Breast Procedures in Nashville

• All breast surgeries are associated with scars that take time to fade, typically one year.
• Breast augmentation has the smallest, most hidden scar. The implant can be placed through a small incision under the breast or through the lower part of the areola.

There are 3 types of breast lifts (mastopexy).

• A Periareolar Lift – The incision is around the areola only. This is a good lift for those needing only a moderate lift, and who plan to have the addition of an implant.
• The Lollipop Lift. Also known as the Vertical or Short Scar Lift. The incision goes around the areola, and then straight down to the lower crease of the breast. This technique is good for most patients.
• The Anchor Lift. Also known as the Wise Pattern Lift, or Inverted T Lift. This is the most reliable and most stable lift, and it’s often used for breasts that need the most reduction, or the most lift. The incision goes around the areola, then straight down the front of the lower breast (like the Lollipop Lift), and then in the crease under the breast.
• Nipple sensation may be altered with these surgeries. However, it is least likely to change with a breast augmentation.
• The ability to breastfeed may be affected by a breast lift, but mostly by a breast reduction.
• Breast implants are not forever, and they will need to be replaced at some point, if used. Implant options are between saline (salt water) and silicone implants (silicone gel). Silicone gel is the most popular, and it offers the most natural feeling. They come in different shapes and sizes, and the surgeon will recommend options based on the best fit to a patient’s body type and the desired outcome.
• A breast lift is often combined with a breast implant placement. But, it also may be combined with fat grafting to the breast.
• Fat grafting to the breast, from the patient’s own fat, can be used to enhance both the shape and size of the breast. It may be used as both breast augmentation, and in a breast lift. The results in breast augmentation are more moderate than what can be achieved with breast implants. However, it is possible to have multiple procedures of fat grafting to gain further fullness of the breasts.

• Breast Augmentation:
  • Patients who want to increase breast size.
  • Patients who want to improve breast shape.
  • Patients who want to restore breast volume that was lost due to weight loss, breastfeeding, and pregnancy.
  • Patients who want to correct breast asymmetry.
• Breast Reduction:
  • Patients who have neck and shoulder pain due to large breast size.
  • Patients who wish to improve posture by reducing the weight of breasts.
  • Patients who want to improve the ability to be physically active and partake in sports.
  • Patients who want to alleviate skin irritation and rashes under breast folds.
  • Patients who want to improve their ability to fit into clothing proportional to the rest of their body.
  • Patients who want to correct asymmetry (breast reduction can address very significant asymmetry).
  • Patients who want to reduce breast sagging due to heavy weight.
  • Patients who want to improve deep shoulder grooving and pain from bra straps supporting heavy breasts.
• Breast Lift:
  • Patients with significant breast drooping due to age, weight loss, pregnancy, but who are happy with the volume of their breasts.
  • Patients whose nipples point downward and need to be repositioned to a more natural position.
• Breast Lift & Augmentation:
  • Patients who have sagging and volume loss like above, but wish to have more fullness.
  • Patients who have breast tissue that has become too soft to hold shape with a lift alone.
  • Patients who wish to have improved firmness to their softened breast tissue and need a lift.

In the procedures that do not involve the placement of an implant, the pain is moderate and is managed with both oral pain medication and long-acting local anesthetics that are injected at the time of surgery. When an implant is placed under the muscle, there may also be some degree of muscle pain, and the feeling of chest tightness. This also responds well to the medications used for pain management.

• Breast Augmentation:1.5-2 hours
• Breast Lift: 2-3 hours
• Breast Lift & Augmentation: 2-4 hours
• Breast Reduction: 3-4 hours

• Insurance companies often require that a predetermined amount of breast tissue be removed from each side, usually between 500-700 grams. This means that the removal of such a significant amount of breast tissue is required for coverage, even if it results in a poor cosmetic outcome.
• Your plastic surgeon may not be a participating provider with the patient’s insurance company, or any insurance company for that matter.

• Required qualifications: Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Also, look for them to be members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and/or a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
• Look for a surgeon who performs a significant amount of breast surgery, including breast augmentations, breast lifts, and reductions.
• Check out surgeons’ experience, such as the number of years in practice, and the abundance of breast procedures performed.
• Results of their surgeries, through before and after photos, are important and should match your desired outcomes. Other factors may be patient word-of-mouth, recommendations, and patient reviews.
• Evaluate your own comfort level with the surgeon. Do they listen to your concerns, and explain the options well? Do they take the time to answer your questions? You should feel comfortable and confident working with your surgeon.