breasts for a few weeks following surgery- Your nipples may have less sensation for a while following surgery. The incisions may be red and noticeable, but will gradually blend in.

Social activity can be resumed in approximately two weeks or so. You may return to work after two weeks depending on your job. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for up to four weeks. Light exercise can begin in approximately two weeks, which include walking and bicycling. Sexual activity should be avoided for two weeks. Take precautions and be gentle with your breasts for the first several weeks following surgery. You are encouraged to call the office if you have any questions.

Fees:

It is customary that the fees for surgery to be paid two weeks prior to surgery. This assures that the patient is sincere in his or her motivation. The fees include the surgeon's fee, the facility charge, which is private and fully accredited with high tech equipment, and anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist, if general anesthesia is used. Also included in this fee are any laboratory tests performed in the office, and use of special equipment. On occasions insurance plans cover cosmetic surgery. Please feel free to ask the office staff if you have any questions in that regard.

We understand this is a very important decision in your life and you would like to do this for yourself. In your private consultation with Dr. Zandi, who is a Board Certified plastic surgeon, you may discuss your needs in detail and also obtain additional information.